When you think of Malaysia, you might picture the Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities — the three main pillars most people recognise. When it comes to Sabah and Sarawak, you might think of the Iban’s elaborate costumes or the vibrant Kaamatan festival of the Kadazan Dusun. Beyond the familiar headlines lies a quieter story, a thread in Malaysia’s tapestry that is often overlooked: the Kedayan people. Never heard of us? Let's take a look at our traditional clothes below:
I am Kedayan. We are a minority — small in number, yet rich in culture, traditions, and values. Our voices may not dominate the national narrative, but our presence has shaped the heart of Malaysia in ways that deserve to be remembered.
Our Roots and Journey
Historically, the Kedayan are believed to have originated from Brunei, with deep ties to Sabah, Labuan, Sarawak, and parts of Johor. Oral history tells of how we migrated across Borneo centuries ago, bringing with us agricultural skills, unique dialects, and traditions such as Makan Tahun — an annual celebration marking the harvest festival. During the reign of Sultan Bolkiah (1485–1524), the Brunei empire stretched across much of Borneo and into the Sulu Archipelago. This era saw the movement of communities, including the Kedayan, into new territories. (source: HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF THE KADAYAN COMMUNITY)
Today, major Kedayan settlements can be found in Sipitang and Papar (Sabah), and in Limbang, Lawas, Miri, Sibuti, and Bintulu (Sarawak). Though we share linguistic and religious similarities with the Malay majority, Bruneian perspectives have historically placed the Kedayan closer in status to interior tribal groups due to shared cultural traits. (source: UNHCR)
Do Malaysians know us? Yes but until recently, the exposure has been limited. Today, it’s becoming easier for Malaysians to learn more about the Kedayan people thanks to social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Threads, and TikTok, where content creators and community members share stories, photos, and cultural practices.
I personally recall being 17 years old and finding only a small box in my school history book mentioning the Kedayan, just a brief footnote, easily overlooked. Back then, that tiny paragraph was all the formal education I received about my heritage. Now, digital platforms have opened a door that history books left barely ajar, giving our traditions, language, and lifestyle a much broader stage.
Makan Tahun — Our Living Heritage
This year, the Makan Tahun celebrations returned to Limbang with full splendour. Over several days, the event was filled with cultural performances, beauty pageants, bermukun sessions, cooking demonstrations, and feasts featuring traditional dishes like kelupis. It was more than just a celebration, it was a living reminder of who we are, where we come from, and how we belong to this land.
Even though I couldn’t be there in person, my heart travelled home in spirit. Seeing videos and pictures shared on social media made me feel the warmth of our community and the pride of knowing our traditions live on.
Full activity line-up here: Makan Tahun Kedayan 2025
1 August 2025 – Malam Ba’iuh
• Pertandingan Alai Kapo'o (Female child beauty pageant)
• Pertandingan Alai Bangis (Male child beauty pageant)
• Pertandingan Alai Mukun (traditional performance competition)
• Guest artist performances
2 August 2025 – Malam Kebudayaan
• Pertandingan Kepala Bangis (Male beauty pageant)
• Pertandingan Kepala Kapo'o (Female beauty pageant)
• Cultural performances
• Guest artist performances
3 August 2025
• Pertandingan Junjung Kedayan
• Closing ceremony
• Cultural performances
• Jamuan Makan Tahun (annual feast)
• Exemplary Family Award presentation
• Lucky draw
• Traditional cooking demonstrations
For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a glimpse from last year’s Makan Tahun 2024 that captures the colours, sounds, and spirit of the event: Watch the video here.
In 2015, during the Makan Tahun celebration, I had the honour of being crowned Kepala Kapo'o 1.0, a beauty pageant title that, to some, might have seemed like just another crown. But for me, it was more than that. It was a statement to the world: We are here. I stood there not only as a woman, not only as a Malaysian, but as a representative of the Kedayan people; a community rarely acknowledged in mainstream narratives, yet deeply rooted in the history and cultural fabric of our nation.
That moment was more than personal pride; it was a testament to our presence in Malaysia’s diverse heritage. You can watch the 2015 Kepala Kapo'o 1.0 moment here, below are some photos from the beauty pageant:
Life Beyond the Village
I left home at 13 to pursue education, and since then, my life has been a journey across borders, studying, working, and building a life far from the place I was born. Now, at 30, I have spent more than half my life away from my hometown. Yet no matter where I go, my Kedayan identity is my anchor. It shapes how I see the world and how I carry myself.
Why the Kedayan Story Matters to Malaysia
The Kedayan people do not seek recognition for its own sake. Our story matters because it is part of Malaysia’s story; a story of diversity, resilience, and harmony. We embody values that go beyond ethnicity: respect for elders, unity within the community, and the belief that sharing food strengthens bonds.
Malaysia Kita is incomplete without its minorities. The Kedayan, though small in number, add a unique colour to this nation’s cultural rainbow. And as long as I live, I will keep telling our story from the small villages of Limbang to the busy streets of foreign cities so that one day, the name Kedayan will not just be known, but remembered.
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Mimiana S. (mimiana30@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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