Sarawak tops 2025 National Unity Index, reflecting strong social cohesion, says minister

SIBU (March 7): Sarawak recorded the highest score in the country’s 2025 National Unity Index (IPNas), reflecting strong social cohesion among its diverse communities.

National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said the latest IPNas report is the third national study conducted to measure the level of unity among Malaysians.

He added that the findings showed Sarawak achieved the highest unity score among the four regions in the country.

“Based on the 2025 National Unity Index, Sarawak recorded the highest level of unity with an index score of 0.791, which reflects the strong inter-ethnic relationships and high level of tolerance among the people here,” he told reporters at the Gerak Rahmah: Jom Masak Bubur Lambuk Perpaduan Sarawak 2026 programme at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here.

However, he noted that in the ranking by individual states, Pahang recorded a higher score, while Sarawak was placed third overall.

Aaron said the IPNas findings also showed a steady improvement in national unity over the years, with the index rising from 0.567 in 2018 to 0.629 in 2022, and further to 0.701 in 2025.

The Kanowit MP said the index serves as an important reference for the government in assessing social cohesion and planning targeted programmes to further strengthen unity in the country.

On the Gerak Rahmah programme, Aaron said it involved collaboration between various federal and state government agencies, with active participation from local communities, including Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) in the Sibu Division.

He added that more than 5,000 containers of bubur lambuk were prepared and distributed to visitors attending the programme.

He said such initiatives help strengthen community ties through gotong-royong activities and interactions among people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Also present was Department of National Unity and Integration Director-General Zulkifli Hashim.