Murut

Murut means “Men of the hill,” the 3rd largest indigenous groups in Sabah, they are usually farmers and hunters live in interior area. Murut are people also found in Sarawak and Kalimantan.  Murut comprise of subgroups such as Baukan, Gana', Kalabakan, Okolod, Paluan, Sulangai, Serudung, Tagal, Timugon and the Beaufort and Keningau Murut. Though all Murut sub-ethnics sharesimilar culture, they can look very different from one another.

A woman from one of the Murut's sub-group

They are mostly shifting cultivators and hunters with some riverine fishing. Once feared as fearless headhunters and longhouse dwellers, the Murut these days have abandoned much of their age-old traditions especially headhunting. They are also very skilled in hunting with blowpipe.

One of the tourist taking picture with the Murut warrior

Pesta Kalimaran (Kalimaran Fest) is an annual cultural celebration of the Muruts. It celebrates the richness of culture of the Muruts and presents most of their cultural aspects. The word Kalimaran refers to the craftsmanship activities of the Muruts. It is derived from the Murut's words ralaa and alimar. Ralaa means young lady and alimar means hardworking, strong-minded, diligent and trustworthy. According to the story, there was a young Murut lady called Ralaa. She was a hardworking, strong-minded, diligent and trustworthy young lady. But her brother Yolomor had to sacrifice her for the benefit of their community.

Generally speaking, the Murut in Brunei have participated in the economic prosperity and modernization of Brunei Darussalam over the past few decades. The Murut in Sabah have also had increased opportunities resulting from modernization, although those who live in remote locations have not benefited as much from these changes.The era of conflict and headhunting has become a thing of the past. Now, they are basically focusing on improving their life.

Bajau

The Bajau is also one of the ethnics in Malaysia and they have been a nomadic, seafaring people for most of their history. Many Bajau still practice that same lifestyle to this day, which explains why they are still commonly called "sea gypsies." They chart particularly the waters of the Sulu Sea, off the southwestern coast of the Philippines, and the various seas that surround the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

Many of them are to be found in Malaysia's eastern state, Sabah, on the island of Borneo. Of course the seafaring Bajau make their living from fishing. They have a very unique lifestyle where they live on Lepa and only come ashore for food, water supply and during this LEPA festival.

In Sabah East Coast Bajau community dialect, lepa means "boat". The lepa boat is a cultural legacy inherited by Bajau  people from many generations ago. The existence of lepa is believed to originate from the fishing community who live in Bum Bum Island and used by the Pa'alau people along the coast of Semporna. The high light of LEPA event is to choose the most dazzling Lepa from the beautifully, colorfully adorned boats which are lined up at the waterfront.

On the decks are smiling dancers and musicians dressed in equally colorful traditional attires.

Variety of decorations

Playing music and dancing during the Lepa Festival

From an event observed only by the sea gypsies of Sabah, theRegatta Lepa Semporna is now an official state festival; an important agenda in the national tourism calendar.

Baba & Nyonya

Baba and Nyonya refers to the intermarriage of Chinese people from china with the native people from Peninsula Malaysia. This ethnic is also known as Peranakan. THE word “Peranakan” refers to a group of Chinese immigrants who are more acculturated than their later counterparts. However, not all acculturated Chinese people in Malaysia see themselves as Peranakan Cina or Baba Cina. Geographically, the Peranakans are scattered across what had been the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore, and the north-east states of Kelantan and Terengganu.

The unifying features among these Chinese communities are the adoption of local Malay dialects into their daily language, the wearing of the sarong and kebaya and the incorporation of local herbs and spices in their cuisine. The Peranakans are, therefore, linguistically and culturally different from other Chinese sub-groups in Malaysia and these differences, some would argue, sets them apart as a separate race.

Participants during the festival

Their most popular celebration would be the Baba and Nyonya Festival where women will enter a contest while wearing their traditional clothe which is baju kebaya. They will be competing each other on who is the most beautiful among them. The concept of the festival is the same with Miss Universe.

Melanau

The Melanau were in the 19th Century, settled in scattered communities along the main tributaries of the Rajang River in Central Sarawak. The Melanau are considered among the earliest settlers in Sarawak. The name Melanau was not used by the Melanau to refer to themselves until recently. They call themselves a-likou meaning ‘people of the river’.

Legend has it that the name Melanau was given by one of the Sultans of Brunei to the inhabitants of the coastal swamp flats and riverbanks of central Sarawak. Melanau people make up 5.8% of Sarawak‘s population, mostly living in the central coastal region. Although most Melanaus are now Muslims or Christians, their forefathers’ religion was Liko, which means ‘people of the river’. The religion advocated that life and environment are one and believed in the spritual world.

