a state of Malaysia, occupying N Borneo and offshore islands in the South China and Sulu Seas: became a British protectorate in 1888; gained independence and joined Malaysia in 1963. Capital: Kota Kinabalu. Pop: 2 603 485 (2000). Area: 73 620 sq km (28 425 sq miles)
Former name (until 1963): North Borneo
Sabah in American English
(ˈsɑbɑ)
state of Malaysia, occupying NE Borneo & several offshore islands, including Labuan: formerly, until 1963, a British colony (called North Borneo): 28,460 sq mi (73,711 sq km); pop. 1,737,000; cap. Kota Kinabalu