A major role for longhouse heads
KUCHING: The ability and wisdom of longhouse heads to manage the people under their care will determine whether a longhouse would progress or be left behind, said Native Laws and Customs Assistant Minister Datuk John Sikie Tayai. He said that the role of the longhouse head is crucial in leading large groups of families in […]
RM900k rebuilding loan approved for longhouse
SIBU: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government has approved a rebuilding loan amounting to RM900,000 for 30 family units of Rumah Entering Usah longhouse here. Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan Branch said it had a role in this success. Senator Robert Lau visited the site today (August 22) to perform an earth-breaking […]
121 longhouse fires recorded in five years
KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has recorded a total of 121 fire cases involving longhouses throughout Sarawak, from 2015 to 2020. Sarawak Bomba director Khirudin Drahman revealed on Friday (Aug 21) that Sibu recorded the most, with 39 cases, including the recent one in Julau, leaving 142 homeless. Up next was Sri Aman […]
Rep officiates at longhouse gathering
KAPIT: Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang officiated at a gathering at Rumah Johnny Nyengat, Nanga Aun, Sungai Sut in Baleh recently. The function was organised by the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) of the longhouse in collaboration with Pusat Khidmat Rakyat GPS-PRS N61 Pelagus here. At the event Nyabong declared open the newly completed […]
A unifying force for ages
Nothing can rival the longhouse as a unifying factor for Iban community since time immemorial. Apart from that, the community dwelling is the institution that decides the customs and traditions pertaining to agriculture pursuits, especially that of shifting cultivation, the traditional means of growing the subsistence crop of rice; related beliefs and practice of animism; […]
Landslide cuts off route to longhouse
KAPIT: Continuous rain had triggered earth movement causing the main route towards Rumah Gangeng Eli, Nanga Sebenda Baleh to be cut off from both directions. Sarawak Civil Defence Force spokesperson Major Ismail Mahedin said the agency received a report of the incident at around 6pm yesterday. “The situation is under control and safe, and representatives […]
Longhouse pledges full support for Jamit
KAPIT: Longhouse chief Tuai Rumah Dollen Notis who chairs the village and development committee (JKKK) of Tatai Mas Rawing at Sungai Amang, Selirik here, speaking on behalf of the longhouse and committee, pledged their full support to the incumbent elected Bukit Goram representative Jefferson Jamit Unyat in the coming state election which is to be […]
Prompt attention for longhouse
KAPIT: A 40-door longhouse Rumah Bundong Tajok at the foot of Bukit Goram along Sungai Kapit which has been endangered by soil erosion got an immediate attention of local people’s representative Jefferson Jamit Unyat. The Bukit Goram rep last Tuesday paid a working visit to the community dwelling especially to inspect the site of severe […]
‘Avoid political speculations that disunite’
PAKAN: Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom hopes the residents of the longhouses, especially the longhouse chiefs (tuai rumah), will not be swayed by any political speculations that could disunite the people as the next state election will be held soon. “The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk […]
Fire destroys 24-door longhouse
BINTULU: A 24-door longhouse at Kampung Banjai, Sungai Segan, Ulu Sebauh has been destroyed by fire. The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) operation centre in a statement said 12 firefighters from Bintulu fire station were despatched to the location following a distress call received at 2.31pm on Thursday. No injuries were reported in the incident, […]
