By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 9: Sarawak could acquire or develop nano satellites, including CubeSats, at a cost as low as about RM2 million each, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today.
Based on studies in Europe, Abang Johari today said conventional satellites typically cost between €300 million and €500 million, while nano satellites, including CubeSats, now cost between €500,000 and €700,000, or roughly RM2 million.
“If our revenue increases, we can launch nano satellites into low Earth orbit.
“This can help survey work because land survey data on Earth can be stored there and used for our planning in economic development,” he said when speaking at the Land and Survey (LANDAS) Summit 2026, which was broadcast live on the Sarawak Public Communication Unit’s (UKAS) YouTube channel.
He also said that within the next five years, Sarawak will work towards producing its own CubeSats.
In a previous report dated Jan 27, Abang Johari has announced that Sarawak plans to acquire CubeSat satellites to gather key environmental and land-use data, including information on forests, mangroves, water systems and catchment areas, to strengthen planning, flood mitigation and sustainable development efforts across the State.
He explained that CubeSats, which complete an orbit every 90 to 120 minutes, can operate in constellations to ensure continuous data collection and transmission back to Earth.
Such initiative, he said, would be implemented in phases, with initial focus on developing Sarawakian expertise in aerospace and satellite technology before expanding operations. — DayakDaily
