Christian, Islam and Momolianism

Dialects:
Sebuan & Banyok (Sibu)

Language Family:
Austronesian

Native speakers:
40 000 (decreasing)

Origins:
Melanau people also known as A-Likau (River People in Mukah dialect) are one of the earliest settlers of Sarawak. Originally, this community resided along the Rajang River located in Central Sarawak. The Melanau people are also known as one of the rare ethnic groups in Malaysia as they make up the fifth largest ethnic group in Sarawak and have their identities derived through people such as parents, friends, relatives and teachers. 

Religions:
Islam and Christians

- The story of Tugau was passed down through generations as it was hardly written in any form back in those days and according to the Melanau people, he was a Melanau warrior who fought for the people and was respected as the father of Melanau’s civilization.

- He was born with a sword and magic spear which makes him different from other newborn babies and as time passes by, he grew as big as a giant with a height of ten feet tall. He was enormous and tough, which leads to him protecting the people who reside along the Igan River.

2. Tugau’s contribution to the Melanau people

- Back in those days, the poor folks that planted sago and rice were often robbed by the pirates and they ended up not living in a longhouse as it is an easier attack for their enemies to burn it down. These poor incidents lead the Melanau people to live shadily and keep on running away from the robbers.
- Later on, Tugau entered their village and lived with them to build a better civilization- he took the people on a fishing expedition that leads to sufficient food supplies for everyone to eat and to sell the traders. He also initiated the construction of the “tall house”. By building a tall house, it will be hard for their enemies to attack them compared to building a longhouse.
- Everything under Tugau’s planning was well organized and he was appointed by the people to become the leader of the Melanau people.

3. The Downfall of Tugau

- Despite the power of ruling he already had, Tugau desires to rule the rest of the Borneo coast starting with Brunei. Tugau sent a message to Alak Betatar to demand submissions from Brunei in order for him to protect Brunei, thinking he was strong enough. However, this demand was refused by Alak Betatar and it leads to a war between Tugau, his people and Brunei.

- Unexpectedly, Tugau lost in the war and had to comply with the rules and made a full submission to Alak Betatar by paying the tribute demanded. 

- The aftermath of the war leads to Alak Betatar becoming their supreme ruler but with Tugau and other chiefs under him, they are allowed to continue protecting their people.

Dialects:
none

Language Family:
Austroasiatic

Native speakers:
59 000 speakers 

Origins: 
The Semai, also known as Mai Semai or Orang Dalam is by far the most numerous of the Orang Asli community in Peninsular Malaysia and most of their settlements are found in the villages of Perak, Pahang, Selangor and Kelantan. Their main  livelihood has evolved into a mixed system of arboriculture, shifting cultivation, hunting and forest product trading. Agriculture and hunting are also one of their main economic activities. The Semai people are also well known for their values has a high tolerance for violence and bad behaviour as they prefer to avoid any conflicts. 

Religions: 
Animism (majority), Christian and Sunni Islam (minority)

Dialects:
Sarawak Malay

Language Family:
Austronesian

Native speakers:
2 300 000 

Origins:
According to the legends and myths, the Ibans or Sea Dayaks originally came from Kapuas River, Borneo and migrated to Sarawak due to tribal indifference. Asides from their settlement in Sarawak, the Iban population were also found in Brunei and West Kalimantan, Indonesia The Ibans are well known for their skills in headhunting back in those days and were feared all over the Borneo island. However, they have developed into becoming a tribe that is very generous and hospitable. The Ibans are also recognised as the largest people group in Sarawak.

Religions:
Christian, Animism and Islam

Dialects:
None

Language Family:
Austronesian

Native speakers:
32 000

Origin:
Jakun people or Orang Ulu is the second-largest Orang Asli sub-group in Malaysia. Jakuns tribe are mostly located in the interior parts of Pahang and northern Johor, near the jungles. It is believed that the Jakuns tribe arrived in the Malay Peninsula from the province of Yunnan and their tribe is often mixed with the Malay people around 2000 years ago. Back then and now, the Jakuns are very protective when it comes to conserving the jungles as they perceived them as their heritage and blood. 

Religions: 
Traditional religion, Christian, Islam and Chinese folk religion.