KUCHING, Sept 1 — Seventeen new state constituencies have been proposed across Sarawak under the Election Commission’s (EC) 2026 electoral boundary review, with Petra Jaya, Sibu, and Miri parliamentary constituencies each set to gain two new seats.
Under the proposed recommendations, Matang and Semarak would be created under Petra Jaya, while Sungai Merah and Bukit Kemuyang would come under Sibu.
Miri would also gain two new constituencies through the proposed Permaisuri and Tudan.
The other proposed new state seats are Jagoi (Mas Gading), Pasir Pandak (Santubong), Tabuan Jaya (Bandar Kuching), Maong (Stampin), Samarindah (Kota Samarahan), and Sungai Serin (Puncak Borneo).
In central Sarawak, the existing Igan parliamentary constituency would be renamed Batang Lassa, while Igan would become a new state constituency under it.
The remaining proposed new constituencies are Tanah Mas (Lanang), Melekun (Kapit), Batu Niah (Bintulu), and Usun Apau (Baram).
The proposals are contained in the EC’s Notice of Proposed Recommendations for Federal and State Constituencies in the State of Sarawak, issued under Clause (2) of Article 113 of the Federal Constitution.
In addition, the EC has proposed changes to the names of 10 state constituencies.
They include Opar to Serayan, Tasik Biru to Singai, Tarat to Bung Sadung, Semop to Muara Lassa, and Jemoreng to Matu.
Also proposed are Bawang Assan to Rassau, Jepak to Jepak Jaya, Lambir to Pantai Beraya, Senadin to Lopeng, and Ba Kelalan to Gunong Murud.
The proposed new constituencies and name changes form part of the EC’s recommendations following its review of Sarawak’s federal and state constituency boundaries.
The proposed recommendations and draft constituencies plan will be available for public inspection from Sept 1-30 during normal office hours at locations specified in the notice.
Representations concerning the proposals may be made to the EC within one month after the date of publication of the notice. — The Borneo Post
