By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 22: Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana has called on the Sarawak government to provide more flexibility in the ownership and inheritance of senapang patah (shotguns), which are regarded as heirlooms among the Dayak community.
He pointed out that under current regulations, shotguns can only be inherited by children of the original owners—either sons or daughters—provided the firearm is re-registered and the inheritor passes security and health screenings.
However, Anyi raised concerns over cases where the primary keeper of the family’s main room—typically the rightful inheritor—does not have children or legitimate heirs.
“Therefore, we appeal for flexibility to be granted so that the ownership and inheritance of shotguns may also be passed down to biological siblings, both male and female, in addition to sons and daughters,” he said when participating in motion of appreciation on the Sarawak Governor (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar opening address in the august House here today.
To prevent future disputes over such heirlooms, Anyi also suggested reinstating the carry and use permit for shotguns. — DayakDaily
