From the sea to statelessness: the tale of the Bajau Laut

While many Bajau communities have integrated into Malaysian society, the Bajau Laut have clung to their traditional lifestyle, living in harmony with the sea on boats and stilt houses scattered across coastal regions. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Bajau Laut have recently been thrust into the spotlight following their forced eviction and demolition of their homes in Sabah, sparking human rights concerns.

Human rights organisations and advocates have called for urgent action to protect the vulnerable community and address the systemic issues they face.

FMT takes a deep dive into the Bajau Laut’s history, struggles and ongoing fight for recognition in Malaysia.

Who are they?

Often called sea gypsies, the Bajau Laut are a nomadic maritime community native to the waters of Southeast Asia, spanning the Sulu and Celebes Seas, touching the shores of Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Known for their seafaring skills, they have traditionally lived on houseboats, relying heavily on fishing and marine resources for their livelihood.

Their unique lifestyle has made them masters of the sea, but has also isolated them from many modern developments.

What’s their history in Malaysia?

The history of the Bajau Laut in Malaysia dates back to the 18th century, during the era of the Sulu sultanate, when they migrated from the southern Philippines to settle along Sabah’s eastern coast.

They became part of the broader Bajau ethnic group, including the West Coast Bajau and East Coast Bajau, and are renowned for their traditional boat-building skills, particularly with their lepa-lepa and bogoo boats.

While many Bajau have integrated into Malaysian society, the Bajau Laut have clung to their traditional lifestyle, living in harmony with the sea on boats and stilt houses scattered across coastal regions, continuing their age-old practices of fishing and maritime trade.

Why are they stateless?

The Bajau Laut’s statelessness is rooted in their historic mobility across the Sulu and Celebes Seas, in a lifestyle predating modern nation-states.

This free movement was once an integral part of their culture and survival. But as Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia formalised borders and citizenship laws, the Bajau Laut, not traditionally prioritising documentation, found themselves without recognised citizenship.

This lack of legal status denies them access to fundamental services and rights, including healthcare, education and legal employment, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and marginalisation.

What are the issues they face?

In recent years, the forced eviction and demolition of their homes in Sabah has had a devastating impact on Bajau Laut communities.

These actions have displaced many families, leaving them without shelter or means of livelihood, and tearing apart their traditional way of life.

Even as the Bajau Laut’s lack of legal protection keeps them trapped in poverty, modern regulations and restrictions on marine activities also make it increasingly difficult for them to sustain themselves.

They are also exposed to exploitation by unscrupulous individuals and groups, further endangering their well-being and security.

Human rights organisations have highlighted the severe impact on the community, and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has demanded a comprehensive humanitarian assessment to address the welfare of those affected.

There have also been growing calls for the formal recognition of the Bajau Laut as Malaysian citizens, which would provide them with the legal protection they desperately need.

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim said citizenship would grant them access to essential services, helping to integrate them into Malaysian society and offering them a chance to improve their quality of life.

Recognising their citizenship is crucial to preserve their unique cultural heritage and ensure they can continue within Malaysia’s diverse cultural tapestry while living with dignity and security.