MAIS brings Bidayuh customs to diaspora

KUCHING: The Sarawak Native Customs Council (MAIS) is bringing the Bidayuh Adat 1994 closer to the Bidayuh communities outside Sarawak through its outreach programmes.

Its chief Datuk Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat said the initiative would strengthen their understanding of native customs and keep them informed of ongoing codification and review efforts.

“These outreach programmes will help ensure that native customs continue to be practised and remain relevant in modern society,” he said when speaking at the Bidayuh Adat 1994 Empowerment Programme with the Bidayuh Community in Peninsular Malaysia at Hotel Melia on Saturday (Sept 12).

According to a statement, the programme was jointly organised by MAIS and the Dayak Bidayuh National Association Klang Valley branch, which attracted 50 participants.

Neilson said the growing Bidayuh diaspora in Peninsular Malaysia continued to maintain ties with their roots, identity and cultural heritage despite living far from Sarawak.

“The views, experiences and feedback gathered will help us understand how Bidayuh customs are practised by communities living outside Sarawak,” he said.