Sarikei Division

Updated on Oct 22, 2023

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Resident Michael Dawi Alli Area 4,332 km²		License plate prefix QR

Local area government(s) Majlis Daerah Sarikei (MDS) Majlis Daerah Meradong dan Julau (MDMJ) (Meradong and Julau) Majlis Daerah Pakan (MDP) Website Sarikei Administrative Division

Sarikei division corporate video

Sarikei Division is one of the twelve administrative divisions in Sarawak, Malaysia. Formerly part of the Third Division, which included Sibu and Kapit, Sarikei Division has a total area of 4,332.4 square kilometres, and is the second smallest of the administrative divisions of Sarawak.

Map of Bahagian Sarikei, Sarawak, Malaysia

Sarikei Division contains four administrative districts: Sarikei, Meradong, Julau and Pakan.

History and background

The early history of Sarikei can be traced as far back as the early 19th century. There are many historical events to show its existence. For example, Rajah James Brooke first visited Sarikei on 30 April 1845. There were also resistance from the local people towards the Brooke’s administration, including the burning of Sarikei on 4 January 1856 and the Julau Expedition on 19 June 1856, which was led by Sir Charles Brooke to counter the native resistance in Julau.

The establishment of Sarikei as a new Division was mainly based on security consideration. Datu Wilson Baya Dandot, The Deputy State Secretary (Planning and Development) in his article entitled: Sarawak’s Unique Administrative Identity: Establishment of Divisional, District and Sub-District Machinery For Enhancing Development Administration said that the establishment of Sarikei as the Sixth Division then was due to the security threats posed by the communist insurgency which was at its height at that time. It was felt that with the establishment of a new Sarikei Division the government would be able to concentrate and focus more in its efforts to contain and counter the security problem in the area.

Resident's Roll of Honor

Mr. Chin Ting Ming

Datuk Wan Hashim Bin Tuanku Taha

Tuan Hj Adenan B Hj Aman

Tuan Hj Mohd Iskandar B Abdullah

Mr.Noel Hudson Laga

Mr.Patrick Rigep Nuek

Mr.Nilie Tangai

Mr.Jolhi B Hj Saar

Tuan Hj Mohd Atei Abang Medaan

Mr.Liaw Soon Eng

Mr. Sim Nyuk Foh

Mr.Isaka Kana

Demographics

The total population is 115, 529. The population is ethnically mixed, with mostly Iban, Melanau, Malay, Bidayuh and Chinese predominating. Majority people live in Sarikei town.

Economy

The economy of the division is mostly agricultural. Sarikei Division produces more pepper than any other divisions in Sarawak. It is also famous for fruits, especially pineapples and oranges. The timber industry, as elsewhere in Sarawak, is also a major component of the local economy.