By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 1: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has raised concern over Sarawak’s population after noting that the State’s population currently stands at only 2.5 million, saying more young people are needed to sustain its future development.
Speaking at the PBB Special Convention for Betong Zone today, Abang Johari said he was surprised by the figure as he had previously expected Sarawak’s population to be around 2.8 million.
“Today I was surprised reading the news because Sarawak’s population is only 2.5 million. I thought it was 2.8 million previously, but it turns out it is 2.5 million.
“Mana sidak ya, mun lagik waktu subuh ya, kerja lah! (Those concerned, when it is still early morning, get busy!),” he said jokingly during the event, which was broadcast live on the GPS Facebook page.
He said Sarawak needed to ensure there was a younger generation to replace the ageing population and continue driving the State’s development.
“The young will replace the old. The old, like me, are just waiting for our time,” he said.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government had introduced various forms of assistance to support families and ease the burden of raising children amid the rising cost of living.
He cited the State’s RM1,000 assistance for newborns, saying families would continue receiving support for every child born.
“If a child is born, there is RM1,000. Another child, another RM1,000. Another child, another RM1,000,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the cost of living, Abang Johari said families should not be overly worried as the government had introduced assistance such as the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS).
“Some say, ‘I cannot, uncle. The cost of living is very high.’ It is okay. There is SKAS. We help. Even buying milk has assistance,” he said.
He encouraged Sarawakians to consider having more children, saying the younger generation would eventually become the workforce and leaders who would continue developing Sarawak.
Abang Johari said maintaining a younger population was important as Sarawak continues its development agenda towards becoming a more advanced region.
According to the latest population estimates, Sarawak’s population reached about 2.54 million in the first quarter of 2026, up slightly from 2.537 million in the previous quarter. During the same period, the State recorded 6,892 live births and 4,076 deaths. — DayakDaily
