KUCHING: An appeal has been made for higher annual federal allocations in the coming years to support continued surveying of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, aimed at enabling rural landowners to unlock the economic value of their land assets and improve socio-economic wellbeing.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said the initiative, which began in 2010, has been instrumental in accelerating NCR land surveying efforts under both federal and state collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the Dayak community during his welcoming address at the state-level Gawai Dayak dinner held here on Sunday (Jun 21), he expressed appreciation to both the Sarawak and federal governments for their continued support.
“I would like to place on record our sincere gratitude to the Sarawak government and the federal government for the annual grant provided to survey NCR land under this initiative, which started in 2010.
“I sincerely appeal to the Prime Minister to continue this gesture and perhaps consider increasing the annual allocation in the years ahead to assist Sarawak in surveying more NCR land under the state initiative,” he said.
Penguang said the expanded funding would help the government expedite land surveys, allowing Dayak landowners to better monetise their land bank and ultimately enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of rural communities.
He added that the successful implementation of NCR surveying efforts would also contribute to greater rural development and more equitable economic participation among landowners in the state.
Penguang, who is also chairman of the Gawai Dayak 2026 State-Level Organising Committee, said the celebration this year featured a series of key events held since May, reflecting the cultural vibrancy and unity of the Dayak community.
He highlighted the Gawai Dayak Bazaar and Ethnocultural Festival in Miri, held from May 1 to 24, which attracted nearly 110,000 visitors and generated close to RM2.5 million in sales, showcasing strong public engagement and cultural pride.
He also pointed to the successful Niti Daun procession held at Kuching Waterfront on Jun 20, which involved 99 contingents and 15 decorated vehicles with about 3,000 participants from across Sarawak and Sabah, drawing thousands of spectators.
He said the Gawai Dayak dinner, themed “Segulai Sejalai” and presented under the concept “Ruai to The World”, marked the culmination of this year’s celebrations.
Explaining the significance of “ruai”, he said it remains central to the Iban community as a space for discussion and decision-making, a venue for celebrations such as Gawai, and a place to pay final respects to the deceased.
He also acknowledged the strong collaboration between government agencies and Dayak NGOs in ensuring the success of the celebrations, describing it as a reflection of effective partnership in cultural preservation and community development.
Penguang further expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture for the contributions towards the celebration.
Also present were Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
