Kerungkapan Custom Honoured in Kundasang as a Symbol of Community Harmony and Inclusivity

Dr Joachim signed the Memorial Stone commemorating the Memorandum of Understanding and Mutual Respect between the Residents of Kampung Tarawas and the Rungkap Participants.

16 July 2025

RANAU : The traditional Dusun practice of Adat Kerungkapan was given prominence during a two-day community event in the Kundasang constituency, where Deputy Chief Minister II and State Assemblyman for Kundasang, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, officiated the Hari Pelaksanaan Adat Kerungkapan (Kerungkapan Custom Implementation Day) in Kampung Tarawas on Sunday.

The event, held in conjunction with the Harvest Festival and the “Leaders with the People” Programme, also involved Kampung Tinaum and Kampung Mangkapoh.

The highlight of the occasion was the recognition and reaffirmation of the kerungkapan custom , a longstanding cultural practice of the Dusun community that allows non-locals, referred to as orang rungkap, to live and cultivate land within the village under clearly defined customary rules and communal agreements.

During a briefing, District Chief (OKK) Dominic Ghanie explained that the term rungkap originates from the Dusun language and refers to ‘outsiders who are not originally from the village’. Under Adat Kerungkapan, these individuals are granted permission to utilise village land for agricultural purposes, provided they adhere to village regulations and respect local customs.

Dr Joachim commended the continuation of this inclusive tradition, noting that it reflects the community’s openness and willingness to live harmoniously with newcomers.

He extended his congratulations to the participating rungkap members led by Aliyu Zinin, and praised their positive contribution to local development.

“This is a fine example of how traditional values can be preserved while also promoting unity and cooperation among diverse groups,” said Dr Joachim, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Housing.

He further announced the construction of a mini community hall in Kampung Tarawas and the upcoming repair of village roads, both initiatives aimed at improving local infrastructure and communal spaces.

The programme also included the official opening of a mini hall in Kampung Mangkapoh and a celebration of the Harvest Festival, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage in rural community life.

A separate session in Kampung Tinaum featured a briefing on the PANTAS Programme delivered by Dr Joachim’s Special Secretary, Japili Sami.

Among those present were Dr Joachim’s Political Secretary Yubidi Gompoyo; District Chief OKK Muhasip Haji Roman; Community Development Leader Dounis Sani; Native Chiefs and their representatives; Village Heads; and Chairpersons of the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), along with staff from UPPM DUN Kundasang.

The celebration of Adat Kerungkapan stands as a testament to the enduring strength of traditional customs in fostering inclusion, understanding, and solidarity within Sabah’s rural communities.