KUCHING: The review of four major Adat (native customs) of Sarawak’s indigenous communities involving the Iban, Bidayuh, Kenyah and Kayan customs has now entered its final stage after the related drafts were successfully endorsed and are ready to be submitted to the Sarawak Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAGC) for further review.
Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai said the review forms part of efforts to modernise native customs by focusing on reinterpreting, improving and drafting new provisions to ensure the customs remain relevant to current social changes and community needs.
“The Adat Iban draft was endorsed by all Temenggong of the Iban community on 27 February 2026 in Sibu, while the Adat Bidayuh draft was endorsed by Bidayuh community leaders on 30 April 2026 in Serian.
“As for the Adat Kenyah and Adat Kayan, both were also endorsed by their respective community leaders on 15 and 16 April in Miri,” he said during his ministerial winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday.
He added that all drafts subsequently received endorsement from council members during the Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) council meeting on 6 May and are now ready to be submitted to the SAGC for the next stage of review.
The development reflects the state government’s continued commitment through MAIS in ensuring that native customs continue to be preserved, strengthened and adapted to present-day needs.
In a related development, MAIS is also preparing explanatory notes for the revised Adat to improve understanding among practitioners, researchers and the public regarding the contents of the native customs. -UKASnews
Prepared by: Gabriel Rommy
Photo: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Uilson Ng
