By Amanda L
KUCHING, Jan 27: 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.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the low-cost satellites would allow continuous monitoring from low Earth orbit, providing timely data to support environmental management and development policies.
He said CubeSats offer a significantly more affordable alternative to conventional satellites, which can cost hundreds of millions of ringgit.
“The cost of a conventional satellite can reach hundreds of millions of ringgit, while a CubeSat can be developed at a fraction of that cost. This makes it a practical entry point for Sarawak to begin building space capability,” he said.
Abang Johari was speaking to reporters after the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
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.
“Initially, we plan to acquire one set of CubeSat technology as a starting point for learning and capacity-building.
“Given their operational lifespan of about four to five years, continuous launches will be required to ensure uninterrupted data coverage,” he added.
The Premier said the initiative would be implemented in phases, with initial focus on developing Sarawakian expertise in aerospace and satellite technology before expanding operations.
“This is not about prestige or short-term gains. Our objective is to build lasting, local capability in space technology that will serve Sarawak in the long run,” he said.
He added that the state is collaborating with international universities and has established aerospace-related programmes at i-CATS University College to support talent development in the sector. — DayakDaily
