| Kunak | |
|---|---|
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Kunak
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Malaysia |
| State | Sabah |
| Population (2000) | |
| • Total | 48,571 |
Kunak is a small town located in Tawau Division, east coast of Sabah in Malaysia. It was formerly a sub-district administered under the Lahad Datu District Office, but achieved its status as a full district on 1 June, 1981.
Its population was estimated at 48,571 in 2000. The population is mainly Bajau and Bugis, (See Bugis of Sabah).
There is also a sizeable Chinese population,involved in the running of most shops in the town. Many are also landowners who cultivate oil palms.
A resettlement scheme for Cocos Islanders is situated a few kilometres away, near Giram Oil Palm Estate (Golden Hope Berhad).
A jetty is situated about 5 km from the town, in an area named Pengkalan Kunak. A single road lined by wooden shophouses (possibly a squatter colony) leads to the jetty and wet market.
In 2002, a 76-bed government hospital was built in the town. At around the same time,a new highway linking Kunak to the town of Semporna was also opened.