Sabah

Sabah is a state of Malaysia located on the northern part of the island of Borneo. It is part of East Malaysia, alongside Sarawak, and its capital is Kota Kinabalu.

Geographically, Sabah features a long coastline facing the Sulu Sea and the South China Sea, with a rugged interior that includes Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia. Kinabalu National Park, which surrounds the mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a center of biodiversity, attracting researchers and ecotourists.

Historically, the area was known as North Borneo and was administered as a British protectorate. It joined the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963.

Sabah is culturally and ethnically diverse. Indigenous groups such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut form a large part of the population, alongside Chinese and Malay communities. Malay is the official language, with many other languages spoken and a range of religious practices, including Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and traditional beliefs.

The economy combines natural resources and tourism. Key industries include palm oil, timber, and oil and gas, with growing emphasis on ecotourism and nature-based attractions. Major destinations include Kinabalu National Park, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Danum Valley, and island areas such as Sipadan and Mantanani.

Administratively, Sabah has a constitutional framework within Malaysia. It has a Governor (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) as head of state and a Chief Minister as head of government, with a state legislature handling local affairs.