The Election Commission (EC) of Malaysia proposed on September 1, 2026, to create 17 new state constituencies in Sarawak, raising the total from 82 to 99 seats [1, 2, 3, 4]. The new constituencies include 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 [1, 2, 4]. Alongside this, the EC proposed renaming 10 existing state constituencies: Serayan (formerly Opar), Singai (Tasik Biru), Bung Sadung (Tarat), Muara Lassa (Semop), Matu (Jemoreng), Rassau (Bawang Assan), Jepak Jaya (Jepak), Pantai Beraya (Lambir), Lopeng (Senadin), and Gunong Murud (Ba’kelalan) [1, 2, 4]. It also proposed renaming one federal parliamentary constituency, Igan, to Batang Lassa, though the total federal seats in Sarawak remain at 31 [1, 2, 3, 4].
These proposals follow the Sarawak Legislative Assembly’s July 2025 passage of a bill allowing the state seats to increase from 82 to 99 [1, 2]. The EC made the proposals under Clause (2) of Article 113 of the Federal Constitution [1, 2, 3, 4]. A public notice was displayed by the EC on September 1, 2026, initiating a one-month objection period ending September 30, 2026. Relevant materials were made available at district offices and online for public review [1, 2, 3, 4].
The Sarawak state government’s current mandate is set to expire in February 2027 [1, 2]. The re-delineation and renaming of constituencies will affect the next state election scheduled before or around that time.
