Divisions of Malaysia

Malaysia is divided into regions to help manage its land and people. In East Malaysia, which includes the states of Sabah and Sarawak, the main divisions are called bahagian. Each of these divisions is split into smaller areas known as districts, called daerah. This system is different from Peninsular Malaysia. Each division in Sabah and Sarawak is led by a person known as a resident, or pegawai residen. There are 17 divisions in total in these two states.

Sabah

Sabah is one of the two states in the northern part of Borneo Island, along with Sarawak. It is located in the eastern part of Malaysia.

Sarawak

In Sarawak, the main parts of the state are called divisions. Each division has a leader called a resident. These divisions are split into smaller areas called districts. This way of organizing the state is special to Sarawak and its sister state, Sabah, in East Malaysia.