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Background
SK Pulau Mabul educates 213 primary school students with 12 full‑time teaching staff. It is located on Mabul Island, which measures approximately 822 meters long at its longest point and 457 meters wide at its widest point, and is the only school on the island. The people of the island are known as the Bajau Laut of Malaysia, often referred to as “Sea Gypsies.” They are an indigenous maritime ethnic group off the coast of Sabah, Borneo, as well as Indonesia and the Philippines. Traditionally, they lived their entire lives on houseboats and were renowned for their exceptional free‑diving abilities. In modern times, they have transitioned to stilted houses and continue to make their living from fishing.
The Plight
In October 2025, we visited the Guru Besar (Headmaster) of SK Pulau Mabul to understand the challenges faced by the children. He shared that the school lacks recreational activities, and the existing sports equipment is limited or run down.
His request was simple yet profound: sports clothing and equipment (badminton sets, netballs and nets, futsal balls, etc.) to give the children a safe, and healthy pastime.
Children playing with sand and plastic bottles
During our visit, we met two students – Rizuan and Rahman. Rizuan, a bright 10‑A student with a broad smile, told us he loved studying all subjects – a rare passion in a child. Mid‑conversation, his slipper broke.
SK Palau Mabul students Rizuan (left) and Rahman (right)
When asked if he needed a new pair, he humbly replied that he only had one pair, and declined our offer to buy him new slippers. Instead, he requested that we help furnish sports equipment for the school so he could share joy and play with his friends.
Rizuan (right) with his friends
We were deeply touched by achievements, selflessness, and maturity at such a young age.
For these students, primary school education is one of the highlights of their academic journey.
Attending secondary school requires moving to Semporna – a difficult challenge for families who are predominantly fishermen.
Finding guardians in Semporna is not easy, and children who do make the move often face other challenges, including exposure to negative influences such as gangs.
Not all students can achieve academic excellence, and many will remain on Mabul Island, living as fishermen.
For them, sports and recreation are not luxuries – they are vital opportunities for joy, dignity, and community.
The Solution
Join us in uplifting the Bajau Laut children of Mabul Island with 5% of every purchase directly provisioned for sports clothing, and equipment.