17-year-old ‘sapat’ removed, uniting longhouse residents in Kanowit

KANOWIT (Oct 15): The ‘sapat’ (wall) that separated the residents of Rumah Uding Bungai/Rumah Nyumping Kudul for 17 years was finally dismantled on Sunday.

A ceremony to remove the wall was held at the longhouse in Nanga Ngungun here, witnessed by Kanowit District Council councillor Mutang Karani, Nanga Ngungun Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) chairman Tuai Rumah Pree Minggat, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Ngemah deputy chairman Ramba Resang and former penghulu Charlie Salang.

Uding, when contacted, said the removal of the ‘sapat’ followed a discussion with the 15-door longhouse residents.

“We agreed to the suggestion to remove the wall. The residents also demand that the selection of a new longhouse chief be done through a voting process,” she added.

It is understood that the wall was erected at the ‘ruai’ (common area) in 2007 due to a dispute they had about the selection of a new longhouse chief at that time.

After the wall was erected, Uding led residents of 11 doors on her side and Nyumping had four doors on his side.

Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana lauded the move by the longhouse residents.

He said it was his idea to remove the ‘sapat’ and instructed JKKK Nanga Ngungun led by Pree, to discuss the matter with Uding, Nyumping and the longhouse residents.

“The feedback received was positive. I told Pree and two other longhouse chiefs to convey the matter to the Kanowit District Officer.

“The officer also gave a positive response and asked the matter to be expedited before the longhouse residents changed their mind,” he said.

Anyi also noted that in the Ngemah constituency, there are two other longhouses with ‘sapat’, namely Rumah Bunsu and Rumah Juil at Nanga Jagau.