Penguang Urges Federal Government to Increase Funding to Accelerate Measurement of Native Customary Rights Land

(Kuching, 22nd) Sarawak Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Dato Penguang Manggil, has called on the federal government to increase the annual allocation in the coming years to continuously advance the measurement work of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, so that landowners in rural areas can unlock the value of their land assets and improve their socio-economic situation.

He said that this plan, which was launched in 2010 with cooperation between the federal and Sarawak governments, has already effectively accelerated the measurement work of NCR land.

Penguang, who delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of the Dayak community at the Sarawak State-level Gawai Dayak Festival Dinner 2026 held in Kuching on Sunday night, expressed his gratitude for the long-term support from both the Sarawak and federal governments.

"I would like to record our most sincere appreciation for the Sarawak and federal governments, who since 2010, have provided annual allocations through this program to promote the measurement of NCR land.

"I also earnestly urge the Prime Minister to continue this people-benefiting initiative, and to consider increasing the annual allocation in the coming years to assist Sarawak in measuring more NCR land as planned by the state government."

He said that increasing the allocation will help the government speed up the progress of the measurement work, allowing Dayak landowners to more effectively develop and utilize land resources, thereby improving the socio-economic welfare of rural people.

He added that the successful implementation of the NCR land measurement program will also promote rural development and allow landowners in the state to participate more fairly in economic activities.

Penguang is also the chairman of the 2026 State-level Gawai Dayak Festival Organizing Committee. He stated that a series of activities have been held since May for this year's celebration, fully showcasing the rich cultural traits and unity of the Dayak community.

He pointed out that the Gawai Dayak Festival Bazaar and Ethnic Cultural Festival held from May 1 to 24 in Miri attracted nearly 110,000 visits with sales amounting to nearly RM2.5 million, reflecting the enthusiastic public participation and recognition of traditional culture.

In addition, he also mentioned that the "Niti Daun" cultural parade held on June 20 at the Kuching Waterfront Park was a complete success, with 99 teams and 15 floats participating. About 3,000 participants from Sarawak and Sabah appeared in festive attire, attracting thousands of spectators.

He said that with the theme "Segulai Sejalai" (Walking Together) and the concept of "Ruai to The World", the Gawai Dayak Festival Dinner marked the perfect conclusion to this year's celebration activities.

Speaking about the meaning of "Ruai", he stated that in Iban society, Ruai (the longhouse communal corridor) remains an important public space, not only serving as a place for discussions and decision-making but also as a key venue for celebrating the Gawai harvest festival and mourning the deceased.

He also praised the close cooperation between government agencies and Dayak NGOs, believing that this demonstrates a good partnership in terms of cultural heritage and community development.

Penguang also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari, as well as to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for their support and contributions to this year’s celebration.

Attendees included State Head of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi and his wife, among others.