Sabah is known for its lush rainforests, rich indigenous culture, and diverse ethnic communities—but in recent years, it has also become home to a fast-growing and authentic podcasting scene. What was once dominated by West Malaysian or international voices is now being reshaped by Sabahan podcasters who are using microphones and platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to tell their stories, challenge norms, and connect with the world.
From indigenous youth to urban creatives, from professionals to hobbyists, podcasting is emerging as a new voice of Sabah—raw, real, and relevant.
Why Podcasting is Gaining Popularity in Sabah
1. Low Barriers to Entry
Unlike film or music, podcasting requires minimal equipment. A basic microphone, laptop or smartphone, and a quiet space are enough to start.
2. Freedom of Expression
Podcasters can discuss:
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Local politics
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Indigenous identity
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Youth struggles
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Mental health
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Religion and spirituality
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Environmental issues
There is no censorship by visual appearance or social class, which makes podcasting highly inclusive.
3. Flexibility of Format
Podcasts can be:
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Solo monologues
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Two-person conversations
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Group discussions
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Interview-based
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Storytelling or documentary style
Sabahan youth are experimenting with all these formats in Malay, English, Dusun, and mixed dialects.
What Topics Sabahan Podcasters Are Talking About
1. Cultural Preservation
Podcasts now exist in native languages like Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut, focusing on:
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Myths and folklore
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Oral history from elders
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Traditional food and rituals
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Community values
These are preserving intangible heritage in audio format.
2. Youth Life and Mental Health
Sabah’s Gen Z and millennials are using podcasting to:
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Talk about anxiety, depression, and peer pressure
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Share personal stories of failure and resilience
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Give voice to the pressures of rural-urban migration
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Break taboos around therapy and self-care
3. Politics and Indigenous Rights
Some podcasts discuss:
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Native land rights
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Rural development issues
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Representation of Sabahans in Malaysian media
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Decentralization and autonomy conversations
Podcasters are offering alternative media narratives from the East Malaysian perspective.
4. Faith and Spirituality
Islamic reflections, Christian testimonies, and indigenous beliefs are shared in podcasts that balance spiritual growth with cultural relevance.
5. Creative Industry and Entrepreneurship
Young Sabahan creatives now run podcast shows featuring:
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Local filmmakers
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Digital artists
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Social media influencers
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Small business owners
They share startup journeys, personal branding tips, and encourage self-employment through storytelling.
Notable Sabahan Podcast Projects
“Suara Borneo”
A weekly bilingual podcast where two friends discuss everything from politics to dating in Dusun and Malay. It’s one of the most popular youth podcasts from Sabah.
“The KK Table”
Recorded in Kota Kinabalu cafés, this podcast features long-form discussions with musicians, poets, and environmental activists.
“Belia Talks”
A youth-led initiative focusing on community issues, gender equality, and rural education. Their podcast series features interviews with educators, NGO leaders, and students.
“Echoes of Kinabalu”
A storytelling podcast that narrates folk tales and supernatural legends from Sabah, attracting listeners from all over Southeast Asia.
How Podcasting is Empowering Communities
1. Educational Value
Teachers are now using podcasts to supplement learning. Youths record podcasts in native languages to help peers learn through listening, especially in rural areas with limited reading material.
2. Career Pathways
Some podcasters now earn money through:
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Spotify listener support
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Patreon
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Brand sponsorships
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Hosting live podcast events
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Selling merchandise
Podcasting is now a side hustle or full-time media job for some Sabahans.
3. Social Unity
Podcasting bridges urban-rural gaps by allowing open conversations that humanize all segments of Sabahan society.
4. Gender Equality
Many female podcasters are creating safe spaces for women to talk about gender bias, body image, and domestic issues—without fear of being silenced.
Challenges Faced by Sabahan Podcasters
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Poor internet access in rural areas
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Lack of local podcast hosting platforms
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Minimal funding or sponsorships
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Low awareness of podcasting in certain communities
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Difficulties in recording and editing professionally
Yet despite these issues, growth continues steadily, thanks to passion, community support, and growing interest in alternative media.
How Podcasting Can Grow Further in Sabah
To sustain the rise of podcasting in Sabah, several steps can help:
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Workshops and training in audio production for youth
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Grants and sponsorships from local businesses and media agencies
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Inclusion of podcasting in school media clubs
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More features of Sabah podcasts on national media
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Development of a local app or network for East Malaysian podcasters
There’s also an opportunity for cross-border collaboration with Indonesian Borneo or Filipino Mindanao podcasters for shared heritage content.
Why Podcasting Matters for Sabah’s Future
In a time when visuals dominate media, the power of spoken word should not be underestimated.
Podcasting in Sabah is:
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Reclaiming indigenous narratives
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Educating the public on hidden issues
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Fostering interethnic understanding
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Giving youth a microphone to influence, inspire, and inform
It’s not about going viral—it’s about being heard, and Sabahans are finally being heard loud and clear.
Conclusion
The rise of podcasting culture in Sabah is more than a trend—it’s a movement. It represents a new kind of storytelling that values depth over drama, culture over clicks, and truth over trends.
As more young voices emerge from the valleys, coasts, and mountaintops of Borneo, Sabah’s identity will not only be seen—it will be heard across the world.