News 📰

Jalan Mendu road works are delayed, but MBKS says the project is now targeted for Sept 15 completion. [image: 1785643462063-jalan_mendu_20260802.jpg] KUCHING, Aug 2: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) says the Jalan Mendu Upgrading Project was held back by a clash between planned drainage works and an existing live water supply pipeline. MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the pipeline's actual location did not match available utility records and project drawings. What MBKS says The contractor is waiting for final approval from Sarawak Water to relocate the pipeline. Once approval is given, the relocation is expected to take about three days before culvert construction and reinstatement works resume. MBKS has also ordered safety fixes at the site after temporary barriers were found improperly arranged, with exposed reinforcement steel that could endanger motorcyclists and pedestrians. Location: Jalan Mendu, Kuching South Details: MBKS targets Sept 15, 2026 completion, subject to approval for utility relocation and no further unforeseen issues. Photo: DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak has not fixed its next state election date, with October, November or December still possible. [image: 1785634456338-abang-johari-betong-ukas-20260801.jpg] Photo: Ukas / The Borneo Post Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said no decision has been made yet on when the next Sarawak state election will be held. Speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Betong Zone Special Convention on Aug 1, he said the polls could be held in October, November or December, but nothing has been finalised. What we know now Abang Johari said PBB must be ready to defend all its state seats. PBB currently holds 47 of the 82 seats in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. The 13th Sarawak State Election must be held before the current State Legislative Assembly term expires in February 2027. For voters, the main point is simple: no polling date yet, but the window is getting clearer. Location: Sarawak Details: Premier says no decision yet; October to December remains possible; current assembly term expires before February 2027. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Kuching's ART project has moved into the next stage after the first two trains arrived for KUTS pilot preparations. [image: 1785632692948-art-first-trains.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) The first two ART trains under the Kuching Urban Transportation System are now in Kuching, bringing the project closer to pilot operations. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the focus is now on system integration, infrastructure readiness and operational checks before the service is opened for pilot use. What is being prepared Lee said work is progressing on the ART alignment, stations, depots and support systems. The Phase 1 Hydrogen Production Plant at Rembus Depot is also moving ahead. Once ready, it is expected to produce up to one tonne of green hydrogen a day to support pilot and early ART operations. For Kuching road users, this is one of the clearest signs yet that KUTS is moving from construction into actual service preparation. Location: Kuching / Rembus Depot Details: First two ART trains arrived; pilot operation preparation now focuses on integration, safety, reliability and hydrogen support facilities. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 64-year-old man died in Sibu after a tree branch fell while he was cleaning a durian orchard. [image: 1785578716181-sibu_branch_20260801.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / police photo What happened The Borneo Post reported that the incident happened near Citizen Middle School, Sungai Spau, Jalan Stabau at about 11am today. Sibu district police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the man was working in the orchard with his son when a tree branch broke and struck him. Police update The victim suffered injuries to his head and shoulder. Medical personnel from Sibu Hospital pronounced him dead at the scene. Police said early findings classified the case as an accident. The weather at the time was reported to be good. Location: Sungai Spau, Jalan Stabau, Sibu Details: Fatal orchard accident, Aug 1, about 11am Source: The Borneo Post Stay careful when clearing orchard areas, especially around old or heavy branches.

Sarawak’s population is now estimated at 2.54 million, but the state is still Malaysia’s least densely populated region. [image: 1785578654062-sarawak_population_20260801.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / file photo of Kuching Waterfront What changed DayakDaily reported that the latest Department of Statistics Malaysia estimate puts Sarawak at 2.54 million people in 2026, with annual growth of only 0.4%. That makes Sarawak the fifth most populous state, behind Selangor, Johor, Sabah and Perak. Why people are talking The bigger issue is density and ageing. Sarawak records only 20 people per square kilometre, the lowest in the country. The report also says residents aged 65 and above now make up 9.7% of the population, placing Sarawak second nationwide for elderly share. The median age has risen to 33.2 years, while the total fertility rate stands at 1.5 children per woman. Location: Sarawak Details: 2.54 million population, 0.4% annual growth, lowest density in Malaysia Source: DayakDaily What do you think this means for Sarawak’s future workforce?

