# Bakakuk

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Improvised firearms of the indigenous people in Sabah, Malaysia

Bakakuk Type Improvised firearm home-made shotgun Place of origin Sabah, Malaysia Service history Used by Indigenous Dusun, Kadazan, Murut, and Rungus Production history Unit cost RM197–RM1,184.85 (US$50–US$300)[1] Specifications Length 45 centimetres (1.48 ft) to 65 centimetres (2.13 ft)

***Bakakuk***, ***bakakok***, or ***bakakung*** is a type of indigenous [improvised firearm](/source/Improvised_firearm), a homemade [shotgun](/source/Shotgun) commonly used by the indigenous people of [Sabah](/source/Sabah) in Malaysian Borneo to hunt [wild animals](/source/Wildlife) within their ancestral lands and protect their [farms](/source/Farms).[2][3]

## Background and use

The *bakakuk* is a homemade close-range improvised firearm, commonly used by the indigenous in the interior part of Sabah since the period of [British North Borneo](/source/British_North_Borneo), mainly for the purposes of protecting indigenous farms and hunting wild animals, such as [wild boar](/source/Bornean_bearded_pig), [deer](/source/Bornean_yellow_muntjac), [tapir](/source/Tapir),[4][5] and birds.[6][7][8] It is considered common and "customary" in rural contexts among the indigenous community and the most easily available within their reach since the homemade guns are made by the villagers themselves at their homes and inexpensive, with costs for the making estimated between [RM](/source/Malaysian_ringgit)197 and RM1,184.85 ([US$](/source/United_States_dollar)50–US$300).[1] The weapon is used alongside other indigenous traditional hunting equipment of [blowpipes](/source/Blowgun) and [spear](/source/Spear).[9][10][11] Some indigenous villagers are experts in making the *bakakuk*, with some of their homemade manufactured versions being almost as good as factory-manufactured shotguns.[3]

## Design

It is constructed from iron pipes,[11] with nails, wooden pieces, bits of string, and tap heads.[3] With length measured from 45 centimetres (1.48 ft) to 65 centimetres (2.13 ft), [saw](/source/Saw) are traditionally used to made the main parts. The bullets can be either from shotgun [pellet](/source/Shot_(pellet)) ([12 bore bullet](/source/Shotgun_cartridge)),[12] [marble](/source/Marble_gun), or small iron ball.[13]

