Election Commission proposes 17 additional state seats in Sarawak

Sarawak’s state assembly could grow from 82 seats to 99 under a proposal from Malaysia’s Election Commission. The commission also recommended changing the names of 10 state constituencies and one parliamentary constituency, but proposed no increase in Sarawak’s parliamentary seats.

The recommendations form part of a review of federal and state electoral boundaries in Sarawak. Election Commission Secretary Khairul Shahril Idrus said the review follows Article 113(2) of the Federal Constitution and takes into account the 2025 State Legislative Assembly Membership Composition Ordinance, which came into force on August 8 last year.

The proposed new state constituencies are Jagoi, Pasir Pandak, Matang, Semarak, Tabuan Jaya, Maong, Samarindah, Sungai Serin, Igan, Tanah Mas, Sungai Merah, Bukit Kemuyang, Melekun, Batu Niah, Permaisuri, Tudan and Usun Apau.

The commission proposed renaming Opar as Serayan, Tasik Biru as Singai, Tarat as Bung Sadung, Semop as Muara Lassa, Jemoreng as Matu, Bawang Assan as Rassau, Jepak as Jepak Jaya, Lambir as Pantai Beraya, Senadin as Lopeng and Ba’kelalan as Gunong Murud. It also proposed renaming the Igan parliamentary constituency Batang Lassa.

The recommendations will be displayed from September 1 through September 30 so residents can inspect them and submit objections. Details and draft maps are available through gazettes, the Utusan Borneo and The Borneo Post, and the Election Commission’s online portal. The commission must complete the review within two years of the notice being gazetted.