Kanowit district larger than Melaka yet only has two reps; more reps needed for fairer governance

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, July 7: Sarawak’s Kanowit district, which encompasses only two State constituencies—Ngemah and Machan, is geographically larger than the entire state of Melaka, yet it is represented by just two assemblymen and one Member of Parliament (MP).

Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana highlighted this disparity to demonstrate the need for the proposed addition of 17 new State seats, raising the total from the current 82 to 99.

From a geopolitical standpoint, he said Ngemah and Machan, both located under the Kanowit parliamentary constituency, span approximately 2,253 square kilometres and reach an elevation of up to 942 metres at their highest point.

In comparison, he pointed out that Melaka covers only 1,658 square kilometres and is represented by 28 state assemblymen and 6 MPs. Penang, which spans just 1,033 square kilometres, is represented by 40 state assemblymen and 13 MPs.

“Sarawak is truly remarkable in that nearly all its State and parliamentary constituencies are represented by only two assemblymen and one MP,” he said when debating in support of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 in the august House today.

Thus, he stressed that the proposed increase of State seats is timely to meet the growing voices of the rakyat.

He expressed optimism that Sarawak will achieve greater success in the future through the addition of 17 new State assembly members—from 82 to 99, to further streamline development planning and improve regulatory oversight within each constituency. – DayakDaily

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