KUCHING: The Sarawak Council for Native Customs & Traditions (MAIS) has the potential to step into a new phase in its efforts to uphold the heritage of the indigenous community.

Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai said the establishment of this special centre is a timely strategic step, to ensure that efforts to preserve, develop and promote the customs and culture of the indigenous community of Sarawak can be carried out more systematically, professionally and with high impact.

"I fully support the proposal to establish the MAIS Custom, Culture and Tradition Centre.

"It is time for MAIS to play a more cohesive role in strengthening the preservation of customs and culture which are not only the identity of this state, but also an important asset to the socio-economic development of Sarawak," he said.

He said this when officiating the MAIS Innovation Day 2025 Programme and the Book Launching Ceremony held at Waterfront Hotel, Kuching on Friday.

Dato Sri John Sikie added that this initiative coincides with the aspirations of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 which emphasises the transformation of Sarawak through innovation, social inclusion and sustainable development.

"Therefore, MAIS's involvement in sparking creative and innovative ideas as well as efforts to publish books based on research and writing on the customs, culture and traditions of the native community in Sarawak is very appropriate and in line with the role and function of MAIS in preserving and promoting the customs, culture and traditions of the native community in Sarawak, especially among the younger generation," he added.

The proposal to establish the centre comes in line with the publication of five books related to customs and culture which were launched on Friday.

This, among others, touches on the Bidayuh and Melanau cultures – proving MAIS’s commitment to documenting the state’s heritage.

With the support of the state government and the growing capabilities of MAIS, the establishment of this centre is believed to be a catalyst for the survival of Sarawak’s heritage in an increasingly challenging modern world. -UKASnews