Boat, aerial and interview surveys, and site investigations on stranded or trapped dugongs in Sabah and Sarawak are funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment IRPA Grant No. 08-02-10-0010 “An integrated study of marine mammals and whale shark in the Malaysian Exclusive Economic Zone”. We extend our gratitude to the Department of Wildlife Sabah, Department of Fisheries Sabah, Sabah Parks, National Park and Wildlife Division, Sarawak Forest Department, Royal Malaysian Police, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, District Offices in Sabah and Sarawak, Sabah Flying Club (Capt. Richard Ong), Department of Fisheries W.P Labuan, Department of Marine Fisheries Sarawak, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia, KO-NELAYAN, SAFMA, Capt. Jabdar Abd. Sahar and crews of UMS GALAXEA. A number of observers and assistants (Mr. Oswald B. Tisen, Mr. Edward Tangon, Mr. Irman Isnain, Mr. James Bali, Mr. Syuhaime A. Ali, Mr. Cornel J. Miji, Ms. Josephine M. Regip, Ms. Rahas Bilang, Ms. Josephine E. Sumpong, Ms. Ardiyante Ayadali, Mr. Mohamad Kasyfullah Zaini, Ms. Yohanna Tashi Jailani, Ms. Leela Rajamani, Mr. Roslan Wahed, Mr. Taib Jainuddin, Mr. Sabri Saini, Mr. Abu Seman Ulat, Mr. Abdul Majid Mat Amin, Mr. Julaini Omar, Mr. Karim Aban, Mr. Jeloo Sigit and Mr Samidin Kawi) who helped with this work. We are grateful to them. Special thanks are due to many village headmen, fishermen, ‘pawangs’ and coastal villagers who have relayed to us precious information on incidental catches, huntings and their beliefs and myths toward dugongs. Particular thanks are due to fellow BMRI-UMS lecturers and anonymous reviewers for comments on the manuscript.