Land Below the Wind – Malaysia’s Most Diverse, Scenic & Culturally Rich Borneo State
Sabah, famously known as the “Land Below the Wind”, is one of Malaysia’s most beautiful and culturally diverse regions. Located in northern Borneo, Sabah is home to Mount Kinabalu — Southeast Asia’s highest peak — and world-renowned marine biodiversity.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Sabah’s history reflects indigenous kingdoms, colonial trade, and the development of modern Malaysia.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 15th century | Part of Brunei Sultanate |
| 1650s | Sulu Sultanate influence |
| 1881 | British North Borneo Company established |
| 1942–1945 | Japanese occupation |
| 1946 | Becomes British Crown Colony (North Borneo) |
| 1963 | Joins Malaysia (Malaysia Agreement 1963 – MA63) |
| 2020s | Rapid eco-tourism & infrastructure growth |
Sabah maintains strong cultural and political identity under MA63.
🧭 Basic State Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Sabah |
| Capital | Kota Kinabalu (KK) |
| Largest Cities | KK, Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu |
| Governor (TYT) 2025 | Tun Juhar Mahiruddin |
| Chief Minister | Hajiji Noor |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~3.9 million |
| Area | 73,904 sq km (Second-largest in Malaysia) |
| Time Zone | UTC +8 |
| Main Languages | Malay, English, Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut |
| ISO Code | MY-12 |
Sabah is extremely multicultural, with over 40 indigenous groups.
⚖️ Government & Administration
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Governor (TYT) | Tun Juhar Mahiruddin |
| Chief Minister | Hajiji Noor |
| State Legislature | Sabah State Legislative Assembly |
| Local Authorities | DBKK, Sandakan Council, Tawau Council, etc. |
Sabah operates under the special rights granted by Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
🗺️ Administrative Divisions of Sabah
Sabah is divided into 5 administrative divisions and 27 districts.
Divisions & Key Districts:
| Division | Major Districts |
|---|---|
| West Coast Division | Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tuaran, Ranau |
| Interior Division | Keningau, Tambunan, Nabawan |
| Kudat Division | Kudat, Kota Marudu |
| Sandakan Division | Sandakan, Beluran |
| Tawau Division | Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna |
🌐 Geography & Environment
Region: Northern Borneo
Borders: Indonesia (Kalimantan), Philippines (sea)
Coastline: South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea
Natural Highlights:
Mount Kinabalu (4,095m – highest in Malaysia)
Kinabalu Park (UNESCO Site)
Sipadan Island (Top scuba diving site globally)
Maliau Basin (Lost World of Sabah)
Danum Valley (Primary rainforest)
Crocker Range
Climate: Tropical rainforest; cooler in highlands
Sabah has one of the world’s richest biodiversity concentrations.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Major local councils include:
DBKK (Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu)
Sandakan Municipal Council
Tawau Municipal Council
Keningau District Council
Lahad Datu District Council
They manage licensing, land, forestry zones, and tourism areas.
🧩 State Development & Priorities
Sabah focuses on:
Eco-tourism & marine conservation
Palm oil & agriculture modernization
Digital connectivity for rural communities
Infrastructure under Pan Borneo Highway
Maritime security & border cooperation
Upgrading Kota Kinabalu as regional hub
Sabah is rapidly growing while preserving nature.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| ESSCOM | Security in eastern Sabah (Lahad Datu, Semporna) |
| Marine Police | Coastal & sea patrol |
| PDRM Sabah | State policing |
| Wildlife Rangers | Protection of orangutans & protected forests |
Security is strong, especially in east coast maritime zones.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, indigenous beliefs |
| Indigenous Groups | Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, Bajau, Rungus, Suluk |
| Major Festivals | Kaamatan, Regatta Lepa, Christmas celebrations |
| Languages | Extremely diverse — over 50 dialects |
Sabah’s culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous and global influences.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Islands, diving, nature, highlands |
| Agriculture | Palm oil, cocoa, fisheries |
| Forestry | Timber & conservation |
| Maritime | Ports & fisheries |
| Industry | KKIP (Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park) |
| Mining | Oil & gas (Sipitang) |
Tourism and agriculture are core drivers of Sabah’s economy.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) |
| Colleges | Polytechnics, technical institutes |
| Hospitals | Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sabah Women & Children Hospital |
Sabah is improving healthcare & rural education facilities.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA – 2nd busiest in Malaysia) |
| Roads | Pan Borneo Highway |
| Ports | Kota Kinabalu Port, Sandakan Port, Lahad Datu Port |
| Islands | Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai |
Major upgrades are ongoing under Borneo transport integration.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Mount Kinabalu
Sipadan Island
Kinabalu Park
Kundasang & Desa Dairy Farm
Danum Valley
Maliau Basin
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Poring Hot Springs
Sabah is one of the world’s best destinations for nature & adventure.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
Global biodiversity hotspot
UNESCO heritage (Kinabalu Park)
International diving paradise
Significant maritime trade & border cooperation
📝 Summary
Sabah is a spectacularly diverse state, offering mountains, rainforests, islands, rich culture, and global eco-tourism importance. It stands as one of Malaysia’s most unique and naturally blessed regions.
📢 News & Articles
“Sabah’s Eco-Tourism Strategy for 2030”
“Sipadan: Protecting the World’s Best Dive Site”
“Pan Borneo Highway & Sabah’s Economic Growth”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, presenting structured, educational, and globally relevant information.