AndryChinYungTet

History

Based on oral history and the existence graveyards belongs to different generations, their history can be traced from the first group of ancestors who migrated from UbianIsland some four generations ago. The exact date of that migrating is not known but recorded history by the North Borneo Chartered Company shows that these people have been occupying this tiny island continuously since 1888. In 1954, a group of pirates (Munduk) crossed BalabacStrait raided and robbed the islanders of Lagatonand nearby island of Simangilsouth of MusarIsland. Fearing they might be attacked again, islanders moved temporary to the safety and comfort of their relatives’ home in Naruntungand Mapan-Mapanon mainland. They eventually returned to Lagaton. The security situation improved in recent years, there is now PGA posts (General Operation personnel’s, Ministry of Defense) in Mapan-Mapan, Malawaliisland (towards North east) and MangkubauLaut. British officials residing in Kudat-at that time, the capital city of North Borneo, was informed by the islanders about silk moth (Kupu-kupu Sutera-species not known) migrating to island, every ten years or so. Silk worms or caterpillar feed on leaf of Mangkas trees growing wild on the island, its wraps itself with silk (cocoon) and after sometimes metamorphosis into a moth. Recent silk moth migration was reported in December 2019. When the late TunMustapha was serving as Chief Minister of Sabah (1967-1975) he and his brothers held regular meetings with the islanders.

Lagatonisland is a home to 106 strong BajauUbian. However only 60 individual adult and children residing full time on the island. Many in Kudattownship, Kota Kinabalu(the second author) and in Johor (brothers of the second author). Some attending high schools and staying in hostels in Kudator Pitas and return to Lagatononly during holidays. The main mode of transportation is pump boat-Katigan or Boggo-Boggo which are using either, long propeller with an engine -modified water pump or 13 horsepower outboard engine. It would take two hours boat ride to go to Kudat, 20 minutes to Naruntungor 40 minutes to Mapan-Mapan. It would take longer when weather is bad. Primary school children take boat daily to the primary school in Mapan-Mapan. In case of health emergency, there is a hospital attended by medical officer located in in Karakit, Banggisome distance from Lagaton.