The Sarawak government is proposing a Sarawak Astronomy Centre in Santubong, Kuching. If materialized, the centre could become an exciting addition to Sarawak’s growing scientific, educational and tourism landscape.
Plans were announced on November 10, 2026, with Sarawak planning to invest RM300 million in an astronomy centre which is intended to support Sarawak’s long-term development in astronomy, aerospace engineering and satellite technology.
According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak wants to reduce its dependence on foreign satellite systems, particularly when it comes to collecting, managing and protecting important state data.
He explained that satellite technology could provide valuable information for various applications, including geological studies, soil analysis and the identification of underground resources.
Rather than depending on a single satellite, Sarawak intends to develop a network of satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The proposed satellite constellation would allow the state to collect and transmit information more effectively while strengthening its ability to manage strategic data independently.
Sarawak’s existing astronomy facilities
An astronomy centre is no stranger to Sarawak with such facility already established in Miri and Bintulu.
The Bintulu Astronomy Centre was officially opened on August 12, 2025. Located at Tanjung Batu, the facility was developed to support astronomical research, education, Islamic astronomy and astro-tourism.
The Miri Astronomical Centre on the other hand was completed in 2021.
The idea of establishing an astronomy centre near Santubong is therefore not new. The proposal has gone through several announcements over the years.
- 2022: The proposed Borneo Astronomy Centre was reported to cost approximately RM107 million, with Damai near the foot of Mount Santubong identified as its intended location.
- 2023: A proposed Borneo Al-Falak Complex was reported to have an estimated cost of RM200 million.
- 2025: Sarawak Premier Abang Johari reiterated the RM200 million development plan for an astronomy centre in Santubong.
- January 2026: The Sarawak Cabinet agreed to an allocation of RM150 million for an astronomy centre.
- November 2026: The latest announcement puts the proposed Santubong astronomy centre at RM300 million, alongside Sarawak’s ambition to establish its own satellite network by 2030.
These figures reflect different announcements and stages of the proposal.
Available reports and sources do not fully explain how the earlier estimates and allocations relate to the latest RM300 million plan, although the bigger amount announced just recently does signifies the scale of the new centre which is now confirmed in Santubong.
Sources:
- The Borneo Post – Sarawak plans RM300 mln astronomy centre in Santubong, targets own satellite network by 2030
- UKAS – Sarawak Strengthens Astronomy, Aspires For Highly Knowledgeable & Competitive Generation.
- Sarawak Tribune – Sarawak allocates RM150 million for astronomy centre
- Sarawak Tribune – RM200-million astronomy centre to be developed in Santubong
- Sarawak Tribune – New astronomy centre to advance ilmu falak, space science
- DayakDaily – Premier: Kuching astronomy centre to cost RM107 million
- Malay Mail – Sarawak premier announces funds for Borneo Astronomy Centre