Kota Kinabalu: Dusun Kiau of Kampung Kiau Nuluh, Sabah received international recognition for its leadership and accomplishment in reviving its indigenous customary institutions.
The community was awarded ‘Centre of Excellence in Village Governance’ by the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), here.
Another recipient is Hin Lad Nai village, Thailand.
The award was presented by Kapayan Aassemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang.
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“On behalf of the Kg Kiau community, I am deeply grateful for this award, which will encourage the people of Kg Kiau to continue preserving our territory and identity and make the village a place of learning for indigenous communities from within and outside the country,” he said at the awards ceremony co-organised by Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah (Pacos) Trust and AIPP.
Kg Kiau Nuluh is a village located at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu in Kota Belud district, about two hours drive from the capital city.
The name “Kiau” is derived from two situations, namely “Koiyau,” which means to feel full, and the sound of the Barau or “Kologiau” bird, which resembles a repeated utterance, “kiau-kiau.”
“Our village possesses its own uniqueness in terms of culture, customs, and geographical features that define Kiau Nuluh’s identity.
Additionally, our village boasts a community forest area known as the Community Conservation Forest, which is managed and governed by the community themselves.
“This forest is of great importance to us, not only due to the flora and fauna it houses but also because it preserves traditional practices such as the Puru, Mamatang, and Mamasun languages, which are still practised in the area,” he said.
In terms of economic resources, Sintiah said, apart from farming and employment in the public and private sectors, Kg Kiau also has its own products such as coffee processing centres, pineapple cultivation, and eco-tourism, which serve as sources of income for the community.
“To preserve our cultural heritage and identity, the role of our elders is of utmost importance.
They not only practise these traditions but also impart their knowledge to the community at large, especially the younger generations.
“Women play a crucial role in our society, not only in socio-economic matters and household management but also in decision-making and participation in organisations.
“As for the youth, they are the heirs to our indigenous identity. It cannot be denied that the youth possess diverse knowledge through which they can help the community with ideas for development and the documentation of existing traditional knowledge.
The involvement and cooperation of all groups are crucial in shaping a harmonious community,” he added.
Founder and Executive Director of Pacos Trust Anne Lasimbang said such recognition could inspire other communities not only in Sabah but also in Asia.
“For Sabah, for now, we only have Kampung Kiau Nuluh and we hope many more villages to become a centre of excellence or the centre of learning on village governance, indigenous knowledge, or other good indigenous people practices that we can share, show, and contribute towards nation-building in Malaysia and also towards addressing global issues that we are having at the moment such as health and economy,” she said.
Anne added that it’s very important to revive such knowledge and practices because they are still relevant today.
“Thank you, AIPP, for the recognition.... by recognising them we felt that we have a lot to contribute to making this world a better place,” she said while urging other indigenous communities to come forward and share their expertise.
Also present was AIPP Secretary-General Gam A. Shimray.
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