## Regulations

Since it is not legally registered, the *bakakuk* is considered an illegal firearm if unregistered or owned without a licence; local authorities often seize the weapon during enforcement operations.[3][14] There have been various incidents regarding its usage,[15] including by [poachers](/source/Poaching),[3] and the weapons are strictly regulated for indigenous farmers as well as plantation owners' usage for crop protection and [vermin](/source/Vermin) control [under the firearm laws](/source/Overview_of_gun_laws_by_nation) of Malaysia.[16][17] Offences related to the abuse of *bakakuk* are usually punishable with the [Arms Act 1960](/source/Arms_Act_1960) and Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971.[18][19] In 2015 alone, around 200 homemade *bakakuk* were confiscated by authorities during a statewide operation.[13]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENais199627_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENais199627_1-1) [Nais 1996](#CITEREFNais1996), p. 27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBarlocco201384_2-0)** [Barlocco 2013](#CITEREFBarlocco2013), p. 84.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-bakakuk_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-bakakuk_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-bakakuk_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-bakakuk_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-bakakuk_3-4) Raj, D. (4 August 2013). ["Bakakuk: A home-made killer"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170518170728/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2013/08/04/bakakuk-home-made-gun/). *The Star*. Archived from [the original](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2013/08/04/bakakuk-home-made-gun/) on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEEarl_of_CranbrookPiper2009491–507_4-0)** [Earl of Cranbrook & Piper 2009](#CITEREFEarl_of_CranbrookPiper2009), pp. 491–507.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["MNS: Tapir extinct in Sabah first"](https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/99739/mns-tapir-extinct-in-sabah-first/). *Daily Express*. 14 May 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260517032240/https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/99739/mns-tapir-extinct-in-sabah-first/) from the original on 17 May 2026. Retrieved 17 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ([C.Y. Chen et al. 1981](#CITEREFC.Y._ChenTeohYapP.T._Ong1981), p. 93)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPenerbit_UMS2007108_7-0)** [Penerbit UMS 2007](#CITEREFPenerbit_UMS2007), p. 108.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEIsmail2019156_8-0)** [Ismail 2019](#CITEREFIsmail2019), p. 156.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMadisah198616_9-0)** [Madisah 1986](#CITEREFMadisah1986), p. 16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPemborong_Inovasi200931_10-0)** [Pemborong Inovasi 2009](#CITEREFPemborong_Inovasi2009), p. 31.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERegisBaptist201260_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERegisBaptist201260_11-1) [Regis & Baptist 2012](#CITEREFRegisBaptist2012), p. 60.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Pemilikan bakakuk bukan budaya orang Sabah"](https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2019/07/06/pemilikan-bakakuk-bukan-budaya-orang-sabah) [Owning a bakakuk is not a Sabahan culture]. *Utusan Borneo* (in Malay). 6 July 2019. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260517023522/https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2019/07/06/pemilikan-bakakuk-bukan-budaya-orang-sabah) from the original on 17 May 2026. Retrieved 17 May 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-bakakuk_law_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-bakakuk_law_13-1) ["Undang-undang Bakakuk: Hukuman untuk Pemilik Senjata Buatan Sendiri"](https://www.boom-malaysia.com/undang-undang-bakakuk/) [Bakakuk Law: Punishment for Owners of Homemade Weapons]. *Boom Malaysia* (in Malay). 9 December 2025. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260517023026/https://www.boom-malaysia.com/undang-undang-bakakuk/) from the original on 17 May 2026. Retrieved 17 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Ladjana, Junaidi (9 January 2019). ["Sabah police takes aggressive approach to eliminate possession of 'bakakuk'"](https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/448652/sabah-police-takes-aggressive-approach-eliminate-possession-bakakuk). *New Straits Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260517015653/https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/448652/sabah-police-takes-aggressive-approach-eliminate-possession-bakakuk) from the original on 17 May 2026. Retrieved 17 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Pulis minamagakom papatayad, panagih dadah id 'Ops Tapis'"](https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/utusan-borneo-sabah/20171122/282179356386690) [Police describe arrests of drug addicts in 'Ops Tapis']. *Utusan Borneo* (in Central Dusun). 22 November 2017. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260517015100/https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/utusan-borneo-sabah/20171122/282179356386690) from the original on 17 May 2026. Retrieved 17 May 2026 – via PressReader.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["LAWS OF MALAYSIA \[Act 206\] ARMS ACT 1960"](https://www.moha.gov.my/utama/images/Bahagian%20Keselamatan%20dan%20Ketenteraman%20Awam/AKTA/SENJATA/ARMS%20ACT%201960.pdf) (PDF). *[Ministry of Home Affairs (Malaysia)](/source/Ministry_of_Home_Affairs_(Malaysia))*. 1960. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260517020847/https://www.moha.gov.my/utama/images/Bahagian%20Keselamatan%20dan%20Ketenteraman%20Awam/AKTA/SENJATA/ARMS%20ACT%201960.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 17 May 2026. Retrieved 17 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["LAWS OF MALAYSIA \[Act 37\] FIREARMS (INCREASED PENALTIES) ACT 1971"](https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Malaysia-Firearms-Increased-Penalties-Act-1971-eng.pdf) (PDF). *[International Commission of Jurists](/source/International_Commission_of_Jurists)*. 1971. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260209174427/https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Malaysia-Firearms-Increased-Penalties-Act-1971-eng.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 9 February 2026. Retrieved 17 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMallal2002330–331_18-0)** [Mallal 2002](#CITEREFMallal2002), pp. 330–331.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Zulkepli, Mohd Ruzaini (25 October 2017). ["Bakakuk seizures increase four fold: Sabah police"](https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2017/10/294846/bakakuk-seizures-increase-four-fold-sabah-police). *New Straits Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260517020042/https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2017/10/294846/bakakuk-seizures-increase-four-fold-sabah-police) from the original on 17 May 2026. Retrieved 17 May 2026.

### Bibliography

- C.Y. Chen, Paul; Teoh, S.T.; Yap, S.B.; P.T. Ong, Felicia; K.C. Chan, Michiel; Bent, Barbara; Fong, Thomas; C.C. Lee, Mary (1981). ["A NUTRITION STUDY OF THE INTERIOR, WEST COAST AND KUDAT DIVISIONS OF SABAH"](https://spm.um.edu.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/A-nutrition-study-of-the-interior-west-coast-and-Kudat-division-of-Sabah.pdf) (PDF). *Office of the Director of Medical Services, Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia with Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur*: 1–159. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250716230031/https://spm.um.edu.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/A-nutrition-study-of-the-interior-west-coast-and-Kudat-division-of-Sabah.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 16 July 2025.

