Dusun, Sungai in Malaysia

Introduction / History

Although the census counts them as a single people group there are more than twenty ethnolinguistic people groups under the Dusan banner. The largest of these are the Central Dusun, Coastal Kadazan, Labuk-Kinabatangan Kadazan, Bundu Dusun, Rungus Dusun, Tambunan Dusun, Kimaragang and Tempasuk Dusun. A smaller one is the Sungai Dusan. Although these various people groups are scattered across more than half of their state in the western, northern and central portions, most live in the interior, usually along one of the many rivers rather than in coastal areas.

The Sungai Dusan live in Beluran, Paitan and some places in Pitas district of Sabah. They mostly reside near the river. That's why they are called the Orang Sungai which means the "river people."

What Are Their Lives Like?

Dusan people groups are all primarily agriculturalists with rice growing supplemented by vegetable gardening and animal husbandry. Many have found jobs in the timber industry which has boomed in the last two decades. Village life is usually communal, but those in urban areas tend to be less so. Although many hold on to certain aspects of their culture, the lifestyle of the Sungai Dusan in the urban and developed areas is very different from those in the remote rural areas.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Sungai Dusun were traditionally animists but have been influenced by both Christianity and Islam. Many of those that the government counts as Christians come from a church tradition where any child who is born into a family that calls itself Christian is also considered to be Christian.

Most believe in a supreme creator, but they attribute spirits to many things in nature, such as birds, animals, and plants. Their traditional religion is especially important in the cycle of rice cultivation as well as major events in the cycle of life. Although The "rice spirit," in particular, figures prominently in their beliefs and practices. Some of the Sungai Dusun people groups are noted for their use of bobohizan 'priestesses' for controlling the spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

While many of the Sungai Dusun have experienced the benefits of an improved educational system and the modern economy, those who live in rural areas have not experienced the same level of progress. Those in the mainstream of modernization face different problems than those in rural areas.

For those trusting in traditional religion, whether it is animistic or nominally Christian traditions, the greatest need is for them to put their faith in Jesus Christ rather than the spirits.

Prayer Points

Pray that many Sungai people would believe and have a vital and personal faith.
Pray for many to disciple others, drawing people closer to Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to direct Dusan pastors and family leaders.
Pray for the Lord to give them an abundant harvest as a testimony of his goodness and power.

Text Source:   Joshua Project