Sarawak Ombudsman complaint app in development as body goes fully operational to strengthen integrity oversight

Abang Johari (centre) receiving a courtesy visit from Juanda (second right) along with Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki at the Premier's Department in Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex on May 15, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 15: A new complaint application is currently being developed in collaboration with Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) to make it easier for the public to lodge reports on alleged maladministration within Sarawak’s public service in the future.

Sarawak has marked another historic milestone as the Sarawak Ombudsman is now fully operational to carry out its checks-and-balances role over the administration of State government agencies and government-linked entities.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, emphasised that the full operational status of the body reflects the Sarawak government’s strong commitment to enhancing integrity, accountability, and good governance.

He said a courtesy visit by five members of the Sarawak Ombudsman to the Premier of Sarawak was held to inform him that the body has met the minimum membership requirement as stipulated under the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance.

“This is a historic moment for Sarawak because we are the only region in Malaysia with its own Ombudsman.

“With full operations in place, the Sarawak Ombudsman will review and monitor the management and administration of state government agencies, local authorities (PBT), statutory bodies, state-owned companies (GLCs), and any agency receiving emoluments from the state government,” he explained when met by the media after the courtesy visit to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Premier’s Office at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex today.

He also noted that the Sarawak Legislative Assembly had recently approved the establishment of a Special Select Committee to scrutinise the Ombudsman’s annual report, which will be tabled in the upcoming sitting.

The committee, he said, will ensure that all recommendations and findings made by the Ombudsman are fully acted upon by the relevant agencies.

On public feedback, he revealed that 67 complaints have been received after the Ombudsman’s screening process.
Some of the complaints, he said, were unsubstantiated allegations, while others involved criminal elements and corruption, which have been referred to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“We focus on maladministration issues involving State agencies, local authorities, statutory bodies, and Sarawak GLCs,” he said.

He urged members of the public who encounter cases of maladministration to come forward with relevant evidence and information when lodging complaints.

He added that complainants’ identities will be kept strictly confidential, and reports can be submitted via letter, email, or the official Sarawak Ombudsman website.

Juanda said the establishment of the Ombudsman is aimed at strengthening integrity, accountability, and the rule of law in Sarawak.

“We want international investors to have confidence in Sarawak’s administrative system, as strong governance and integrity are key to attracting investment,” he added. — DayakDaily