A fire gutted 62 doors of a 55-year-old longhouse in Simpang Nu, Batu Niah. [image: 1785557146689-longhouse_20260801.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said Rumah Panjang Changgai, built in 1971, had 76 doors in total. The non-permanent longhouse had been unoccupied since 2023. No injuries or deaths were reported. Firefighting operation Bomba received the emergency call at 6.24pm on Friday, July 31. Firefighters from Batu Niah, assisted by Lopeng personnel, were sent to the scene. When they arrived, the affected section was already engulfed in flames. The fire was brought under control at 8.15pm, and the operation ended at 12.39am on Aug 1. A total of 19 firefighters, two Fire Rescue Tenders and one Emergency Medical Rescue Services vehicle were involved. Location: Simpang Nu, Batu Niah Details: 62 of 76 longhouse doors destroyed; no casualties reported Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Immigration officers detained 64 suspected undocumented migrants after checks across Kuching and Kota Samarahan. [image: 1785557110562-immigration_20260801.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Sarawak Immigration said the two-day operation ran from 9am on July 29 until 3am on July 30, after public complaints and intelligence work. Officers inspected 107 people at 13 locations, including Kota Sentosa, Batu 10 to Batu 12, Pending Industrial Estate, Metrocity, Sematan, Batu Kawa and Kota Samarahan. What was checked The checks covered eateries, factories, construction sites, grocery shops, rented rooms in shophouses, massage centres and premises suspected of online gambling activity. Those detained are being investigated for alleged overstaying and for not having valid travel documents or passes under the Immigration Act 1959/63. Location: Kuching and Kota Samarahan Details: 64 detained, 107 checked, 13 locations covered Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

An 18-year-old has been arrested over an alleged Permyjaya shop break-in in Miri. [image: 1785546343232-permyjaya_breakin_20260801.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Miri police arrested an 18-year-old local individual after a business premises in Permyjaya, Lutong was allegedly broken into and about RM100 cash was reported stolen. Miri District Police Headquarters said the report was lodged on July 23 at 3.20pm after the shop owner found signs of forced entry. CCTV footage allegedly showed a suspect damaging the door, entering the premises and leaving with the cash. Police action Location: Permyjaya, Lutong, Miri Details: A team led by Miri Police Station Chief ASP Goldy Jangan arrested the suspect in the Lutong area and seized several items believed linked to the case. The suspect has been remanded for investigation under Section 457 of the Penal Code, which covers housebreaking or breaking into a building with intent to commit an offence. Hot Score: 22/30 Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Kuching residents want growth that fixes daily life first [image: 1785546287138-kuching_growth_20260801.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Edgar Ong Kuching's growth is bringing a clear message from residents: more jobs, better public transport, smarter traffic planning, cleaner neighbourhoods and stronger support for local businesses. The Borneo Post spoke to six residents for Kuching City Day. Their concerns were practical: young Sarawakians need career options at home, road capacity must match new developments, and public facilities must keep up with the city's expansion. What residents raised Location: Kuching Details: Residents pointed to jobs, public transport, road maintenance, cleanliness, CCTV coverage, local business support and environmental care. Business owner Lau Lee Leong said traffic impact should be planned before major projects are approved, especially in areas already facing congestion. Others said Kuching should stay clean, green and safe while creating more opportunities for students and entrepreneurs. Hot Score: 27/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak will pilot Malaysia’s first school integrity club programme, starting with students. [image: 1785492331757-school-integrity-club.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily / TVS Sarawak has been picked as the first state to introduce Kelab Rakan Integriti Sekolah, a school club programme focused on integrity values. Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said the programme will be carried out with the Ministry of Education. He said the club is believed to be the first of its kind in the country and will begin in Sarawak. The aim is simple: build the habit of honesty and accountability earlier, not only after students enter the workplace. The launch is expected to be part of Sarawak Integrity Day 2026 on Aug 12, alongside PINTAR 2026 and other integrity-related programmes. Location: Sarawak Details: First school integrity club pilot in Malaysia Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Guro Street is now official in Kuching South, the first street in Malaysia named after a South Korean city. [image: 1785492302193-guro-street.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily / Wee Hong Seng Kuching South launched Guro Street on July 31, marking another step in the city’s long-running link with Guro District in Seoul. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the name reflects closer business, culture and people-to-people ties between Sarawak and South Korea. The partnership between MBKS and Guro District started in 2013. Dr Sim said Korean interest in Sarawak is growing in renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and gas development. He also pointed to OCI, which has invested more than USD2 billion in Sarawak since 2019 and has its headquarters in Kuching. Also present were Guro District Mayor Jang Inhong and Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Location: Kuching South Details: Malaysia’s first street named after a South Korean city Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Police seized about RM92,000 worth of suspected untaxed cigarettes and alcohol during a Bau raid. [image: 1785470823330-bau_contraband_20260731.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune An 18-year-old shop worker was detained after police inspected a premises in Bau on July 30. Bau police chief Supt Mohd Haide A. Rahman said the raid was carried out at about 10.15am under Op Taring Alpha 1 and 2 by the General Operations Force Sarawak Brigade Intelligence Branch. Police said the worker could not show valid ownership or customs documents for the goods. The seizure involved 212 cartons of cigarettes and 99 cartons of assorted alcoholic beverages, all believed to be untaxed. Investigation Police said the suspect had worked at the premises for about two months with a monthly salary of RM1,700. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. Police will also apply to remand the suspect under Section 116C of the same Act. Location: Bau Details: 212 cartons of cigarettes and 99 cartons of alcoholic drinks seized Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

