KUCHING: The Council for Native Customs and Traditions (MAIS) is poised to enter a new phase in its mission to preserve and elevate the heritage of Sarawak’s native communities.
Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai said the proposed establishment of a dedicated centre is a timely and strategic move to ensure that efforts to safeguard, develop, and promote native customs and culture can be carried out in a more systematic, professional, and impactful manner.
“I fully support the proposal to set up the MAIS Adat, Culture and Traditions Centre.
“It is high time for MAIS to take on a stronger role in strengthening the preservation of customs and culture, which are not only the identity of the state but also an important asset for Sarawak’s socio-economic development,” he said when officiating the MAIS Innovation Day 2025 and the launching of five books held at a hotel here yesterday (Aug 8).
Sikie said this initiative is in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises transforming Sarawak’s society through innovation, social inclusion and sustainable development.
“As such, MAIS’s involvement in generating creative ideas, driving innovation, and publishing research-based books on native customs, culture, and traditions is highly appropriate and aligns with its role in preserving and promoting Sarawak’s heritage, particularly among the younger generation,” he added.
The proposal for the centre comes alongside the launch of five books on native customs and culture, including those of the Bidayuh and Melanau communities, reflecting MAIS’s commitment to documenting the state’s heritage.
With the state government’s support and MAIS’s growing capacity, the centre is expected to become a catalyst for safeguarding Sarawak’s heritage in an increasingly challenging modern world.
“I fully support the proposal to set up the MAIS Adat, Culture and Traditions Centre.
“It is high time for MAIS to take on a stronger role in strengthening the preservation of customs and culture, which are not only the identity of the state but also an important asset for Sarawak’s socio-economic development,” he said when officiating the MAIS Innovation Day 2025 and the launching of five books held at a hotel here yesterday (Aug 8).
Sikie said this initiative is in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises transforming Sarawak’s society through innovation, social inclusion and sustainable development.
“As such, MAIS’s involvement in generating creative ideas, driving innovation, and publishing research-based books on native customs, culture, and traditions is highly appropriate and aligns with its role in preserving and promoting Sarawak’s heritage, particularly among the younger generation,” he added.
The proposal for the centre comes alongside the launch of five books on native customs and culture, including those of the Bidayuh and Melanau communities, reflecting MAIS’s commitment to documenting the state’s heritage.
With the state government’s support and MAIS’s growing capacity, the centre is expected to become a catalyst for safeguarding Sarawak’s heritage in an increasingly challenging modern world.