2025: A year of historic firsts in Sarawak’s education, infrastructure and governance

YEAR 2025 is considered a watershed moment for Sarawak, defined by a series of historic ‘firsts’ out to reshape the state’s socio-economic, governance and development landscape.

From the landmark labour reforms and education initiatives to the establishment of a state-owned airline and major infrastructure commitments, the year reflects a decisive shift towards people-centric policies, economic empowerment and greater state autonomy.

Let us look back at the most significant announcements, policy decisions and legislative milestones that defined Sarawak in 2025.

FTES: A legacy for the youths

The long-anticipated Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) became a reality in 2025, fulfilling a promise first outlined in Sarawak Budget 2023.

The proposal received formal Cabinet approval on March 20, followed by an initial allocation of RM250 million for its first phase, announced during the tabling of Sarawak Budget 2026.

The FTES fully covers tuition fees at Sarawak-owned tertiary institutions, namely Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak in Kuching, Curtin University Malaysia in Miri, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) in Sibu, and i-CATS University College in Kuching.

On Dec 18, the initiative was officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who described it as a “historic step in preparing Sarawak’s next generation of skilled professionals”.

“Sarawak aims to become a regional influencer in Asean, empowering talented students to pursue university education free of charge,” he said at the time.

Abang Johari highlighted the scheme’s inclusivity, noting it would benefit students from families who might lack the financial means to continue their education, including children of fishermen, farmers, and B40 (low-income) households.

Under the first intake, 4,693 students would pursue 64 fully funded courses in high-growth fields like robotics, cybersecurity, and medicine.

Additionally, students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below would receive an annual living allowance of RM15,000.

The initiative would make Sarawak the first state in Malaysia to offer free tertiary education to its citizens.

Infrastructure: New airport, deep-sea port

In early 2025, Sarawak unveiled a RM100 billion infrastructure master plan to establish a world-class logistics and aerospace ecosystem.

On Jan 19, Abang Johari announced Tanjung Embang as the site for the new Kuching International Airport (KIA).

“The new airport is expected to accommodate more than 15 million passengers annually, and will feature an integrated terminal layout to optimise efficiency and collaboration across the aviation industry,” he said.

The Premier added that the new KIA would be modelled after Doha’s Hamad International Airport in Qatar, featuring world-class facilities and services.

Plans were also announced for a deep-sea port to be built on an artificial island, complete with a state-of-the-art gas terminal to be operated by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).

Abang Johari stated that the port could be located about 8km offshore, in the waters between 15m and 20m deep, positioning it as a regional marine and logistics hub.

He stressed that the project would be critical in overcoming Sarawak’s geographical limitations, noting that shallow waters near existing ports restricted the entry of large vessels; thereby, constraining trade capacity.

The deep-sea port, he said, would ‘future-proof’ Sarawak’s import and export capabilities.

Aviation: Rise of AirBorneo

Sarawak’s pursuit of aviation autonomy reached a major milestone on Feb 12, when the state signed a sale and purchase agreement with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) to acquire 100 per cent ownership of MASwings.

Abang Johari said that the takeover would also include MASwings’ assets in Sabah.

“MASwings did propose to get new aircraft with new cabin configuration, so we will be taking over this new fleet as well.

“It’s the whole package, and it will be a fresh start for us and there is no liability,” he said.

The airline was subsequently rebranded as AirBorneo, symbolising Sarawak’s ambition to take greater control of its air connectivity.

On Aug 21, the airline unveiled its ‘Wings of Unity’ logo, featuring a stylised hornbill in state colours.

On Dec 10, AirBorneo officially launched its website and opened ticket sales, marking the operational debut of Sarawak’s own airline and a new chapter in regional aviation connectivity.

Labour reform: Parity for Sarawakian workers

A new era for workers began on May 1 this year, when the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) officially came into effect.

Although the Sarawak government had earlier granted in-principle approval, the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Bill 2024 was formally tabled and passed in the Dewan Rakyat in December last year.

The implementation of the amendments aligned Sarawak’s labour framework with international standards and the Employment Act applicable in Peninsular Malaysia.

One of the most significant changes was the removal of the RM2,500 wage threshold, extending statutory protection to all employees including professionals, managers and executives.

The key provisions included a reduction of the maximum working week from 48 to 45 hours.

Family-related protections were significantly enhanced, with maternity leave extended from 60 to 98 days and, for the first time, the introduction of seven days of paid paternity leave.

Furthermore, reflecting post-pandemic workplace realities, the reforms also established a legal right for employees to request flexible working arrangements.

Abang Johari described the SLO reforms as a “historic step towards building a modern and inclusive labour ecosystem in the state”.

“For too long, our workers have faced inconsistencies and gaps in protection. These reforms ensure that every employee, regardless of industry or employment type, enjoys the dignity and rights they deserve,” he said.

DUN expansion: 82 to 99 seats

Beyond labour reforms, 2025 also recorded significant changes to Sarawak’s political landscape.

In a move to ensure equitable representation, the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 was passed by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sarawak on July 7.

Tabled by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Bill to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99 received overwhelming support, with 80 of the 82 assemblymen voting in favour.

Abdul Karim emphasised the expansion as being vital to address Sarawak’s rapidly shifting demographics, urban growth, and the increasing demand for equitable representation.

“The DUN must remain dynamic and responsive to these shifts. This is not merely a matter of numbers; it is about ensuring Sarawakians are well-represented and well-served.

“It is a constitutional exercise conducted in the spirit of justice,” said Abdul Karim.

The new composition came into force on Aug 8, triggering a redelineation exercise by the Election Commission (EC) ahead of the next state election.

Cabinet restructuring for a green future

To manage these expanding responsibilities, the DUN passed the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2025 on Nov 24, increasing the maximum number of cabinet ministers from 11 to 15.

The expansion was catalysed by the earlier increase in DUN seats, with Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar noting that the growing scale of state responsibilities made a larger Cabinet a practical necessity.

“The ever-expanding tasks of the Cabinet require an increase in personnel. Currently, some ministers oversee two or even three portfolios.

“Splitting these responsibilities will ensure more focused governance,” Mohamad Asfia said.

During the debate, which recorded support from 74 members, Abdul Karim noted that Sarawak’s leadership landscape had evolved significantly since the last constitutional amendment in 1995.

He also highlighted the need for specialised ministries to manage emerging high-growth sectors such as Green and Renewable Energy, Carbon Trading and Environmental Management, as well as Digital Economy and Advanced Tourism.

“Thirty years ago, these topics weren’t on the table. Today, they demand dedicated focus,” said Abdul Karim.

He hailed the amendment as an “enabling provision” that grants the Premier the discretion to appoint up to four additional ministers as needed to “future-proof” Sarawak’s policy delivery.