Abang Johari (centre, seated) and other Sarawakian leaders in a photocall with attendees during the town hall session in Kuala Lumpur today. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo

KUCHING (Oct 25): A Sarawak Complex will be developed in Kuala Lumpur to serve as a hostel for Sarawakian students pursuing higher education in Peninsular Malaysia, announced Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the upcoming facility would also act as a hub for Sarawakians to gather and strengthen their sense of community in the nation’s capital.

“The Sarawak government has identified a piece of land in Kuala Lumpur for the purpose of building the complex,” he told the Town Hall Session with Premier during the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur today.

The session, moderated by Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie, was attended by key Sarawakian leaders and drew more than 6,000 Sarawakians, including some 3,500 university students.

Abang Johari said the proposed complex stemmed from feedback received during last year’s Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak session, when many Sarawakian students voiced difficulties in finding affordable accommodation in Peninsular Malaysia.

“Many Sarawakian students face difficulties in finding a hostel while studying or a suitable place to live after leaving campus.

“Therefore, I have identified a piece of ​​land in Kuala Lumpur for us to develop a Sarawak building,” he said.

Abang Johari said the new complex would not only provide safe and affordable lodging for students but also serve as a new landmark representing Sarawak’s presence in Kuala Lumpur.

Highlighting the state’s growing economic footprint, Abang Johari noted that Sarawak’s majority stake in Affin Bank now provides the state with a direct link to the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) — Malaysia’s premier financial district.

He also revealed plans to relocate the existing Sarawak House on Jalan Tun Ismail to the new building housing the Sovereign Fund Office and several other Sarawak government agencies in Kuala Lumpur.

“We will continue to provide facilities to Sarawakians who are involved in the Malaysian economy. I look forward to this being implemented,” he said.