A large RASCOM land handover could unlock long-delayed development plans in parts of Sibu Division. [image: 1785470790916-rascom_land_20260731.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune The federal Cabinet has agreed to give up federal rights over 3,655.60 hectares of Rajang Security Command (RASCOM) land to the Sarawak government. The areas named are Nanga Tada, Nanga Jagau, Nanga Ngungun and Nanga Sekuau. Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana said three of the four affected resettlement areas are in Ngemah, and the handover should make planning easier for local needs. Why it matters Once the land comes under the Sarawak government, the focus can move to basic development that residents have been waiting for: roads, clean water, electricity, telco coverage, education, healthcare, housing and local economic opportunities. Anyi called it a historic decision, saying the issue had been raised repeatedly in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly. Location: Ngemah / Sibu Division Details: 3,655.60 hectares of RASCOM land to be transferred to Sarawak government Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

A 56-year-old fishing boat owner was injured while trying to put out a fire on his own vessel in Miri. [image: 1785459984638-miri_boat_fire_20260731.jpg] The fire happened on Thursday evening at the Sungai Miri jetty area behind Italy Furniture Trading on Jalan Lutong. The Fire and Rescue Department said the emergency call came in at 5.30pm. Teams from Miri Sentral Fire and Rescue Station, with help from Lutong station, reached the scene at 5.42pm. The boat, about 60 feet long and 14 feet wide, was already fully on fire. The owner, Ting Tiew Hing, suffered light burns on his right cheek and right arm while trying to fight the fire before firefighters arrived. His family later took him to hospital. Firefighters used foam to control the blaze. Utusan Borneo reported that about 10,000 litres of diesel were involved, and the operation ended at 10.12pm after overhaul checks. Location: Sungai Miri jetty area, Jalan Lutong Details: Fishing boat destroyed, owner injured, fire stopped from spreading to nearby boats and workers' quarters. Photo: JBPM / Utusan Borneo Source: Utusan Borneo What do you think?

