The Sarawak Online Research Application System (SORAS) is available to all researchers who wish to carry out research in Sarawak. Where applicable, the relevant agencies, such as the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and Economic Planning Unit Sarawak may evaluate and approve the applications.
To use the system, applicants must register an account. The application process starts with the submission of completed application through SORAS. Administrative and technical evaluations are carried out by Sarawak Biodiversity Centre. (Research Application Flow Chart). User manual is available for download from the system upon registration.
Upon approval by the Sarawak Biodiversity Council, a Permit for R&D will be issued. The applicant is required to apply for Export Permit for R&D if the nature and specialization of the R&D can only be conducted outside of Sarawak.
All applications under SORAS will be reported to the Access and Benefit Sharing Technical Committee chaired by the Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources.
SBC will only accept applications submitted through SORAS. Those who intend to conduct research in Sarawak are advised to read the User Manual provided by SORAS before proceeding to fill in the Research Application Form in the System.
For further inquiries, please feel free to contact us via email at
Related Documents on R&D Permit Application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I Need a R&D Permit?
- How long is the processing of the application?
- How will I know that my application is accepted and processed?
- How will I know that my application is approved?
- If I am working or collaborating with a local agency, do I still need a R&D Permit from SBC?
- If I have a local research collaborator, do I still need to apply for a R&D Permit?
- If my research involves funders from a 3rd party other than the institution I am attached with, what do I do?
- If my research involves the indigenous communities of Sarawak, do I need consent from the indigenous communities? What do I need to do?
- My research is completed, what is next?
- Other relevant permit(s)?
- What are the other necessary documents involved in applying for a Permit for R&D to allow me to conduct research in Sarawak?
- What are the steps involved in the processing of a research application?
- What information is required in the research proposal?
- What is a Professional Pass?
