Sarawak

American  

[suh-rah-wahk, -wah] / səˈrɑ wɑk, -wɑ /

noun

1. a state in the federation of Malaysia, on NW Borneo: formerly a British crown colony (1946–63) and British protectorate (1888–1946). About 50,000 sq. mi. (129,500 sq. km). Kuching.

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Sarawak British  

/ səˈrɑːwək /

noun

1. a state of Malaysia, on the NW coast of Borneo on the South China Sea: granted to Sir James Brooke by the Sultan of Brunei in 1841 as a reward for helping quell a revolt; mainly agricultural. Capital: Kuching. Pop: 2 071 506 (2000). Area: about 124 449 sq km (48 050 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

However, tensions with Petroleum Sarawak could weigh on near-term upstream investments in Sarawak amid regulatory uncertainty, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

The Sarawak Report news portal first blew the whistle, followed by The Wall Street Journal in 2015, which published documents showing Najib received at least $681 million in payments to his personal accounts.

From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025

Anwar cited the proximity of Nusantara to Malaysia’s Sabah and Sarawak states and federal territories on Borneo island, saying the new capital’s growth will benefit the region’s economy.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2023

They promised to improve development in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo island.

From Reuters • Dec. 16, 2022

History.—As has been seen, the British connexion with northern and north-western Borneo terminated with the 18th century, nor was it resumed until 1838, when Raja Brooke set out for Brunei and Sarawak.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 3 "Borgia, Lucrezia" to "Bradford, John" by Various