Solution in the offing for ‘pimuung’ land issue, Nogeh assures Singai Bidayuhs
BAU: Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Datuk Anthony Nogeh Gumbek believes that a solution can be found soon for the issue of the ‘pimuung’ land being claimed by the Singai Bidayuhs here.
He also extends his offer to assist should the party concerned needs him to be part of the ongoing negotiations.
“I’m told that the state government has agreed to resolve the ‘ pimuung’ land (issue) in Singai. Let the local YB ( Tasik Biru assemblyman) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep discuss it with the state government.
“If need be, I’m more than happy to give a hand. I’m sure we will be able to solve the issue,” he spoke at the annual dinner cum pre- Christmas gathering hosted by Dayak Bidayuh National Association ( DBNA) Serapi branch at Singai Sports and Recreation Club hall in Kampung Sudoh near here on Saturday.
Nogeh, who is Mas Gading MP, also pointed out that as far as the surveying of native customary rights ( NCR) land is concerned, the Bidayuh community should have the least problems because the state government has already acknowledged the good work done by DBNA in its land documentation initiative.
“DBNA has been recognised by the government as one of the most reliable non- governmental organisations ( NGOs),” he said, adding that DBNA also plays a big role as a platform to unify the Bidayuhs, irrespective of their dialect groups.
He also singled out DBNA Serapi as being very active in organising activities in the area. In this respect, he pledged a grant of RM10,000 for the branch as he expressed his support to the plan for a building for DBNA Serapi next year.
Nevertheless, he expressed his hope that the next ‘ Pesta Birumuh’, organised by DBNA, would be held in this district.
“Serian has been the host of Pesta Birumuh since its inception. I wish to see the hosting of this festival be done alternately with other areas – hopefully the next one would be in Bau. This is so that we all could share the fun and joy of this event,” he said.
Meanwhile, DBNA deputy president Charlie Ungang also praised the Serapi branch, which is centred in the Singai area, for being the first to complete DBNA’s land documentation initiative.
He hoped that with the initiative now being recognised by the government, all NCR land documented by DBNA would be issued with titles soon as this has always been the dream of the community.
He also told the guests at the dinner that the pilot project to teach Bidayuh language as a subject under the national curriculum would commence next year at six selected schools.
On the proposed building for DBNA Serapi, the branch chairman Kawi Nyomui said it would serve as a proper venue for local DBNA members to conduct their activities.
He said it was Henry, who is also DBNA Serapi advisor, who suggested that the branch should have its own premises.
The Saturday night event also held the ‘ Best Bi- Singai Traditional Costume’ competition featuring 10 women — among whom 24-year- old Joyce Nyupeh emerged the winner.