A bus stop in front of Tamu Krokop 10, Miri, has visible cracks on its pillar and seating area. [image: 1785459946922-miri_bus_stop_20260731.jpg] Residents raised the issue earlier this week, and DAP Sarawak secretary Alan Ling said he has lodged it with Talikhidmat. He visited the site and said one supporting pillar had major cracks, with reinforcing steel bars already exposed. The seating area also showed visible cracks. Ling urged Miri City Council to send a technical team to check whether the bus stop is still safe for public use. If it is unsafe, he said repairs or replacement should be done quickly. Location: Tamu Krokop 10, Miri Details: Cracked pillar, exposed steel bars, and public safety concerns at a frequently used bus stop. Photo: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak transport operators have been urged to form a consortium to help manage Rest and Service Areas along the Pan Borneo Highway. [image: 1785405905075-pan-borneo-rsa.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said bus, lorry and other land transport operators know what road users need, so they should look at joining the management and operation of RSAs through a public-private partnership model. He said this after a Ministry of Transport Sarawak dialogue in Kuching today on the planning of RSAs and layby facilities along the highway. What could be added The discussion covered possible locations and facilities such as petrol stations, vehicle servicing and repair workshops, pharmacies, food outlets, clean washrooms and enough parking for heavy vehicles. Feedback from the session will be compiled and studied by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak before proposals are prepared. Location: Kuching / Pan Borneo Highway, Sarawak Details: Proposed consortium model for highway RSAs and laybys Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak is putting RM300 million into a new biomedical research laboratory, with Kuching hosting the announcement today. [image: 1785405846518-biomed-lab.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the lab is meant to strengthen health research, biotechnology and precision medicine in Sarawak. His speech was delivered by Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the 19th ASEAN Conference of Clinical Laboratory Sciences in Kuching on July 30. Why it matters The State wants the facility to support work on new medicines, future disease readiness and international research partnerships. Dr Sim also linked the plan to Sarawak's wider healthcare push, including the RM1 billion Sarawak Cancer Centre and the digitalisation of more than 150 primary healthcare facilities through the Cloud-Based Clinic Management System. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: RM300 million biomedical research laboratory; health research, biotechnology and precision medicine focus Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sibu police say the new synthetic drug known as “Piu Piu” has not been detected locally, but monitoring has been tightened. [image: 1785384278911-sibu_piu_piu_20260730-resized.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Sibu police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the drug is believed to be mixed with vape liquids, and police are watching entry and exit points to prevent it from entering the district. He said police are still waiting for confirmation from the Health Ministry on the exact composition of the substance. Commercial crime and narcotics remain key policing priorities in Sibu. Police also said index crime has dropped by about 7%, equal to around 35 fewer cases. Location: Sibu Details: Police monitoring tightened over emerging synthetic drug threat Hot Score: 22/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

A section of Jalan Tun Jugah from the CityOne traffic-light junction towards Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho is scheduled for partial closure from July 29 to Dec 31, 2026 for KUTS construction. [image: 1785384236632-tun_jugah_cityone_20260730.jpg] Image: Sarawak Metro via DayakDaily Sarawak Metro said the temporary diversion is needed for work under the Kuching Urban Transportation System. The notice covers a partial closure, not a complete shutdown of Jalan Tun Jugah. What drivers should plan for Traffic arrangements can change as work moves, so the map and signs on site take priority over an old social-media screenshot. Drivers should reduce speed before the work zone, follow lane arrows and temporary limits, and avoid changing lanes at the last moment. CityOne, Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho and surrounding businesses remain reachable, but travel time may be less predictable during weekday peak hours, school traffic and major events. If an appointment matters, allow an extra buffer or check an alternative route before leaving. Sarawak Metro said it would announce changes to the schedule or traffic plan. Enquiries can be made through the KUTS hotline at 1300-88-5887, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm excluding public holidays, or by email at [email protected] and [email protected]. This post is valid for the announced July 29–Dec 31 construction period. After that date, verify the latest notice instead of assuming the diversion remains in place. Affected direction: CityOne junction towards Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho Status: Partial closure / temporary traffic diversion Sources: DayakDaily · Sarawak Metro

A smart traffic light trial has started at the Jalan Salim/Jalan Bukit Penyau T-junction in Sibu. [image: 1785373583494-sibu_smart_traffic_20260730.jpg] The temporary system began its month-long trial after its electricity metre was connected on Tuesday. Trial operations started at about 8am on Wednesday. Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said the lights use sensors to detect vehicles. If no vehicles are waiting to exit Jalan Bukit Penyau, traffic along Jalan Salim can continue moving. What drivers should know The system is still being fine-tuned. Chieng said several adjustments are needed, including extending the lane and relocating a streetlight pole so vehicles turning into Jalan Bukit Penyau do not block straight-moving traffic. A yellow box is also planned to improve road safety at the junction. Location: Jalan Salim/Jalan Bukit Penyau T-junction, Sibu Details: One-month smart traffic light trial to ease congestion and improve safety Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?