THE EVOLUTION OF PROPERTY RIGHTS AMONG THE BIDAYUH COMMUNITIES IN BAU, SARAWAK
Abstract
This paper examines the evolution of property rights in regard to resource use and tenure systems. Itspecifically highlights the rapid change from the communal property system to private or state propertyrights in Bau, Sarawak. In this paper I have explained the Bidayuh traditional resource use and tenuresystems based on local customs and histories, and how these have been effective to ensure sustainableuse of natural resources. However, the findings also show that even if the communal resource use andtenure systems based on the adat is effective in managing the communities’ natural resources, there isan inclination for these communities to gradually change to the state tenure system in order to securetheir access to natural resources and their land rights.
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