KUCHING: The Election Commission (EC) has displayed a notice proposing the creation of 17 new state constituencies.
It has also proposed the renaming of 10 state constituencies and one federal constituency in Sarawak.
The notice, displayed until Sept 30 at several district offices throughout the state, allows members of the public to submit objections to the proposed electoral boundary changes.
It was also published in local dailies yesterday.
According to the notice, the proposals are based on the EC’s review of how Sarawak is divided into federal and state constituencies, as outlined in Clause (2) of Article 113 of the Federal Constitution.
The proposed changes would increase the number of Sarawak state constituencies from 82 to 99, subject to the completion of the electoral review process, Bernama reported.
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 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.
