#11 Buffaloes of Sabah: Unlikely icons of culture and in plantations

By Joseph Tek Choon Yee

Link : https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/02/02/buffaloes-of-sabah-unlikely-icons-of-culture-and-in-plantations/

What do buffaloes, a Datuk in trouble and a traffic-stopping bovine in Tamparuli have in common? A lot, actually.

A recent ruling in Papar’s Native Court caught my attention: a high-ranking civil servant had to pay a Sogit – three buffaloes and RM3,000 – for his affair with a married woman. While modern courts typically impose fines or community service, the Kadazandusun customs prefer a more grounded approach. The Sogit serves as a blend of penalty and compensation, aiming to restore harmony in the community. In this case, the buffaloes, symbols of wealth and respect, were considered the best way to apologise for the breach in culture practices.

Meanwhile, in Tamparuli, a viral video showed a buffalo blocking traffic with the caption: "In KL, they have MRT and LRT, but in Sabah, we have KARABAU." This amusing scene highlights the central role buffaloes continue to play in local life. More than just animals, buffaloes are part of Sabah’s cultural fabric - helping with agriculture, serving as dowries, and even playing roles in legal matters like the Sogit.

Buffaloes in Sabah come in many forms. The common sapi (cattle) is the European-descended farm animal, while kerbau (water buffaloes) are smaller, stockier, and water-loving. Bantengs (wild buffalo) are rare and elusive, often spotted only by patient wildlife enthusiasts. These animals, whether working in oil palm plantations or strutting down the street like they own the place, represent the region's heritage.

In Kadazan culture, buffaloes have long been integral to life’s major events. In weddings, a buffalo can be a dowry gift, symbolising security and strength. In the past, buffaloes were essential in farming and agriculture, particularly in rice fields. However, with changing times, buffalo populations have declined, and the practice of using them as dowries has become less common. Despite this, the buffalo remains a living link to Kadazan traditions.

Buffaloes also found a new life in oil palm plantations. Introduced in the 1970s, they became vital for transporting oil palm fruit in difficult terrain. While modern machinery has largely replaced them, buffaloes continue to offer advantages like lower costs, fewer maintenance issues, and even eco-friendly benefits, like organic fertiliser.

However, some outsiders find the sight of buffaloes working in the estates unsettling. I once chatted with Western friends who were shocked by the idea of animals “working” in plantations, comparing it to animal cruelty. It’s easy to judge practices that seem foreign to us, but every culture has its own history with working animals. Just like oxen, horses, or even dogs in different parts of the world, buffaloes in Sabah are woven into the fabric of life. In Southeast Asia, buffaloes aren’t just tools - they’re partners. They’ve been working alongside humans for centuries, not as coerced labour, but as trusted companions. In fact, buffaloes in oil palm estates are well-cared for, named and treated with respect.

One famous story from the Berakan Maju estate in Sugut features a buffalo bull known as the “Sultan.” Despite a limp, the Sultan was used for breeding, passing on strong and resilient traits to future generations of buffaloes that could withstand tough plantation work. His legacy proves that even those with imperfections can have lasting value.

In conclusion, whether they’re part of legal settlements, dowries, or oil palm estates, buffaloes continue to hold a special place in Sabah’s culture. They are a symbol of tradition, resilience, and the deep connection between people, animals and the land. So, the next time you see a buffalo working in the fields, remember: it’s not just hard labour; it’s a partnership built on centuries of mutual respect.

JT/Feb 2025