Sabahan Indian (Tamil: சபா இந்தியர்கள்; Malay: Kaum India di Sabah), are a subset of Malaysian Indians that live primarily in the state of Sabah, Malaysia and the island territory of Labuan. Unlike in Peninsular Malaysia, the Indian population in Sabah is very small. It consists mainly of Indians mostly from the peninsular who are professionals who recently transferred or migrated to Sabah as well as the neighbouring island territory of Labuan due to work, although there are some whom are descended from immigrants who served in the British colonial military or police forces, in which the state's Indian minority populace are mostly Sikh Punjabis and mostly Syrian Malabar Nasrani Christian Malayalees who came during colonial rule (but recent migrants especially those who own and operate Mamak stalls are nowadays mostly Tamil Muslims and Mappila Malayalees).[2][3] They form a large percentage of the state's professional community particularly in the areas of business, commerce, education and healthcare.[4]
History
The 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
Religion
Malaysian 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, Buddhism, Baha'i and Sikhism.[2]
Festival
Indian festivals such as Deepavali, Pongal, Vaisakhi and Thaipusam are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Indian community in Sabah. Deepavali is also observed as a state public holiday in Sabah.[5]