The Kaul is the most important ceremony for the Melanaus and is held at the end of the Northeast monsoon (and that would be in the 3rd week of April). The Kaul used to be regarded as a religious annual ceremony to appease the spirits of all surrounding the people, the sea, the forest, the land and the farm. Today, it is more a tradition where families return for the year’s reunion.

Tibou

During the festival, traditional games and the giant swing called the ‘Tibou’ is set up for those brave enough to try. Usually the young men would particpate. Visitors to the Melanau Tallhouse at the cultural centre can also try the tibou located in the grounds next to the house. The end of the feast, also marks the end of the Kaul ceremony.

Kadazandusun

This is the largest ethnic category in Sabah and is predominantly wet rice and hill rice cultivators. Their language belongs to the Dusunic family and shares a common animistic belief system with various customs and practices. Their ancient beliefs on the verity that everything has life - the rocks, trees, and rivers are all living things.

Kadazandusun's traditional costumes

Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival is a unique celebration of Kadazandusun society. It's a celebration to honour the Rice Spirit - Bambaazon or Bambarayon and giving thanks for yet another bountiful year. The festival begins on the first of May at many district levels. The rites and customs of the Pesta Kaamatan is a tribal practice of Kadazandusun and also Murut peoples. The Bobohizan or Bobolian who are the High Priests or Priestesses (depending on the district/area undertaking the preservation) will conduct the ritual.

Pesta Kaamatan

It is believed that rice in whatever form embodies Bambaazon that must be protected from harm. The homecoming of Babaazon is an integral part of the Harvest Festival. Ancient folklore tells of the ultimate deed of Kinoingan or Minamagun - The Almighty God or Creator, who sacrificed his only beloved daughter, Huminodun so that his people would have food. The maiden who has the honour of being selected should bear semblance to Huminodun and will represent all that is virtuous in the revered Huminodun.

Bidayuh

The Bidayuh itself mean “the inhabitants of land”. This is one of the minority ethnic in Malaysia that lives in Sarawak. Bidayuh is the second largest Dayak ethnic group after Iban. Under Bidayuh is divided into 3 main linguistic which are called Bukar-Sadong, Singai-Jagoi and Biatah. They communicate with each other using Malay and English to achieve mutual understanding. Some claimed that Bidayuh came from Jawa and Sumatra.

Like the Ibans, Bidayuh are traditionally animist and they also celebrate Gawai Dayak as one of their main festivals. The Gawai Dayak celebration take place centred on the padi planting circle. It’s the time for the family member to get together to talk and strengthen the relationship between family members. 

One the Bidayuh's traditional dance

Although the Bidayuh and Ibans do the same celebration, they have different kind of traditional dances. Instead on one, the Bidayuh have 3 types of dancing which are Boris, Ngikar and Ngrinang. They conduct their dancing as the part of the ritual during the Gawai Dayak celebration.

Iban

The Ibans is one of the indigenous ethnics in Malaysia. The Ibans were traditionally animist, although the majority are now Christian, some of them are Muslim and many continue to observe both Christian and traditional ceremonies, particularly during marriages or festivals. The Ibans are originally from Sarawak.

Significant festivals include the rice harvesting festival Gawai Dayak which is the main festival for the Ibans. The Gawai Dayak festival is celebrated every year on the 1st of June, at the end of the harvest season, to worship the Lord Sempulang Gana. On this day, the Ibans get together to celebrate, often visiting each other. These activities can be treated as their customs or traditions as they do it every time the festival is conducted. 

Gawai Dayak performance

The Iban traditional dance, the ngajat, is performed accompanied by the tabohand gendang, the Ibans’ traditional music. This is main performance for the Ibans where most of their people need to know how to do their traditional dance. The dance differs based on the genders. It includes many precise body-turning movements. Ngajat is a unique dance where it serves many purpose depends on the occasion. During the Gawai Dayak festival, this dance is used to entertain their people.

Chinese

Malaysia consist of full and partial Chinese which is also known as Malaysian Chinese or Chinese Malaysian. Chinese represents the second largest ethnic group in Malaysia after the Malay ethnic. It is said that the Chinese make up about 27% of the Malaysian population. The majority of Chinese people are concentrated in west coast states in Malaysia Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Perak and Selangor. The major religions for Chinese are Taism, Confucianism and Buddhism. 

Chinese family

Like any other ethnics, Chinese people also have various celebrations and festivals each year and most of these celebrations take place in important dates in the Chinese lunar calendar. However, the main important celebration would be the Chine New Year. Chinese New Year is celebrated for sixteen days from the New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival.


