Ethnic Background

The Kadazandusun are the largest single indigenous group in Sabah. Most of them are found in the western part of the country, that is around places like Kuala Penyu, Papar, Penampang, Tuaran, Ranau and Kudat, in the Tambunan District of the interior and in the Labuk Valley on the east coast.

Some people say that the Kadazandusun are of Chinese descent. Although there may be some truth in this, judging by the colour of their skin, the shape of their eyes and certain other features, so far no concrete evidence has been found on which such an assumption can be based.

The Kadazandusun are predominantly agriculturalists, and it can be said that almost all the rice cultivated in Sabah is grown by them. They are hardworking and easily adapt their way of life to more progressive times the mechanization of ploughing, artificial fertilisers and double' cropping of Ria and Malinja strains of rice each year, all of which have been introduced by the government, they have taken up with great enthusiasm and in their stride. 

A large number of the Kadazandusun are pagan in belief. Some of them are Christians, particularly around Penampang and the larger towns. In the district of Ranau there are also a number of Kadazandusun who have embraced Islam.