Small Hindu communities, big Deepavali spirit in Sabah and Sarawak

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (fourth from right) and Sabah Indian Chamber of Commerce chairman Datuk V. Jothi (fourth from left) cutting a cake at the state government’s Deepavali celebration with the chamber on November 8, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 08 Nov 2026 3:17 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — Despite the relatively small Hindu population in Sabah and Sarawak, Deepavali celebrations today brought together people from diverse backgrounds, reflecting a strong spirit of unity.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia estimates that Sarawak has about 5,000 Indians, accounting for 0.2 per cent of its 2.53 million population, while Sabah has around 6,000, or 0.2 per cent of its 3.77 million residents, based on 2026 data.

This year’s celebrations were a different experience for serviceman R. Ruhthiran, 20, as he celebrated the festival away from his family in Klang, Selangor, for the first time.

Stationed in SARAWAK, at Penrissen Camp in Kuching, the second of five siblings said being away from his family was part of the demands of military service.

“I miss my family, but I am enjoying my time here.

“Being separated from loved ones is part of life as a soldier,” he told Bernama before attending prayers at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Batu Lintang.

He said Deepavali celebrations typically began with an early-morning oil bath, followed by wearing new clothes and attending prayers at the temple around 8am.

Going to temples for prayers in the morning is part of the culture and tradition for many Hindus in Malaysia on Deepavali. — Bernama pic

“My mother usually prepares idli and thosai for breakfast,” he said, adding that the family would return home after prayers before visiting relatives to celebrate together.

Ruhthiran expressed gratitude to his seniors for helping him locate a temple, making it easier to fulfil his religious obligations.

For Kuching resident Pramod Kumar, 67, Deepavali remains a meaningful occasion, though celebrations are more modest because of the state’s relatively small Hindu population.

“We usually start the day with prayers at the temple, followed by a family gathering to celebrate Deepavali and seek blessings,” he said, adding that Kuching celebrates Deepavali much the same way as Peninsular Malaysia and India, but on a smaller scale.

In SABAH, people of various ethnicities and faiths gathered at the Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Temple in Kota Kinabalu to join in the Deepavali festivities.

First-time visitor Geoffrey Lo, 50, said he was excited to experience the Deepavali celebrations at the temple.

“This is my first time here and I am really excited... the food is delicious too,” he said.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is scheduled to attend the 2026 Deepavali gathering at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) at noon today. — Bernama