Contrary to common misconception, Sabah also has Lun Bawang people, who trace their origins from Trusan. Lundayeh people are also related tribes which comes in much later wave of migration to Sabah. Lun Bawang people are distinct from Lundayehs because they originated from Trusan, which are considered as downstream (coastal), versus the Lundayeh people who originated from upriver in Kalimantan (hence the name Lun Dayeh which literally translated as Upriver people). In addition, Lun Bawang people in Sabah are keen on the unifying spirit of the Lun Bawang people in Sarawak, in order to unify under the same ethnic name in Malaysia.
I have gathered the below article from Uncle Seid in Facebook, who succinctly described the origins of the Lun Bawang people in Sipitang, Sabah - near the area Mengalong
WHY WOULD LUN TRUSAN SETTLED DOWN IN SIPITANG?
The real motive behind the son of Trusan chieftain resettlement in Mengalong downriver in the near turn of 19th century perhaps can no longer be ascertained today. The written record is so scarce, while the oral tradition became garble as ever, as the story now can only be gathered mainly from the fourth generations of these pioneers.
According to oral tradition, he was then adopted by a Native Chief (N.C), and so happened married to a daughter of another Native Chief. Therefore, the migration is simply means of leading a new life in a new world, Mengalong.
But why in Mengalong, Sipitang? Here's why.
British North Borneo Company acquired the area from River Trusan to River Sipitang and the area of Mengalong and Marintaman in 1901. The area then became a new administrative entity known as "Province Clark", with the main station in Mesapol.
Being the N.C. adopted son, and N.C. son-in-law, and living within the newly created province, of course Mengalong soil looks greener than ever.
So he settled down in a supposedly promising Mengalong, which is near the new province's station. And when he eventually did it, the real father, the Trusan Chieftain, the Lun, instructed some of his people to accompany him and their descendents became Mengalong's proud Lun Bawang.
In this blog, I will add more stories regarding the origin of the Lun Bawang people in Sabah. Do wait for my next article!
