Introduction:Dermatoglyphics have been used extensively to characterize populations, analyse the nature and origin of human variation and population structure and evaluate the micro-differentiation of populations. Dermato-glyphics is considered as a sensitive indicator of intrauterine anomalies and known to be one of the best available diagnostic tools in genetic disorders. KadazanDusun and Bajau are the major ethnic groups of Sabah. The aim of the study was to study the distribution of fingerprint patterns on different digits in these two ethnicities of Sabah and to find if any variation occurs in fingerprint pattern qualitatively between these ethnicities. Methods: This cross-section-al study was conducted from March’ 2016 to February’ 2018 at different villages of Kudat, Ranau, Kota Belud, Kota Kinabalu and Papar, Sabah. After obtaining informed consent 400 persons (KadazanDusun 250, Bajau 150) were included in this study by stratified random sampling. Demographic data and history of present and past illness were obtained from each subject through a valid questionnaire. Finger and palm prints were photographed using Nikon D5200 camera and later were grouped into different types manually. Results: There were 205 female and 195 male participants in the study. Among the three types of fingerprints, whorls were more abundant (>50%) in the thumbs, index, ring and little fingers whereas loops were observed more (>55%) in the middle fingers. The arches were the least (0-3%) observed pattern in all the fingers. The dermatoglyphic pattern of right and left index fingers were only significantly different (p0.05) difference in respect of left and right hands and gender. Conclusion: The study findings would serve as a baseline data for further studies to develop data base of the dermatoglyphic pattern of major ethnic groups of Sabah which would facilitate non-invasive diagnosis of congenital anomalies and various genetic disorders.