Samarahan Division is one of Sarawak’s newest and fastest-developing administrative divisions, widely known as the “Education and Health Hub” of the state. With top universities, medical research centers, and upcoming infrastructure, Samarahan has emerged as a future-focused region supporting Sarawak’s digital and knowledge economy.
Formation & Historical Background
Originally part of Kuching Division
Declared a separate division in 2002
Strategically developed as a university and medical research cluster
Historically inhabited by Malay and Bidayuh communities, with a growing urban population
Basic Information
Category
Details
Division Name
Samarahan Division
State
Sarawak
Division Center
Kota Samarahan
Area
Approx. 4,967 sq. km
Population (2025 est.)
Approx. 280,000+
Main Ethnic Groups
Malay, Bidayuh, Iban, Chinese
Districts in Samarahan Division (3 total)
District Name
Administrative Town
Known For
Samarahan
Kota Samarahan
Universities, medical centers, housing estates
Asajaya
Asajaya Town
Agriculture, palm oil, and fishing
Simunjan
Simunjan Town
Rural communities, pepper, and sago farming
Local Governance & Representation
Position / Role
Name (2025 est.)
Remarks
Resident (Commissioner)
Puan Noraini binti Hussin
Oversees divisional development
District Officers
Present in all 3 districts
Coordinate infrastructure, agriculture, education
MPs & ADUNs
Represent multiple constituencies
Focus on rural-urban development, tech economy
Key Features & Attractions
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) – Main public university
Sarawak Heart Centre (IJN branch) – Advanced cardiac and health services
INTAN Sarawak – Government training and leadership center
Samarahan Medical Research Hub – Biomedical innovation projects
Riverbanks & Malay Kampungs – Traditional living, cultural charm
Taman Samarindah & Kota Samarahan Mall – Urban lifestyle centers
Economy & Livelihood
Education Sector:
Universities, training institutes, digital startups
Medical & Research:
Specialist hospitals and labs driving bio-tech innovation
Agriculture:
Pepper, paddy, coconut, and aquaculture (especially in Asajaya, Simunjan)
Real Estate & Commerce:
New housing areas, retail growth, and connectivity development
Transport & Connectivity
Connected to Kuching via Samarahan Expressway & Coastal Road Network
Local buses and e-hailing services between educational hubs and housing areas
Road upgrades ongoing under Sarawak Metro Project (ART) initiative
Waterways used in Asajaya and Simunjan for goods transport
Education & Healthcare
UNIMAS, IPG Tun Abdul Razak, UiTM Sarawak
Sarawak Heart Centre (IJN), Kota Samarahan Health Clinic
Modern primary and secondary schools in all districts
Private colleges, MARA and vocational training centers
Culture & Local Cuisine
Predominantly Malay and Bidayuh culture, with Islamic educational influence
Gawai Dayak (harvest festival), Maulidur Rasul parades, Kampung Open Houses
Summary
Samarahan Division is Sarawak’s educational and biomedical frontier—a place where knowledge grows beside rivers, and innovation takes root within communities. From academic excellence to cultural harmony, Samarahan is building the future of smart Sarawak.
