Bidayuh villages urged to carry out own NCR land survey

KUCHING: The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) is encouraging villagers to have their native customary land (NCR) land documented on their own initiative without having to wait for the government.

Stating that identification of NCR land perimeter would end disputes and having it documented would increase land value, DBNA president Datu Ik Phaon Joyik yesterday said that there was no point for villagers to wait for the government if it could be done personally among the community.

After four years since DBNA started the land documentation initiatives, Ik Pahon, who is also permanent secretary to the Tourism Ministry, stated that only 40 villages of 338 have had their land surveyed and documented.

“Land documentation has been completed in Singai and most part of Bau. It has been 50 years since Merdeka (Malaysia Independence), why don’t we do this ourselves? Why wait for the government?

“Waiting would take time because the state has many priorities. If we want it, we should do it. The government could save 60 per cent on time and 40 per cent on money if villagers take their own initiative in surveying their own land,” he told the press when met at DBNA headquarters at Jalan Kumpang here yesterday.

Earlier he attended the ‘Curtin Sarawak Malaysia (CSM) University-DBNA roadshow’ that was launched by the association advisor and also Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister, Dato Sri Michael Manyin.

Highlighting that the self-initiative is already a proven success to those who had taken the effort, Ik Pahon encouraged all communities throughout the state to start their survey as well.

“It is not easy to convince the people but DBNA, as a community association, will slowly convince the people to take their own initiative. Once the people do their own survey, the government would only have to go in to endorse the pack and coordinates,” he explained on how this would expedite the issuance of land title.

Ik Pahon also mentioned that only after for years since the initiative villagers have started requesting for the association to provide training o surveying their own plots such the use the global positioning system (GPS).

He said only three persons are needed to complete the task where one operates the GPS device, one set up the positioning pack while one records the logs and coordinates.

Once the reading and coordinates have been recorded, the villagers would be taught how to operate the software to determine their land size.

“Apart from strengthening the education level of the people, DBNA’s other main objective to date is to help out with their native customary rights (NCR) land documentation.

“NCR land has little value but if the land has a title, the value increase.”

Ik Pahon also said that until next year, those who have yet to have their land documented could and should come to DBNA for GPS training. From 2013 onwards, villagers would have to appoint private GPS specialist for the training, which would incur extra cost.

(Source: The Borneo Post, 25 Mac 2012)

Silabur Cave Products, Serian

The Persatuan Pengusaha Burung Walit Silabur is developing numerous project to improve the livelihood of the villages involve namely; Kpg Batu Mawang, Batu Lin, Batu Bedang and Pulau Piranuk. The projects are:-
1. Cultural and homestay
2. Souvenir and handicraft
3. Edible birdnest
4. Jungle trekking
5. Rock climbing
6. Caving

Silabur Cave, is a limestone cave near Serian in Sarawak. The cave is known to local people as a nesting place for thousands of swift and bats. The swift build nest using their saliva attaching it high up on the cave ceiling. From time to time the locals harvested those nests , which is processed into high value product and mostly exported to China.

We are the Olympian Dayaks

Pandelela Rinong, An Inspiration For Bidayuh

KUCHING: The Bidayuh community in Sarawak last night honoured Olympic bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong Pamg and fellow Olympian Traisy Vivien Tukiet with monetary contributions from the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) and life membership.

Pandelela, 19, from Kampung Jugan, Bau, near here received RM30,000 while Traisy, 18, from Kampung Seromah, Bau, received RM8,000 at the DBNA Olympian appreciation dinner for the two Bidayuh lasses.

Speaking at the rousing reception, which was steeped in tradition, Pandelela said the journey to become Malaysia's first woman Olympic medallist from the age of nine had been a “very tough” one. “In every game, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but from the defeat you gain something and try not to be satisfied with your victory by improving and learn something new.” she said

She said the support shown by everyone, including her community, would spur her to achieve greater heights in the sport.

She won the bronze medal in the 10-metre platform dive event at the just-concluded 2012 London Summer Olympics.

In congratulating her and Traisy, who secured 22nd place in the same event, State Infrastructure Development and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin said both of them were among the best divers in Malaysia, making them not only the pride of the Bidayuh community but also of the state and the whole nation.

He also commended their parents who had been giving them relentless and total support and encouragement and, on top of all, for their great sacrifices. - Bernama

Serian Wet Market

Serian wet market

Ngiling Tikar

Ngiling Tikar is a closing ceremony on Gawai Festival in Sarawak. Here my village, Kpg Batu Bedang is hosting the occation. It was a fun event. I left early that night to avoid getting drunk. There was plenty of rice wine and was served non-stop.

Safoca Tower

Thanks to Safoca, you make my life easier.

Serian Town

Part of Serian town, a district in Samarahan Division, Sarawak. Seen in this picture, SUPP office where elected member of parliment YB Datuk Richard Riot service his people.