Need some East Malaysian wisdom and whimsy? Here’s some social media gems

Humour, culture shocks and plenty of East Malaysian flavour — Sabah and Sarawak creators are giving social media feeds a distinctly Bornean twist. — Picture via social media

By Erna Mahyuni

First Published: Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026 8:25 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — So it’s Malaysia Day and you think your social media feed needs some local, or specifically East Malaysian flavour?

As the kids say these days, I got you fam.

Here’s our pick of some funny/insightful/just entertaining videos to add some Borneo fun to your feed.

Carl Devson sings about Sabah’s bane: terrible roads

If there’s one thing that Sabahans can unite in solidarity over is our terribly maintained roads.

Let’s not even talk about that highway that keeps getting delayed to the point I wonder if they’re building roads to Atlantis.

Influencer Carl Devson does what Sabahans do best — sing. 

East meets West (Malaysia)

Thusna offers a unique perspective as a person of mixed Tamil-Iban heritage and a Bharathanatyam dancer.

When she isn’t dancing for the reels, she shares insight into her life working for an airline while also showcasing both of her cultures.

Here’s her sharing a reel about being in Sarawak for Hari Gawai.

Sarawakian gets culture shock in Sabah

Miri native Leong Jeen Jern found that running in Sabah was something to get used to — the locals were just too friendly.

I guess even close neighbours can have a lot to learn about each other.

Don’t play-play with Sabah women

Sabah women have a bit of a reputation... for having a temper.

I think it’s only if they’ve lived in KL too long (ask me how I know).

Content creator Amirul Hafiz made a hilarious video about what will happen if you come across that mythical being called the Angry Sabah Woman.

Sometimes the anger is warranted

If you meet a pissy East Malaysian, it’s probably warranted as actress Sharmaine Alexander demonstrates.

She has a very nice comeback to someone saying they were “too scared” to court Sabahans as they were apparently masters of witchcraft.

‘Sabah and Sarawak samelah’

Influencer Lee Michelle’s hilarious reel is a perfect example of the daily microaggressions East Malaysians have to deal with from West Malaysia.

Please, never tell a Sarawakian their laksa is just fancy curry mee. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Sarawakian English

So we can all agree that Sarawakian Malay is a whole other language but how does a Sarawakian speak English.

TikTokker and psychology student Athalia demonstrates in this old-but-gold video.

Just so you know, Sarawakians use “bah” too. It’s just that Sabahans are more famous for it.

@officialathalia I don’t need hate on this cs its the way it is ily guys! #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #tiktokmalaysia #tiktoksarawak #raya2020 #lawakmalaysia original sound - Athalia - Athalia