Sarawak and Sabah are home to many different bumiputera (indigenous) communities. This rich variety of peoples, languages and customs gives the two states a special cultural identity.
Many peoples, one homeland
In Sarawak, the largest indigenous group is the Iban, alongside the Bidayuh, the Melanau and the Orang Ulu (which includes the Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit and Penan). In Sabah, the largest group is the Kadazandusun, together with the Bajau and the Murut. Many of these communities traditionally live together in a longhouse (rumah panjang), sharing one long roof as a whole village.
Festivals, dances and crafts
The Dayak of Sarawak celebrate the harvest festival Gawai Dayak on 1 June, while the Kadazandusun of Sabah celebrate Pesta Kaamatan (the harvest festival) in May to give thanks for the rice crop. Each people has its own arts: the Ngajat is a warrior dance of the Iban, the Sumazau is a graceful dance of the Kadazandusun, and the sape is a beautiful stringed instrument of the Orang Ulu. These communities also share skills in weaving, beadwork and wood carving, and pass on their history through songs and spoken stories. Such customs and heritage are a proud part of Malaysia's rich and varied culture.
Key idea
The many bumiputera groups — Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu, Kadazandusun, Bajau, Murut — give Sarawak and Sabah great cultural diversity and a shared heritage.
Remember
- Sarawak — largest group: Iban; festival: Gawai Dayak.
- Sabah — largest group: Kadazandusun; festival: Pesta Kaamatan.
- Dances: Ngajat (Iban), Sumazau (Kadazandusun); instrument: sape.