The word "Sabah" is spelled with four letters: S-A-B-A-H. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /sə.ba:/, with a schwa sound in the first syllable and a long "a" sound in the second syllable. Sabah is a state in Malaysia located on the island of Borneo. The word Sabah is believed to originate from the word "sabak" in the Bruneian Malay dialect, which means a place where palm wine is made, referring to the state's abundance of palm trees.
Sabah is a noun that refers to a state situated in northeastern Malaysia on the island of Borneo. It is known as Sabah in Malay, one of the national languages of Malaysia. Sabah covers an area rich in natural resources and breathtaking landscapes, with its borders encompassing dense rainforests, pristine beaches, and striking mountain ranges. The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, a vibrant city offering a gateway to picturesque islands, cultural heritage sites, and diverse wildlife.
The term "Sabah" can also denote the Bumiputera-majority population indigenous to the region, commonly known as Sabahans. Sabah has been inhabited by various indigenous tribes for centuries, including the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut, and numerous others, each with their distinct cultures, languages, and traditions.
Additionally, "Sabah" is sometimes used to refer to the official local time in Malaysia, which is eight hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC +8). This time zone is prevalent across the country and is utilized for various aspects of daily life, such as scheduling meetings, transportation, and television broadcasting.
Overall, "Sabah" encompasses the geographical location, the people residing in the state, and the time standard followed in Malaysia, highlighting its multifaceted nature in both natural and cultural contexts.
The word "sabah" has its origin in the Arabic language. It is derived from the root word "ṣ-b-ḥ" (ص-ب-ح), which means "to rise", "to emerge", or "to become illuminated". In Arabic, "sabah" (صباح) specifically refers to the morning or dawn period. It is commonly used as a greeting for "good morning" in many Arabic-speaking countries.