The Mat Salleh Rebellion, which erupted in the late 19th century, was a significant armed uprising against British colonial rule in North Borneo, particularly in the Kudat region. Datu Muhammad Salleh emerged as a notable leader of this movement, rallying various local communities against the imposition of foreign control and the exploitation of their resources. His efforts aimed to unify the local populace in response to injustices faced under British colonial practices, such as unfair taxation and land appropriation. The rebellion garnered considerable support among indigenous groups, escalating tensions with British authorities.

In Kampung Teboh, Tambunan, a decisive confrontation took place, leading to the fatal shooting of Datu Muhammad Salleh. This incident occurred during a larger military operation by British forces aimed at quelling the insurrection. Salleh's death not only extinguished the immediate leadership of the rebellion but also symbolized the disintegration of organized resistance against colonial power in North Borneo. Following his demise, British authorities intensified their campaign against the remaining rebels, effectively dismantling the uprising's structure and further consolidating their control over the region.

The death of Salleh is often viewed as the end of an era for indigenous resistance in Borneo, paving the way for the establishment of more direct colonial administration. The repercussions of this event continued to shape the socio-political landscape of North Borneo, influencing future interactions between colonial powers and indigenous populations.