Paitan District

Paitan District
Daerah Paitan
Paitan District Secretariat Building
Paitan District
Location of Paitan District in Sabah
Coordinates: 6°20′N 117°23′E / 6.333°N 117.383°E / 6.333; 117.383
Country Malaysia
State Sabah
DivisionSandakan Division
Sub-district established4 January 1999
Upgraded to District3 July 2024
CapitalPaitan
Area
 • Total
2,466 km2 (952 sq mi)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total
29,100
Time zoneUTC+8 (Malaysian Standard Time)
Postcode
90100

The Paitan District (Malay: Daerah Paitan) is an administrative district in the Malaysian state of Sabah, part of the Sandakan Division. Its capital is the town of Paitan.

History and administration

Paitan originally began operations as a sub-district (daerah kecil) under the administration of the Beluran District on 4 January 1999. It covers an area of 2,466 square kilometres (952 sq mi).[1]

Recognising its growth and administrative needs, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah officially declared the upgrade of Paitan from a sub-district to a full district. This declaration took effect on 3 July 2024 and was officially published in the Sabah State Gazette on 4 October 2024.[2] Therefore, all related administrative matters previously handled by Beluran are now transacted directly at the Paitan administrative district.

Geography

Paitan is located in the northeastern region of Sabah. The district serves as an important hub connecting several other major towns in the area. The town of Paitan is located approximately 42 kilometres from Kanibongan, 69 kilometres from Pitas, 113 kilometres from Kota Marudu, 198 kilometres from Beluran, and 230 kilometres from the city of Sandakan.[1]

The Paitan River is a major geographical feature flowing through the district, supporting the livelihood and agricultural activities of the local communities.

Demographics

Based on estimates from the 2010s, the district has a population of approximately 29,100 people.[1] The demographic makeup of Paitan is highly diverse and is predominantly composed of indigenous ethnic groups. The main ethnic communities residing in the district include the Dusun Tombonuo, Dusun Gobukon, Rungus, Orang Sungai (Sungai Paitan), Dusun Sandayo and Bajau Ubian.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Daerah Kecil Paitan". Archived from the original on 12 May 2016. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  2. ^ "Notification Subdistrict Paitan Upgraded to Full District" (PDF). State Government of Sabah. 4 October 2024. p. 16. Retrieved 21 February 2026.