Idaʼan

Sabah Native People Ethnic group The Idaʼan (Idahan or Eraan or Sabahan) people are an ethnic group residing primarily in the Lahad Datu and Tawau districts on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Their current population is estimated to be around 6,000 (1987 estimate), but it appears that they once inhabited a much larger area along the east Sabah coast than present. For centuries, the Ida’an have owned exclusive rights to the collection of edible bird's nests in the limestone caves of the region, notably the Madai Caves. Most Idaʼan are Sunni Muslims. Etymology Historically, the Idaʼan are known by several names such as Era'an, Saba'an/Sabahan (not to be confused with Sabahan which refers to the residents of Sabah), Iraqan and Buludupi. But according to local folk story, the Idaʼan were originally known as Bedaro but they later changed the name to Idaʼan after converting to Islam. History The ancestors of Idaʼan people lived around Madai caves for centuries and have a significant role in cultural identity of Idaʼan people. According to Idaʼan mythology and Sabahan activist and writer Mutalib M.D from his writings called Hikayat Raja Sabah, the Idaʼan used to have a kingd