Sarawak Council Brings Bidayuh Customary Law to Diaspora

What happened

MAIS has launched an outreach programme aimed at Bidayuh communities living in Peninsular Malaysia. The council said the effort centres on the "Adat Bidayuh 1994" empowerment initiative.

MAIS head Datu Dr Neilson Ilan announced the programme, according to a report published on Sept 13.

Who is involved

MAIS is the Council for Native Customs and Traditions Sarawak, based in Kuching. Datu Dr Neilson Ilan leads the council as its head.

The Bidayuh diaspora in Peninsular Malaysia are the intended participants of the outreach.

The law in focus

The programme focuses on Bidayuh Customary Law 1994, known as "Adat Bidayuh 1994". MAIS said the empowerment effort forms part of the council's wider work. The council aims to raise understanding of how the customary law applies.

Why it matters

Many Bidayuh people now live outside Sarawak, away from the communities where adat is usually practised. Customary law governs matters such as inheritance, marriage and land within native communities.

Greater awareness among the diaspora helps keep those customary rules understood and applied.

Impact on Sarawak

MAIS operates under the Sarawak state framework for native customs and traditions. The outreach extends the council's reach beyond Sarawak's borders to Peninsular Malaysia.

Stronger ties with the diaspora support the continued relevance of Sarawak native customary law.

What comes next

MAIS said the "Adat Bidayuh 1994" empowerment is part of its ongoing efforts. The council is strengthening ties with the Bidayuh diaspora through this programme.

The outreach is aimed at enhancing their understanding of Bidayuh Customary Law 1994.