Understanding of the meaning of native customary land (NCL) boundaries and ownership by the Bidayuh community in Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

The issue of ownership needs for NCR land (Native Customary Rights Land) is a common matter that often becomes a dispute between communities and development agencies. The understanding of native communities and development agencies on the meaning of customary land boundaries are slightly different among each other. This issue arises because there is a need among the communities to defend their rights to ancestral or customary land. For a long time, customary communities consider the land as a symbol of the identity of their existence. Therefore, the focus of this study is to examine the meaning of customary land and land ownership among the Bidayuh community in the District of Serian, Sarawak from their own world-view. This needs to be given due attention in order to create an understanding towards the needs of land ownership and meaning of customary land boundaries in the context of the local community. Accordingly, a preliminary survey with the Bidayuh involved was carried out in Serian District. Collection of information via in-depth interviews with the NCR landowners in Serian district has generated some meaning to the needs of land boundaries and land ownership among them. Among these are those linked to the economic needs of subsistence, solidarity and the need for survival.