Kuala Lampur:The Sarawak government is in the process of drafting a new Bumiputera Courts Bill aimed at restructuring the administrative framework and jurisdiction of the customary judicial institution. This initiative is expected to bring significant changes to the current system.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that the proposed legislation would allow for the appointment of legally qualified officers to serve as full-time magistrates and judges. This restructuring is anticipated to impact the roles and functions of Community Leaders and Village Heads (KMKK), who presently preside over customary court proceedings at the community level.

The role that KMKK will play within the upgraded Bumiputera Courts system remains uncertain. This issue was highlighted by Uggah during the Iban Customary Law Symposium 2026. He emphasized that the symposium would provide a platform for structured discussions on the matter.

Additionally, the state government is reviewing the Iban Customary Law 1993 through the Sarawak Native Customs Council (MAIS). Engagement sessions have been conducted since 2021, involving community leaders, district offices, and resident offices across the state. Uggah stressed the importance of considering the views of all stakeholders to ensure that customary laws remain relevant to contemporary developments while preserving their original values and principles.

Uggah also encouraged MAIS to collaborate with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to incorporate the study of Iban customary law into its Bachelor of Education (Iban Language) programme. He highlighted the importance of preserving, documenting, and passing on knowledge of customary law to future generations.