Sabahans

Sabahans are the residents of Sabah, a Malaysian state located on the northern part of the island of Borneo. The term refers to a diverse population that shares political citizenship in Malaysia while maintaining a broad spectrum of ethnic, linguistic, and cultural identities.

Ethnically, Sabah is home to major indigenous groups—Dusun, Bajau, and Murut—along with communities such as the Rungus, and larger populations of Chinese and Malay settlers. The linguistic landscape is similarly varied; Malay is the official language, English is widely used, and many Sabahans speak indigenous languages such as Kadazan, Dusun, Bajau, or Murut at home.

Religiously, Sabahans practice Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and traditional beliefs in varying proportions across communities. The state has diverse cultural life featuring music, dance, crafts, and culinary traditions that reflect its multiethnic makeup.

Sabah's geography includes coastal zones, tropical rainforests, and mountains. The economy is mixed, with petroleum and natural gas, palm oil and agriculture, fishing, and growing tourism. Many Sabahans participate in small-scale farming, fishing communities, and urban service sectors.

Historically, the region was home to various sultanates and chiefdoms before European contact. It became part of the British protectorate of North Borneo in the late 19th century and joined the Malaysian federation in 1963.

Sabah is a constitutional state within Malaysia. Indigenous groups maintain customary rights (adat) recognized to some extent by state law, and the Sabah State Government administers local affairs under the federal system.