Sarawak Delta Global Geopark is now recognised as fourth Unesco global geopark in Malaysia

KUCHING, May 7 2026:  The Sarawak Delta Global Geopark (SDGGp) has been recognised as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) global geopark, making it the fourth in Malaysia.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg (third from right) receiving the Unesco recognition certificate from his deputy Awang Tengah Ali Hasan  

The Sarawak Delta delegation led by Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment of Sarawak Len Talif Salleh received the recognition certificate from UNESCO in Paris on  April 27 2026.

Today, Premier Abang Johari Openg received the  recognition certificate from Deputy Premier and adviser to SDGGp  Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Also present were Deputy Premiers  Douglas Uggah Embas and Dr Sim Kui Hian, state Cabinet Ministers and Sarawak State Secretary  Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.

Geopark refers to an area that has geological sites and landscapes of international or national importance and is managed holistically based on elements of conservation, education and sustainable development.

SDGGp which covers an area ofapproximately 3,112 square kilometres in southern Sarawak, features unique geology, special biodiversity including orangutan habitat, as well as the cultural heritage of indigenous communities which has the potential to be highlighted as a tourism product.

The recognition also marks a historic moment for Sarawak after 17 years of continuous efforts by various parties led by the Sarawak Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development in achieving this international recognition.

It thus strengthens Sarawak's position globally in terms of the conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage.

The other Unesco  Global Geoparks in Malaysia are Langkawi (designated 2007, Kedah), Kinabalu (designated 2023, Sabah) and Lenggong (designated 2026, Perak).

These sites represent areas of international geological significance, featuring ancient rock formations, diverse karst landscapes, rich biodiversity, and sustainable geotourism.

Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (Kedah): As Malaysia's first UNESCO Global Geopark, it consists of the entire Langkawi archipelago and features 550-million-year-old rock formations, including the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park and Kilim Karst Geoforest Park.

Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (Sabah), located around Mount Kinabalu, is known for its glacial landscape in the tropics and unique geological features like hot springs and deep gorges.

It is part of Sabah's "Triple Crown" site, which also includes the Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site.

Lenggong UNESCO Global Geopark (Perak) is renowned for its significant archaeological finds, including prehistoric human remnants.

MAIS in final stage of codifying Adat Iban 1993 and Adat Bidayuh 1994

KUCHING, May 7 2026: Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) is in the final stage of codifying Adat Iban 1993 and Adat Bidayuh 1994, Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) John Siki Tayai has said.

Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai says Adat Bisaya 2004, Adat Nombawang 2004, Adat Kelabit 2008, and Adat Penan 2011, are still in the research phase 

He said MAIS (Sarawak Council for Native Customs) said is also reviewing the Adat Kayan and Kenyah, which have been agreed upon for submission to the Sarawak Attorney-General's Chambers for further vetting.

“The Adat Bisaya 2004, Adat Nombawang 2004, Adat Kelabit 2008, and Adat Penan 2011, are still in the research phase,” he said at the MAIS appreciation dinner for Ronnie Edward, who will conclude his service as head of the Council on June 3 2026, after serving for two terms.

Sikie said MAIS has also inserted a section on  culture and traditions to enhance understanding and appreciation of the customs, culture, and history of Sarawak's diverse ethnic communities.

He added the state government has also approved improvement to allowances and facilities for council members as an effort to increase professionalism and task effectiveness.

Among the improvement is an increase in the monthly allowance to RM1,000 from the previous RM500, in addition to meeting allowances, medical facilities, and official attire.

He emphasised that the measures reflect the Sarawak government’s continuous commitment to supporting the role of MAIS as a crucial institution in the preservation and development of native customs.

He said MAIS which held its meeting from 4 to 6 May 2026 served as a vital platform for discussing issues related to customs, including modification efforts and reviews of customs for various ethnic groups in the state.

According to him, such steps are essential to ensure that customs are preserved while also evolving in line with social changes and current needs.

"This council must continue to be the primary forum in upholding customs through the preservation, development, and expansion of native customs in Sarawak," he said