Sarawak Civil Service to strengthen capacity, infrastructure in 2026

KUCHING (Jan 14): The Sarawak Civil Service will place strong emphasis this year on strengthening institutional capacity and administrative infrastructure to foster a high-performance work culture.

State secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki expressed confidence that, with a shared vision and strong cooperation, the Sarawak Civil Service would continue to play a vital role in a progressive and prosperous Sarawak.

He said this when delivering his welcoming remarks at the Sarawak Premier’s Address ceremony held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Tuesday.

Among the high-impact projects highlighted was the Leadership Institute of the Sarawak Civil Service (LISCS) campus, which is set to become an iconic hub for public sector talent development.

He also said the Integrated Government Administrative Centres in Bintulu, Limbang and Lawas are expected to be completed and operational this year.

“Several district and sub-district offices, including those in Selangau, Song, Bukit Mabong, Subis, Matu and Oya, have been completed and are already operational.

“Meanwhile, the Lundu District Office and Sungai Asap Sub-District Office are expected to be completed this year.

“In addition, construction is ongoing for district offices in Pusa and Kabong, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving working environments for civil servants, particularly in rural areas,” he added.

Abu Bakar said the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) places strong emphasis on public service development in Sarawak, with 35 new projects approved.

“These include 21 district offices, 11 sub-district offices and three Integrated Government Administrative Centres in Samarahan, Miri and Sibu.

“The Samarahan project is currently at the design stage and is expected to commence construction this year,” he added.

He also revealed that 66 sites have been identified statewide for the development of government quarters de, with 10 sites expected to begin development in the initial phase.

“The quarters will be equipped with security systems, recreational facilities and prayer rooms, and may also be used as temporary accommodation for federal officers when needed.”

Abu Bakar said Sarawak’s progress since 2017 reflects bold leadership, a clear vision and sustained commitment to development, adding that the theme ‘Nine Glorious Years’ reflects the state’s dynamic transformation across multiple phases of development under the leadership of the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He noted that about 5,300 participants, comprising political leaders, senior civil servants, community leaders, private sector representatives, students and industry players, attended the event, which was also livestreamed to civil servants throughout Sarawak.

The annual Sarawak Premier’s Address, he added, serves as an important platform for outlining the state’s aspirations and strategic direction as Sarawak advances towards becoming a developed region by 2030.

Reflecting on recent years, Abu Bakar said that while 2025 brought both challenges and successes, the experiences had strengthened the state and provided valuable lessons for the future.

“However, achievements should not be seen as the final measure of service to the people.

“We must continue to improve the quality and effectiveness of service delivery,” he stressed.

He added that Sarawak’s journey over the past nine years had been marked by transformative achievements, with the state emerging as a regional leader in green energy and the hydrogen economy.

Unity, innovation, collaboration and disciplined delivery, he said, will be crucial as Sarawak faces future challenges.

Abu Bakar also extended his congratulations to Abang Johari on the ninth anniversary of his administration, expressing hope that Sarawak would continue to flourish in the years ahead.