Ethnographic research on Maritime Communities: The Sea Bajau’s (Pala’uh) on islands off Semporna and coastal area of Lahad Datu
About the research
The Sea Bajau or Sama DiLaut (Pala’uh) ethnic group is amongst the cluster of indigenous people on the Eastern coast of Sabah whose livelihood largely depends on the maritime resources and culture that manifest their attachment to the sea. Being nomadic and semi-settled, the Pala’uh is not well understood by the larger society in the true sense of their social existence and perceived as elusive, often shying away from modernity.
The research of Ethnographic study on Maritime Communities: The Sea Bajaus or Sama DiLaut (Pala’uh) on islands off Semporna and coastal area of Lahad Datu was conducted by Institute Borneo Studies (IBS), UCSF started in August 2015. The purpose of this research is to explore the socio-cultural dimension of the Sama DiLaut (Pala’uh) and to understand from holistic approaches to their social plight and economic enclaves. In addition, the study is being conducted for the purpose of collecting ethnographic data that focuses on the socio-economic structure, traditions, world view, religious values, identity and social interaction.
Research Partners/Collaboration & Funds
IBS, UCSF
Date of research
- August – 2015 – 2017