Iban customs preservation could begin in classroom through new UNIMAS programme

Uggah (third left) receives a symbolic terabai from Dr Neilson (second right) during the 2026 Iban Customs Symposium in Sibu on Oct 8, 2026. Photo: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

SIBU, Oct 8: The preservation of Iban customs could begin in the classroom, with the Sarawak Council of Customs and Traditions (MAIS) urged to engage with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to incorporate elements of customary knowledge into its upcoming Bachelor of Education in Iban Language programme.

In a report by TVS, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the move was vital to preserve and document Iban customs while ensuring their knowledge, values and principles were carried forward to future generations.

“UNIMAS has agreed to offer the programme under its Faculty of Language and Communication, while Iban Language lecturers are currently working to develop an appropriate curriculum,” he said in his speech when officiating the 2026 Iban Customs Symposium here today.

Uggah said elements of Iban customs should be incorporated into the curriculum to expose students to the customs and heritage of the Iban community.

“The proposal is in line with the role of MAIS in preserving, protecting and elevating the customs and heritage of Sarawak’s indigenous communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said efforts to review the 1993 Iban Customs had been actively carried out through engagement sessions with Tuai Rumah, Penghulu, Pemancha, Temenggong, District Offices and Resident’s Offices throughout Sarawak since 2021.

Uggah said all stakeholders must be involved to ensure proposed amendments to Iban customs were comprehensive.

He also emphasised the importance of systematic documentation, research and the collection of oral knowledge by leveraging technology so that customary heritage could remain accessible to younger generations.

Uggah also welcomed Datu Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat’s appointment as MAIS chief, saying his extensive experience in public service, academia, culture and unity would be an asset to the council.

The 2026 Iban Customs Symposium was organised for the first time by MAIS in collaboration with 12 Resident’s Offices and 40 District Offices throughout Sarawak, involving about 500 participants comprising Iban community leaders, state government agencies and non-governmental organisations.

Themed “Iban Customs from a Socio-Legal Perspective”, the symposium also featured three presentation sessions and a forum titled “Iban Customs: The Way Forward”. — DayakDaily