Sarawak, the largest Malaysian state on Borneo, boasts a rich history and diverse culture. Ruled by the “White Rajahs” (the Brooke dynasty) for a century from the 19th century, it became a British colony before joining Malaysia in 1963.
Home to over 30 ethnic groups, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, and Orang Ulu, Sarawak offers a vibrant cultural tapestry. The Chinese, comprising about a quarter of the population, are mostly descendants of 19th and early 20th-century immigrants, primarily engaged in commerce and agriculture.
Christianity arrived in the mid-19th century with Anglican missionary Francis McDougall, who established St. Thomas’s Cathedral. Other denominations followed, spreading the gospel and establishing schools and hospitals, significantly contributing to the region’s development. Today, Christians make up over half (50.1%) of Sarawak’s population in Muslim-majority Malaysia. Churches continue to play vital roles in social welfare, education, and interfaith dialogue, fostering social harmony.