Bidayuh group to hold ‘Pimu’ung Singai’ seminar

KUCHING: A Bidayuh group wants to create greater awareness on native customary right ( NCR) land among members of the community by holding a seminar on Feb 18.

The seminar will enhance the feeling of ownership towards their ‘Pimu’ung Singai’ a native customary right (NCR) over land similar to Pemakai Menoa (territorial domain) and Pulau Galau (communal forest reserve) of the Ibans.

Koperasi Singai, in collaboration with Society for Rights of Indigenous People of Sarawak (Pertubuhan Hak Asasi Orang Asal Sarawak), will hold the seminar on Singai NCR land at the Redeems Centre in Bau.

According to a statement from the organisers yesterday, the seminar would be held from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Feb 18.

“This seminar is open to the Bidayuh Singai community. However, invitation is also offered to others outside the community for a minimal fee of RM30 each,” the statement said.

Event organising chairman Paul Shanon Kembell Barin, and event secretary Gines Ruwia, both from Singai, are ready to answer any queries posed during the seminar.

They encouraged people of the Singai group, where ever they are, to take part in the seminar.

Gines likened Pimu’ung to Pemakai Menoa, which could also mean territorial domain, ancestral domain and communal NCR of the Bidayuh community.

Pimu’ung encompasses the Obut which is similar to the Pulau Galau of the Ibans.

“Pulau Galau is the equivalent of Obut which is part of the virgin forest at our disposal based on customary practices,” he said.

Paul can be contacted at 019- 4397799, while Gines at 013- 8315363.