By Amanda L
KUCHING, Sept 24: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called for geospatial data across State agencies to be integrated into a single trusted ecosystem to support faster and more informed development decisions.
He said data should no longer remain separated between agencies as Sarawak expands its use of geospatial intelligence, digital mapping and surveying technologies.
“I believe our geospatial data should become a trusted source of truth, not data that is separated according to agencies, but one ecosystem that can be used together, with strong governance and data security,” he said.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Land and Survey Innovation and Integrity Day (HIITS) 2026 here on Wednesday (Sept 23), Abang Johari said the function of surveying had evolved beyond the production of maps and coordinates to become a strategic source of geospatial intelligence for the State government.
“The function of surveying has evolved from simply producing maps and coordinates to providing geospatial intelligence for the State government,” he said.
The Sarawak Land and Survey Department is consequently expanding its capabilities beyond traditional cadastral mapping into areas including marine surveying, satellite imagery, drone mapping, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
These technologies are being supported by digital infrastructure such as the Sarawak Geocentric Datum 2020 (SGED20) and SGE-DiNet network, allowing different forms of spatial data to be integrated for planning and decision-making.
The expansion also extends below the water surface, with advanced sensor systems enabling the Department to survey underwater areas for development planning.
“We also have to survey land in the water. But now we have the technology to see what is underwater,” Abang Johari said.
Citing the proposed 142-kilometre Miri-Long Panai road, the Premier noted that setting new alignments requires intensive baseline surveys long before construction begins.
He also pointed to changing economic landscapes, such as in Tanjung Bako, where new infrastructure can affect land values and require updated valuations based on prevailing market conditions.
The call for integrated data comes as the State government increasingly relies on geospatial information to coordinate land planning, infrastructure development and other major projects across Sarawak. — DayakDaily
