Author/Authors :
Zaimah, R. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, Pusat Pengajian Sosial, Pembangunan dan Persekitaran, Malaysia , Azima, A.M. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, Pusat Pengajian Sosial, Pembangunan dan Persekitaran, Malaysia , Sarmila, M.S. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, Pusat Pengajian Sosial, Pembangunan dan Persekitaran, Malaysia , Novel, L. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, Pusat Pengajian Sosial, Pembangunan dan Persekitaran, Malaysia , Sivapalan, S. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, Pusat Pengajian Sosial, Pembangunan dan Persekitaran, Malaysia
Abstract :
Customary land forms an important and valuable asset to many a traditional community and as such crucial in the affairs of a country’s resource governance . This study sought to comprehend the real value of customary land from the perspective of Bidayuh community and its economic and social ramifications. Primary data were gathered from a field survey of 80 Bidayuh land owners in the District of Serian, Sarawak. The findings revealed a three tiered value of the Bidayuh customary land: land as the repository of ethnic cultural identity, land as heritage sustaining, and land as an economic resource. Thus the customary land forged direct links with the economic and socio-cultural aspects of the Bidayuh community.
Keywords :
Bidayuh community , cultural identity , customary land , economic resources , heritage sustainability , value of land