Example of Chinese's decorations

Many activities are conducted during this celebration and most of them are traditional customs. Putting up New Year decorations is one of the activities. Some of the Chinese decorate their houses several days earlier. But most people decorate on New Year’s Eve. Red is the theme for the Chinese as a sign for good luck. Giving red envelopes (lucky money) or known as ‘angpau’ to the children is also one of the traditions. The elders will be wishing them health, growth, and good studies in the coming year.


Red theme for good luck

The Chinese will be cleaning the house and shopping for new clothes and decorations to make the celebration livelier. These are the optional activities. One activity that can be treated as compulsory for all the Chinese is the New Year’s Eve Feast where the family gathers and enjoy a reunion dinner. They will be talking and enjoying their meals in order to make their family bonding stronger.

Indian

The 3 main ethnics in Malaysia are Malay, Chinese and Indian. Indian is the smallest out of the 3 main ethnics. Which approximately 10% of the country's populations. The Indians migrated from the India country during the British colonization of Malaya. It was said that Indians who came to Malaysia brought their Hindu culture as well such as its unique temples, delicious cuisine and colorful garments. Not to forget their formal dress and their main activity which is dancing. 

The Indian communities are mainly Hindus, Christians and Buddhist. As for festivals, there are 2 main celebrations that is often celebrated by the Indians. The main festival that is celebrated by the Indians is Deepavali. 

Deepavali/Diwali celebration

Deepavali which is also known as Diwali is the five-days festival of lights celebrated by the Indians all over the world. The festival coincides with the Hindu New Year which lead to the celebrations for new beginnings and triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The date for this celebrations is decided using the Hindu lunar calendar. 

Indians doing Rangoli artwork

The festival is marked by large firework displays, to remember the celebrations which, according to the legend, took place upon Rama's return as locals set off their own version of fireworks. Those celebrating the festival also decorated their houses with colorful Rangoli artworks which is created on the floor using colored rice or powder. They also light traditional earthen diyas (candles). 

Traditional earthen diyas (candles)

During Deepavali, families and friends share sweets and gifts along with the strong belief in giving food and goods to those who in need. It is also traditional for the Indians to clean their home and wear new clothes during the time of the festival. 

Malay (Melayu)

More than half of the population in Malaysia are Malays. This ethnic became the majority of the population where they are clustered on the east coast in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor. Malay’s religion is Islam where they are bound fully to the Islam’s law which affected the Malay culture.

For example, the Malay children need to confront their elders with respect and total obedience. Another examples of Malay culture is when a guest visits a home, the host greets them with a phrase Assalamualaikum which means may peace be upon you. These are the examples of Malay culture that is affected with Islam.

Malay’s traditional attire follows the Islamic dress code. The formal dress for men in Malay culture is Baju Melayu. This is a loose, long-sleeved shirt worn with a pair of trousers with the identical material and colour. In certain formal situations, a kain sampan will also be used. Kain sampan is a short sarung that is worn over the pants reaching down the knees. A velvet cap (Songkok) completes the formal dress.

 

Example of modern Baju Melayu

As for the women, their formal dress would be Baju Kurung. This comprises a loose tunic (baju) worn over a long skirt (sarung). It can be made from various type of material such as batik, sungkit material and silk. It is compulsory for Malay women to wear another piece of clothing which is called tudung or selendang. This clothing is a scarf that covers head, the ears, the neck and bosom. It is important for them to wear it because it is as a sign to protect the women’s dignity in public which comprises the Islam’s law.

Example of modern Baju Kurung

It can be said that Malays have many rules and regulations regarding their culture and traditions which also covers their religion's law which is Islam. This is one of the unique ethnics that can be found in Malaysia.

Ethnics Introduction

Malaysia have many kinds of attractions that attracts people to come here. Its foods, vacations and many others. One of the most attractive thing about Malaysia is its various type of ethnics.

Ethnics can be defined as a large groups of people that classed according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic or cultural or origin and background. Every ethnics are different but they are united in 1 community. 

Based on Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Report (2010), the total population in Malaysia was 2.83 million of which 91.8 percent were Malaysian citizens and 8.2 percent were non-citizens. Malaysian citizens consist of several ethnic groups where Bumiputera (67.4%), Chinese (24.6%), Indians (7.3%) and others (0.7%).

Each of the ethnics differ from each other in terms of clothes, beliefs, traditions, religions and foods. Each of them has their unique ways in doing things differently which tend to attract people’s attention to come to Malaysia.