The early history of Sarikei (referring to the current Sarikei Town) can be traced as early as the 19th century. Historical records show that James Brooke visited Sarikei on April 30, 1845.
 
Resistance against James Brooke led to the burning of Sarikei on 4 January 1856 and retaliation by Charles Brooke against Julau on 19 June 1856. These historical records show the early existence of Sarikei.
 
Sarikei Division was established on 2 April 1973 as the 6th division in the state of Sarawak through the Sarawak Gazette Swk. L.N 26 dated 15 March 1973. Sarikei Division had an area of ​​6969 km² at the beginning of its establishment. It is a combination of Sarikei, Meradong, Julau, Matu and Daro districts.

After the formation of the Mukah Division and Betong Division, Sarikei Division experienced a direct impact, especially in terms of area. The latest total area under Sarikei Division is 4332.35 km² which is 1.31% of the total Sarawak state which is 124,449 km². Sarikei Division is the second smallest division after Betong Division (4,180 km² or 1.27% of Sarawak state area). The administrative and commercial center is Sarikei Town which is also known as Bandar Nanas.

The establishment of the Sarikei Division was driven by security factors. Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot, Sarawak State Government Secretary stated in his article; Sarawak's Unique Administrative Identity : Establishment of Divisional, District & Sub-District Machinery for Enhancing Development Administration that the establishment of Sarikei Division (formerly known as the 6th Division) was for security reasons following the communist rebellion at that time. With the establishment of the Sarikei Division, the aspect of security control can be focused and facilitate the monitoring of the area involved.
 

SOURCE :

1) Sarawak Gazette, L.N 26 dd 15/5/1973

2) Artikel : Sarawak Unique Administrative Identity: Establishment of Divisional, District and Sub-District Machinery for Enhancing Development Administration (by Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot)

3) Sarikei : On Course Towards Agropolis (2011)