Ethnicities in Sabah

A very good morning to Miss Fidelia Mathew, and my fellow classmates. Today, I
will be talking on a topic related to the one of Malaysias state in the Island of
Borneo, that is Sabah,the Land Below the Wind. The tittle of my speech today is the
ethnicities in Sabah.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Sabah is one of the state of Malaysia on the Island of Borneo. It is one of the most
physically stunning places on Earth, a land of deep green jungle, craggy mountains
and shockingly blue oceans.. Sabah's population is made up of 33 Bumiputra or the
indigenous groups that communicate in over 50 languages and 80 ethic dialects. The
largest indigenous ethnic group in Sabah is Kadazan-Dusun, followed by Bajau, and
Murut.
First and foremost, the largest ethnic group which comprises about 1/3 of the
populations in Sabah, the Kadazandusun. Kadazan-Dusun is the term assigned to
the unification of two indigenous tribes in Sabah, which are the Kadazan and Dusun.
They are found mainly at the west coast of Sabah. The Kadazandusun traditionally
are mostly farmers cultivating paddy rice and upland rice, as well as hunting and
ravine fishing. It was said that the Kadazan-Dusun people originated from a place
called Nunuk Ragang,a place roughly located at Ranau,Sabah . Nunuk is a type of
a huge tree while ragang means red, hence Nunuk Ragang means a huge red tree.
There are two rivers flowing out to Ranau and Tambunan from the Nunuk Ragang,
the Kadazandusun believes that their older generation travel across the land of
Sabah through the rivers centred at Nunuk Ragang. Pesta Kaamatan or the Harvest
Festival is a unique celebration of Kadazandusun society. It's a celebration to honour
the Rice Spirit - Bambarayon and giving thanks for another bountiful new year. The
festival begins on the first of May at many district levels. Today, the Harvest Festival
has become one of the major national events in our country. To help the young
generation of Kadazandusun to regain their cultural consciousness or for those who
are interested to know more about the cultures of the Kadazandusun should at least
experience the Harvest Festival once in life.
Next, the ethnics who are commonly called as the "sea gypsies, the Bajau. The
Bajau have been a nomadic, seafaring people for most of their history. Although they
are the second largest indigenous people in Sabah, the precise origin of the Bajau is
unknown.From old to young, the Bajau are a colorful, festive and musical people.
They believe they are descended from royalty. This is perhaps partly why they wear
such richly colorful clothes, often made by hand from traditional dastar fabric. The
more highly regarded a woman is, the more brightly and colorfully she will be
dressed. The Regatta Lepa is an annual event that pays homage to the lepa, a
traditional hand-made boat of the Bajau of Semporna. A flotilla of colorful boats dot
the Celebes Sea as they compete for the title of Most Beautiful Lepa. The
celebration continues with various cultural performances, the Lepa Beauty Pageant,
fireworks display as well as the traditional and contemporary sports and games. The

Regatta Lepa is annually celebrated in April ,so one should never miss such a
colourful Bajaus celebration when they come to Sabah.
Last but not least,the ethnic that comprising almost 29 others sub-ethnics groups in
Sabah, the Murut. Murut, literally means the hill people, most of them are inhabiting
the Southwest part in Borneo Island. The Murut were the last of Sabah's ethnic
groups to renounce headhunting. As with the Iban of Sarawak, collecting heads of
enemies traditionally served a very important role in Murut spiritual beliefs. For
example, a man could only get married after he presented at least one head to the
family of the desired girl as a gift. The Murut were shifting cultivators of hill paddy
and tapioca, also supplementing their diet with blowpipe hunting and some fishing
activities. They live in the common longhouses, usually near rivers, and use the
rivers as their method of communicaton. Traditional dress of Murut for men was a
jacket made of tree bark with some head accessories made of feathers, the women
usually will wear black sleeveless blouse and mini skirt,with gold or silver as their
decorations and accessories. Kalimaran Festival or Pesta Kalimaran is an annual
cultural celebration of the Muruts. The word Kalimaran refers to the craftsmanship
activities of the Muruts. The First state level Pesta Kalimaran was on the 4th & 5th of
April 2003. Since then it is celebrated in April every year at Sabah Murut Cultural
Centre located at Kampung Pulong, Tenom. There is another piece of interesting info
about the Murut, Antanom Ontoros is a famous and influential Murut warrior from
Sabah,who was the one who led the uprising against the British Colonist in 19th
century but was killed at the age of 30 by the Company army near Pensiangan.
Murut is a beautiful ethnic to explore,with their amazing history and many unique
hand-made crafts to discover.
Sabah is definitely a state that richly blessed by beautiful nature diversity and
many unique cultures. Not only will you be amazed by the places to see and things
to do here, you will also be treated with unique Sabahan hospitality. Come explore
the unique culture and tradition of Sabah and get ready to experience sweet
memories to last a lifetime!
Thats all from me, your cooperation and attention is very much appreciated.
Thank you!