BAU: A total of 43 individuals, aged between eight and 86, have been officially recognized as native Sarawakians, further adding to the list of those granted native status in the constituency.
Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said that to date, 85 certificates recognising native status have been issued to residents in the area.
Expressing his gratitude, he thanked the government for its continued efforts in resolving native status recognition issues, particularly in regions under his jurisdiction.
“As of now, 160 individuals have applied, and 85 have been approved.
“Most of them are of Bidayuh descent, even though some bear Chinese, Indian, or other names. They speak the Bidayuh language and live within the Bidayuh community. This is the unique diversity we have here in Sarawak.
“With their certificates, they are now officially recognised as natives, which grants them rights to Native Customary Rights (NCR) land and access to other Bumiputera benefits,” he said.
He said this when officiating the presentation of the Certificates of Recognition as Sarawak Natives at the Bau District Office, today (Sept 13).
Henry, who serves as the Tasik Biru assemblyman, urged those who have yet to apply for native status to do so promptly, saying that under the Bau District Office, the process takes only one to two months, provided the necessary documents are in order.
He noted that more people are starting to realise the importance and benefits of being recognised as native Sarawakians.
As such, he stressed that the Sarawak government does not reject any application, as long as all required documents are complete.
“If you don’t apply, your children may not be fully recognised as Sarawakians. If one parent is a native, the children need to apply.
“I once met a couple where the husband is from Penang, and the wife is from Kuching. Recently, all their children came to apply for Sarawak native status.
“People are starting to see the advantages of being recognised as Sarawakians, such as access to the Kenyalang Gold Card for medical benefits. Soon, Sarawakian children will also be eligible for free education at all state-owned universities,” he added.
In July, 41 individuals also received their native certificates through the Bau District Office.
