By Abang Salfian Nawawi

KUCHING: The State Government will intensify its efforts to help the Dayak Bidayuh National Association’s (DBNA) effort to survey and document Native Customary Rights (NCR) lands.

Its President Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik in disclosing this added that the assurance was given by the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud during a meeting held two days ago.

Ik who is also Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism told this to reporters after
the “Bidayuh Community Leaders Seminar” and “Sekolah Bahasa Warisan Bidayuh” organised by DBNA at its headquarters at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here yesterday.

“After being briefed on the progress of our land surveying, the Chief Minister seemed satisfied and positive about it,” Ik said, adding that Pehin Sri Taib had also assured that he would do his part and lauded DBNA for doing the right thing and wanted DBNA to continue with its efforts to help the Bidayuh community.

Ik said to date, 47 villages of the overall total of 338 had their land surveyed or documented and he hoped that the government will verify the survey works DBNA had undertaken.

“We have also requested the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud to allow the relevant government departments and agencies to verify the survey works and to issue title for the land,” he said.

On a related matter, Ik advised Bidayuh community leaders to intensify their effort to settle any land dispute among people in their villages as it would delay the surveying works and documentation processes.

Earlier in his speech, Ik disclosed that three books documenting words from three Bidayuh groups are expected to be officially launched next year.

Also present at the functions were Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Dato Sri Micheal Manyin Jawong who is also Chief Advisor to DBNA and other distinguished guests.

(Source:  Sarawak Tribune, 25 November 2012)