- Madisah, Japuin (1986). [*Tatacara adat istiadat dan kebudayaan Kadazan*](https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=8AwsAAAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=bakakuk&q=bakakuk&hl=en&redir_esc=y) [*Kadazan customs and cultural procedures*] (in Malay). Sikuk Publication.

- Nais, Jamili (1996). [*Kinabalu Park and the Surrounding Indigenous Communities, Malaysia*](https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=AbwsAQAAMAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=bakakuk&q=bakakuk&hl=en&redir_esc=y). South-South Cooperation Programme on Environmentally Sound Socio-Economic Development in the Humid Tropics.

- Mallal, Bashir Ahmad (2002). [*The Malayan Law Journal*](https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=MgE-AQAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=bakakuk&q=bakakuk&hl=en&redir_esc=y). Malaya Publishing House Limited.

- [*Pluraliti etnik dan budaya di Sabah*](https://books.google.co.uk/books?newbks=0&redir_esc=y&id=XfGID3qG-yEC&dq=bakakuk+british&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=bakakuk) [*Ethnic and cultural pluralism in Sabah*] (in Malay). Penerbit UMS. 2007. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-983-2369-78-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-983-2369-78-3).

- ["BIRD AND LARGE MAMMAL SURVEY IN PIN SUPU FOREST RESERVE \[FINAL REPORT\]"](https://pinsupu.sabah.gov.my/images/publication/pin-supu-final-wildlife-survey-report-2009.pdf) (PDF). *Sabah Forestry Department* (Pinsupu Forest Reserve ed.): 1–55. 2009.

- [Earl of Cranbrook](/source/Gathorne_Gathorne-Hardy%2C_5th_Earl_of_Cranbrook); Piper, P. J. (2009). ["Borneo records of Malay tapir, Tapirus indicus Desmarest: a zooarchaeological and historical review"](https://doi.org/10.1002%2Foa.1015). *International Journal of Osteoarchaeology*. **19** (4) (New Approaches to Southeast Asian Zooarchaeology: Papers on the Vertebrate Fauna at Niah Caves, Sarawak, Borneo ed.): 491–507. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1002/oa.1015](https://doi.org/10.1002%2Foa.1015) – via [Wiley](/source/Wiley_(publisher)).

- Regis, Patricia; Baptist, Judeth John (2012). [*Food Heritage of Sabah: A Cultural Perspective*](https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IV1c3MUuEZ0C&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=bakakuk&q=bakakuk&hl=en&redir_esc=y). Department of National Heritage, Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture Malaysia. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-983-3862-19-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-983-3862-19-1).

- Barlocco, Fausto (4 December 2013). [*Identity and the State in Malaysia*](https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=mU9JAgAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA84&dq=bakakuk&hl=en&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=bakakuk&f=false). Routledge. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-317-93239-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-317-93239-0).

- Ismail, Ibrahim (10 May 2019). [*Murut: Design and Design Heritage*](https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=MHgvEAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA156&dq=bakakuk&hl=en&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=bakakuk&f=false). Universiti Malaysia Sabah Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-967-2166-43-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-967-2166-43-6).

v t e Malaysian traditional weapons and bladed tools Weapons of silat Swords (Pedang) and cutlasses (Kelewang) Buaya Berenang Cenangkas Felepet Kelantanese klewang Langgai tinggang Nyabor Pandat Parang Ilang Sundang Daggers (Belati) and knives (Pisau) Badik Dohong Keris Pisau Jam Pisau raut Sonak Udang Tumbok Lada Wali Choppers (Parang) and machetes (Golok) Buko Golok Kedah Golok Perak Golok Rembau Jimpul Parang Bongkok Parang Chandong Parang Ginah Parang Lading Parang Jengok Parang Latok Tangkin Impact weapons Tekpi Pole or spear weapons Lembing Tembung Flexible weapons Cambuk Cindai Miscellaneous weapons Bakakuk Kapak Kecil Kerambit Sumpit Tolor Armours and shields Baju Lamina Baju Rantai Klebit Bok Kliau Terabai

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Bakakuk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakakuk) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakakuk?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.