EC PROPOSES 17 NEW SARAWAK STATE CONSTITUENCIES, 11 RENAMINGS

01/09/2026 01:50 PM

KUCHING, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- The Election Commission (EC) today displayed a notice proposing the creation of 17 new state constituencies and the renaming of 10 state and one federal constituency in Sarawak.

The notice, displayed until Sept 30 at several district offices throughout Sarawak, allows members of the public to submit objections to the proposed electoral boundary changes. It was also published today in local newspapers Utusan Borneo and Borneo Post.

According to the notice, the proposals follow the EC's review, conducted under Clause (2) of Article 113 of the Federal Constitution, of Sarawak's division into federal and state constituencies.

The proposed changes would increase the number of Sarawak state constituencies from 82 to 99, subject to the completion of the electoral review process.

The 17 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 10 state constituencies proposed for renaming are Serayan (formerly Opar), Singai (formerly Tasik Biru), Bung Sadung (formerly Tarat), Muara Lassa (formerly Semop), Matu (formerly Jemoreng), Rassau (formerly Bawang Assan), Jepak Jaya (formerly Jepak), Pantai Beraya (formerly Lambir), Lopeng (formerly Senadin) and Gunong Murud (formerly Ba’kelalan).

At the federal level, Batang Lassa has been proposed as the new name for the parliamentary constituency currently known as Igan.

The proposed addition of 17 state seats follows the Sarawak Legislative Assembly's passage in July last year of the State Legislative Assembly (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025, which provides for the increase from 82 to 99 seats.

The Sarawak state government's current mandate expires in February 2027.

-- BERNAMA