The Land of the Hornbills and Malaysia’s Largest, Most Culturally Diverse State
Sarawak — located on the island of Borneo — is Malaysia’s largest state, known for its ancient rainforests, indigenous tribes, thriving cities, world-class caves, and unique autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). With over 40 ethnic groups, Sarawak is one of the most culturally diverse places in Southeast Asia.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Sarawak has a dramatic history involving tribal kingdoms, the White Rajahs, colonial rule, and the formation of modern Malaysia.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Pre-15th century | Tribal kingdoms of Dayak, Iban, Bidayuh & Orang Ulu |
| 1841 | James Brooke becomes the first “White Rajah” |
| 1841–1946 | Brooke Dynasty rules Sarawak |
| 1946 | Sarawak becomes a British Crown Colony |
| 1963 | Joins Malaysia under MA63 (with Sabah & Singapore) |
| 2010s–2020s | Rapid development & enhanced autonomy rights |
Sarawak enjoys special legal and immigration autonomy not found in Peninsular Malaysia.
🧭 Basic State Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Sarawak |
| Capital | Kuching |
| Largest Cities | Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu |
| Governor (TYT) 2025 | Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud |
| Premier of Sarawak | Abang Johari Openg |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~2.9 million |
| Area | 124,450 sq km (Largest in Malaysia) |
| Time Zone | UTC +8 |
| Main Languages | Malay, English, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Chinese dialects |
| ISO Code | MY-13 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
Sarawak has more autonomy than other Malaysian states (similar to Sabah):
Own immigration control
Own laws on land, religion, and natural resources
Premier instead of Chief Minister
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Governor | Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud |
| Premier | Abang Johari Openg |
| State Legislature | Sarawak State Legislative Assembly |
| Local Authorities | 26 councils & city halls |
Sarawak’s administrative structure is more decentralized than Peninsular Malaysia.
🗺️ Administrative Divisions of Sarawak
Sarawak is divided into 12 administrative divisions:
| Division | Major Towns |
|---|---|
| Kuching Division | Kuching, Bau |
| Samarahan Division | Kota Samarahan |
| Serian Division | Serian |
| Sri Aman Division | Sri Aman |
| Betong Division | Betong |
| Sarikei Division | Sarikei |
| Sibu Division | Sibu |
| Mukah Division | Mukah |
| Bintulu Division | Bintulu |
| Kapit Division | Kapit |
| Miri Division | Miri |
| Limbang Division | Limbang, Lawas |
Each division includes several districts spread across mountainous, coastal, and riverine landscapes.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Region: Northern Borneo
Borders: Indonesia (Kalimantan), Brunei, Sabah
Coastline: South China Sea
Natural Wonders:
Mulu Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Gunung Mulu National Park
Bako National Park
Batang Rajang (Longest river in Malaysia)
Santubong & Damai beaches
Orangutan sanctuaries
Gunung Murud (highest mountain in Sarawak)
Sarawak is famous for dense rainforests, mountains, rivers, and rich biodiversity.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Sarawak has three levels of councils:
City Halls (Kuching North, Kuching South)
Municipal Councils (Sibu, Miri, Bintulu)
District Councils (in rural areas)
These manage land, development, trade licenses, and the unique forest-based economy.
🧩 State Development & Priorities
Sarawak focuses on:
Renewable energy (hydropower: Bakun, Murum, Baleh dams)
Digital economy & smart governance
Tourism & eco-tourism
Indigenous community empowerment
Oil & gas industry
Agriculture modernization
Pan Borneo Highway expansion
Sarawak leads Malaysia in green energy and digital transformation under its Digital Economy Blueprint.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| PDRM Sarawak | State policing |
| Forest Rangers | Rainforest protection |
| Marine Police | Coastal security |
| Immigration Sarawak | Autonomous immigration checks |
| Wildlife Authorities | Orangutan, hornbill & protected species conservation |
Border and environmental safety are high priorities.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
Sarawak is one of the most diverse regions in Asia.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, tribal beliefs |
| Main Ethnic Groups | Iban, Bidayuh, Dayak, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Malay, Melanau |
| Languages | Iban, Bidayuh, Kenyah, Kayan, Penan, Malay, English |
| Key Festivals | Gawai Dayak, Christmas, Hari Raya, Chap Goh Mei |
Sarawak is known as:
The Land of the Hornbill
Home of Gawai Dayak, the major harvest festival
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Energy | Hydropower leader in Malaysia |
| Oil & Gas | Offshore reserves in Bintulu & Miri |
| Forestry | Timber, plants, tropical hardwoods |
| Agriculture | Pepper, rice, fruit, livestock |
| Tourism | Mulu Caves, Bako, wildlife sanctuaries |
| Industry | Samalaju Industrial Park |
Sarawak plays a key role in Malaysia’s energy and natural resource economy.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Swinburne Sarawak |
| Colleges | Politeknik Kuching, UiTM Sarawak |
| Major Hospitals | Sarawak General Hospital, Miri Hospital |
Sarawak is improving rural healthcare and educational access.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| International Airports | Kuching, Miri |
| Domestic Airports | Sibu, Bintulu, Limbang |
| Roads | Pan Borneo Highway |
| Rivers | Extensive river transport inland |
| Ports | Kuching Port, Bintulu Port |
Due to vast forests, river transport remains essential in rural areas.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Gunung Mulu National Park (UNESCO)
Sarawak Cultural Village
Semenggoh Orangutan Centre
Bario Highlands
Bako National Park
Santubong Mountain
Kuching Waterfront
Niah Caves
Sarawak is famous for its caves, rainforests, wildlife, and cultural festivals.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
UNESCO World Heritage leader
Major contributor to Malaysia Agreement 1963
Global eco-tourism destination
Energy exporter (hydropower & gas)
📝 Summary
Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest and most culturally diverse state, offering unmatched natural beauty, indigenous traditions, and modern development. From majestic caves to ancient forests, Sarawak is a global treasure with rising economic influence.
📢 News & Articles
“Sarawak’s Renewable Energy Transformation”
“Exploring Mulu: World’s Largest Cave Chamber”
“Gawai Dayak: Celebration of Heritage & Harvest”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, providing structured, educational, and globally relevant information.