My Longkang

After the recent local media reports, finally there is some hope in sight for the 120 residents of the formerly Rumah Nyawin.

Pic courtesy of the Borneo Post

Nicholas Mujah, the secretary-general Of Sarawak Dayak Iban Association asked why the longhouse was demolished although a writ of summon pertaining to it was served and filed in the Bintulu High Court on Oct 27, 2006 and no court decision was made.

Mujah came together with other executive members beating 12 bags of rice and some dry food items. They will appeal on behalf of the residents to all the relevant authorities for help. He stressed that the residents had human rights.

They also had rights to the land which they acquired from the Penans a long time ago and have evidence to prove it.

The Sarawak Dayak National Union yesterday made an appeal to the relevant authorities to act fairly and in a compassionate manner for the affected residents. There is also a fear that the same thing would happen to other longhouses as many longhouses do not possess land titles but are inherited from their ancestors ages and ages ago.

Assemblyman Dr Stephen Rundi who visited them gave an assurance the welfare authorities would consider their plight.