1. Introduction
1.1. Identity and History of the Sungai Rumanau Community in
Mangkawagu, Tongod
With a history of about 300 years, Mangkawagu is a village located in the
district of Tongod, Sabah with a population of around 600 villagers whom are
mostly of Sungai Rumanau descent. The name Mangkawagu comes from the
flower known as Kawawagu that grows abundantly along the Mangkawagu
River.
Evidence of our ongoing use and habitation can be seen our ancestral graves,
and our fruit trees that have long been planted. Fruit trees have been planted
in our old village area because we have a tradition of planting a fruit tree
whenever a new house is built.
This is done to signify that the area is inhabited and cultivated by someone.
The fruit trees can last longer than houses and can continue to exist as a
marker even if the house rots away.
In the past, Mangkawagu villagers used to live around the head of
Mangkawagu River, but we have gradually moved downstream.
We have lived in our current area since 1969, because the government had
recommended an area nearby where we were told we would be provided with
facilities and new housing. However, we still return to our old village area from
time to time at the head of Mangkawagu River to take care of our fruit trees
and crops there.
1.2. Economy and Resources of the Sungai Rumanau Community in
Mangkawagu, Tongod
Turugan is an agriculture system that has been passed down from our
ancestors. The Turugan system is practised to ensure the fertility of soil and
protect the ecosystem.
10 | M a n g k a w a g u C o m m u n i t y P r o t o c o l