Sabahan Indian (Tamil: சபா இந்தியர்கள்; Malay: Kaum India di Sabah), are Malaysian Indians that live primarily in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. Unlike in Peninsular Malaysia, the Indian population in Sabah is very small. It consists mainly of Indians who are professionals who recently transferred or migrated to Sabah due to work, although there are some whom are descended from immigrants who served in the British colonial military.[2][3] They form large percentage of the state's professional community such as, particularly in the areas of business, commerce, education, and healthcare.[4]
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 5,962 2.5% of Sabah total population (2015)[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu and Sandakan) | |
| Languages | |
| Tamil (Malaysian Tamil) majority/dominant, and English (Tanglish and Manglish) Other Indian languages: Telugu, Punjabi, Malayalam | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism (predominantly), Christianity, Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, Baháʼí Faith, Jainism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Malaysian Indians, Chitty, Chindian, Malaysian Tamils, Malaysian Malayalis, Telugu Malaysians |
History
editThe first Indians arrived in Sabah in the late 19th century, primarily as indentured labourers on British rubber plantations. After the completion of their indentureship, many Indians chose to remain in Sabah, establishing themselves as traders, merchants, and artisans.
In the early 20th century, the Indian community in Sabah grew significantly with the arrival of professionals such as teachers, doctors, and engineers. These individuals played a crucial role in the development of Sabah's education and healthcare systems.
Culture
editReligion
editMalaysian Indians in Sabah are predominantly Tamil, followed by smaller groups of Malayalees, Telugus, and Punjabis. They practice a variety of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism.[2]
Festival
editIndian festivals such as Deepavali, Pongal, and Thaipusam are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Indian community in Sabah. Deepavali also observe as state public holiday in Sabah[5]
References
edit- ^ "Population by States and Ethnic Group". Department of Information, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, Malaysia. 2015. Archived from the original on 12 February 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
- ^ a b Yong Leng Lee (1965). North Borneo (Sabah): A Study in Settlement Geography. Eastern Universities Press.
- ^ S. Chandrasekhar (2011). Hungry People and Empty Lands: An Essay on Population Problems and International Tensions. Routledge. pp. 294–. ISBN 978-0-415-59538-4.
- ^ "CM lauds Indian community's contribution to Sabah;". The Star. 6 Dec 2022. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ^ "Sabah Public holiday;". Public Holidays.com. 6 Dec 2022. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
Bibliography
edit- "The Indian Community in Sabah, Malaysia: A Historical Perspective" by K.S. Nathan (2010)
- "The Socioeconomic Status of Indians in Sabah, Malaysia" by S. Sothi and S. Singh (2005)
- "The Cultural Contributions of Indians to Sabah, Malaysia" by S. Arasaratnam (2008)
- "The Challenges Faced by Indians in Sabah, Malaysia" by P. Ramasamy (2007)
