Sabah Folklore ~ Origins of " Nunuk Ragang": The "Ragang Tie" Epidemic

From day to day, the people of Nunuk Ragang grew more and more developed and became more populated. In the vicinity there were a few streams and this makes it a fertile and good agricultural area. The people of Nunuk Ragang lived in peace and harmony for a long time.

One day, Nunak Ragang was attacked "and harassed by" "Ragang Tie" (red wax). Ragang Tie cannot exactly be described in what form it looks like. It looks like a running water when viewed from a distance and sometimes those who see it as if it has behaves like a human. Oddly, the Ragang Tie brought disease to anyone who is touched it which is often fatal. In addition, Tie Ragang also results in destroying crops planted and killed livestock animals that came into contact with it.

(Illustration of the Nunuk Ragang)

As a result, large proportions of the Nunuk Ragang residents suffered pain which led to death; livestock and crops were destroyed by the pandemic. The people of Nunuk Ragang became very sad and worried. Finally, many of them left and moved to other safer areas to stay. Thus, they fragmented and was scattered all over the districts as indicated until today.

Adapted from: Taha Abdul Kadir. Cerita Tradisi Sabah. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia : Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd. 1985. m/s 1-9.
Photo courtesy: claire-innocent-artandcrafts.co.uk