Sarawak to establish own space agency

Abang Johari said the agency would be the main coordinating entity responsible for planning, forging partnerships, and developing local capabilities.

“Apart from that, the Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council has been established to provide strategic direction and comprehensive guidance in driving the establishment of Sarawak’s aerospace sector,” Bernama reported him as saying at the Sarawak assembly.

He said Sarawak was also targeting the launch of its first nanosatellite by 2030 using CubeSat platforms, which involve the use of small satellites for real-time data, and earth observation.

“Sarawak will have the capability to develop its own satellite system for earth imagery, geolocation and strategic information, for planning, environmental monitoring and resource management,” he said.

Separately, Abang Johari said AirBorneo was being developed in phases, with phase one focussing on consolidating public service obligation operations to serve rural routes within Sabah and Sarawak.

He said phase two would see AirBorneo expand into strategic domestic and regional commercial routes based on market demand and aircraft availability.

“For its initial jet operations, AirBorneo plans to launch services on selected routes from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Jakarta and Singapore by July 2026.

“It is our vision to connect Sarawak to the major towns and cities of Borneo. Through direct air links, AirBorneo will improve accessibility for Sarawakians, investors and tourists, while creating new avenues for trade, investment and tourism,” he said.