BINTULU, Nov 14 2026: Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai has stressed that there is a need to improve the understanding of the status of customary laws within the civil legal system, as well as their connection to the administration of customary land under the Sarawak Land Code.
He said the 1993 Iban Customary Laws (Adat Iban) and the 1994 Kayan-Kenyah Customary Laws (Adet Kayan-Kenyah) requires attention to ensure that the customary heritage of Sarawak’s native communities remains preserved and relevant amidst evolving lifestyles and contemporary technological advancements.
Speaking at the closing of the Sarawak Council of Native Customs and Traditions (MAIS) engagement programme for the Central Zone (Sibu and Kapit), he said the initiative is crucial to ensure that these customs continue to be understood and practiced within an environment increasingly influenced by digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
He emphasised that the task of preserving, developing, and disseminating customary laws does not rest solely with MAIS; rather, it requires ongoing collaboration from community leaders, government departments and agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
He noted that community leaders play a vital role in imparting knowledge about customary practices, guiding the community, and helping to identify issues related to these customs at the grassroots level.
He encouraged community-based organisations, such as Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA), Sarawak Iban Dayak Association (SIDS),Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), and Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak, Malaysia (FORUM), to join in expanding the dissemination of information and raising public awareness regarding the importance of these customary laws.
The programme, organised by MAIS, brought together 145 participants—including community leaders from the Sibu and Kapit divisions, representatives from government agencies, and NGOs—to enhance their understanding of the functions and roles of MAIS, as well as the significance of "adat" (customary law/traditions) in contemporary society.
The programme included presentations on the status of "adat" within Sarawak’s legal system and the administration of customary land—based on the 2018 amendments to the State Land Code, along with updates on the ongoing reviews of the 1993 Iban *Adat* and 1994 Kayan-Kenyah *Adet*, and an introduction to the 2011 Penan "Adet".
MAIS research officers also shared insights into the culture, traditions, and history of Sarawak’s native communities, broadening the participants' understanding of the diverse customary heritage of these ethnic groups.
The programme featured a forum titled "Sharing Experiences in Adat Administration as a Member of MAIS" which brought together three members: Temenggong Joseph Ngau Lian, Temenggong Boniface Bada @ Bada Enjah, and Pemanca Umek Jeno.
In addition to the knowledge-sharing sessions, a mini-exhibition showcased the heritage of four major native ethnic groups in Sarawak—the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Melanau—highlighting their respective lifestyles, traditional attire, handicrafts, and cultural legacies.
Also in attendance were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law and Native Customs), Jefferson Jamit Unyat; Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Felicia Tan Ya Hua; and head of MAIS Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat.
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