BINTULU: The Sarawak Government is spearheading the development of nano satellites in the form of CubeSats to strengthen land survey operations and future development planning in the state.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said nano satellite technology is increasingly seen as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative for obtaining geospatial data directly from low Earth orbit.

According to him, the cost of producing conventional satellites in Europe is estimated at between €300 million and €500 million, whereas nano satellites, including CubeSats, cost only between €500,000 and €700,000.

“With this technology, Sarawak is capable of producing its own nano satellites to support mapping activities and data storage in low Earth orbit,” he said when speaking at the Land and Survey (LANDAS) Summit 2026, here on Monday.

The Sarawak Premier stressed that data obtained through nano satellites will be used to enhance the state’s economic and spatial planning, particularly in land management, infrastructure development and sustainable growth.

“Data from low Earth orbit will enable land surveying works to be carried out more quickly, accurately and in an integrated manner, providing a clear picture of Sarawak’s physical landscape,” he said.

He also commended the Land and Survey Department Sarawak for its progress in adopting technology and digital data collection, and emphasised the importance of integrating the state’s land information systems with nano satellite technology.

The nano satellite initiative is also aligned with the use of satellite data in modern agriculture, high-technology industries, the digital economy, as well as urban and rural planning under the state’s 2030 development strategy.

The Sarawak Premier added that the state government is committed to positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in small satellite technology within ASEAN, while opening up opportunities for researchers, academics and the private sector to collaborate in the development and application of nano satellite technology.

The recently launched Land and Survey Department Sarawak Strategic Plan 2026–2030 also incorporates initiatives involving the use of space technology to accelerate mapping works, data analysis and the development of higher-quality information systems.

Meanwhile, the event also witnessed the launch of the Premier of Sarawak Hall at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, symbolising the strategic relationship between the state government and academic institutions in the fields of geospatial studies, remote sensing and space technology.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak Datu Abdullah Julaihi, Bintulu Division Resident Datu Nyurak Keti, Land and Survey Department Sarawak Director Datu Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood and other dignitaries. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Firdaus Materang
Photo: Jemat
Translator: Nerissa Sia