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Sarawak's OSEIC says 518 children have moved on to formal education since 2022. [image: 1784423039969-oseic-children-education.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post DALAT (July 19): Sarawak's One Stop Early Intervention Centre has helped more than 500 children with developmental delays continue into formal education. State Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said 518 children had completed OSEIC intervention programmes since 2022. Where the children went Of the 518 children, 145 entered mainstream schools, 303 joined the Special Education Integration Programme, while 70 continued at Special Education National Schools. OSEIC began in Kuching in 2020 and expanded to Dalat in 2023. As of June 30, it had provided intervention services to 3,051 children, with 648 still in programmes. More centres coming Fatimah said Miri is expected to become the third OSEIC location in 2027, giving more families access to early intervention closer to home. Location: Dalat / Sarawak Details: 518 children completed intervention and continued into formal education Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784369164231-pending-jetty.jpeg] The upgraded Pending Jetty is expected to reopen by Aug 24, bringing back a shorter river crossing for nearby residents. The old structure collapsed on Sept 5, 2023, disrupting a daily route used by residents from Kampung Muhibbah, Pinggan Jaya and nearby areas. Women, Family and Community Development Minister and Santubong MP Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the RM600,660 upgrading project is now almost 90 per cent complete. Why it matters The jetty is not just a small facility. For about 200 users, including students, workers, boat operators and nearby residents, the crossing over Sungai Sarawak is a faster and cheaper option than making a longer road detour through Samarahan. Nancy said only about 12 to 13 metres of work remain, including two bays and staircases. Weather is the main challenge, but the project is still expected to finish on schedule. The project is implemented by the Sarawak Rivers Board and includes demolition, piling, jetty works, concrete works, street lighting and a marine lantern. Location: Pending Jetty, Kuching Details: RM600,660 upgrade, almost 90% complete, expected completion Aug 24, 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784369105039-sarawak-99-seats.jpeg] Sarawak's plan to raise its State Assembly from 82 to 99 elected seats is still waiting for federal approval. Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposal has been stalled at Parliament level, one year after the Sarawak Legislative Assembly passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025. He said the extra seats were meant to give Sarawak's many communities stronger representation in the State Assembly. What is pending The State Assembly passed the Bill on July 7, 2025. But the increase cannot take effect until the federal side gives approval. For now, the number remains 82 elected members. Abdul Karim said he believes the delay is linked to politics in Parliament, and suggested there may be concerns that more State seats could later lead to a push for more parliamentary seats for Sarawak. Location: Sarawak Details: Proposed DUS expansion from 82 to 99 seats remains pending federal approval Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

RTD seized five motorcycles in a Batu 7 operation after checking 874 vehicles along Jalan Penrissen. [image: 1784347559131-rtd-motorcycles.jpeg] The special Road Transport Department (RTD) operation was carried out on Friday night, July 17, on the Batu 7 stretch heading towards Serian. Sarawak RTD said officers were targeting illegal HID/LED lights and motorcycle-related offences. What officers found The offences included non-compliant HID/LED lights, driving without a valid licence, expired driving licences, and other technical vehicle offences. The five motorcycles were seized because their road tax and insurance had expired. RTD said enforcement will continue across Sarawak, especially on offences that can affect road safety. Location: Batu 7, Jalan Penrissen towards Serian Details: 874 vehicles checked, five motorcycles seized, illegal HID/LED lights among offences detected Source: New Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Santubong’s ART route is moving into early works, with a dedicated second bridge planned across the Santubong River. [image: 1784347505208-santubong-art.jpg] Preliminary work will start with tree relocation before major construction begins next year. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the project will be done in phases. The plan covers the ART corridor from beyond the existing Santubong Bridge towards Damai, plus a new Santubong Bridge for ART use. What changes on the road Sultan Tengah Road is also set to be upgraded from two lanes into a dual carriageway. The ART lane will run in the middle, while the outer lanes are meant for motorcycles and bicycles. Dr Abdul Rahman said the first phase covers the stretch from the Yayasan Sarawak Roundabout to the existing Santubong Bridge. After that comes the new bridge. Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and SEDC will handle the tree relocation work, expected to take six to eight months. Out of 1,720 trees identified, 536 are suitable to be transplanted. Location: Santubong / Damai corridor, Kuching North Details: ART corridor, second Santubong Bridge, Sultan Tengah Road upgrade, tree relocation Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen says red tape is still blocking some eligible commercial vehicle owners from subsidised diesel. [image: 1784336677262-chong-diesel-subsidy.jpg] He urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to simplify and speed up the Budi Diesel application process, especially for eligible commercial vehicle owners. What vehicle owners are facing Chong said applicants are being asked to submit documents from Puspakom and apply to modify their commercial vehicle Body Code. After the modification, the vehicle must go through a mandatory inspection every six months before the owner can apply for a diesel subsidy card. He said the targeted subsidy policy began on July 1, 2026, but many owners who should be receiving subsidised diesel have been rejected because of the extra steps. Chong called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remove requirements he described as unnecessary. He also said he had raised the matter with Transport Minister Anthony Loke so it can be brought up in Cabinet. Source: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post For transport operators, this one really affects daily cost. What do you think?

Two people were treated for breathing difficulties after a chemical storeroom fire at a Kuching hotel on July 17. [image: 1784336641701-kuching-hotel-chemical-fire.jpg] Bomba said the emergency call came in at 5.34pm, and firefighters from Padungan were sent to the scene. The Hazmat team from Tabuan Jaya was also called in because the room stored chemical products. What happened The fire involved an 8ft by 8ft storeroom. Six drums of calcium hypochlorite hydrated mixture were inside, and two were damaged by the fire. The chemical contains chlorine and is commonly used for water treatment. The two victims were treated by Health Ministry medical personnel at the scene. Both were reported stable before being sent to hospital for further treatment. Bomba’s Hazmat team carried out gas detection and stabilised the room with water spray until conditions returned to normal. Source: Bomba via DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily Anyone nearby noticed the response yesterday evening?

[image: 1784282669702-mile7-parking.jpeg] Drivers at Kuching's Mile 7 commercial area are asking for clearer parking and traffic markings after complaints over confusing roadside spaces. Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong Feng Nian, said the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) should review the traffic and parking situation in the area. He said some wide roadside stretches do not have clear road lines or no-parking indicators. Because of that, motorists may think they can park there, only to receive summonses later. Why it matters Kong said several business operators have put up their own no-parking signs because the official markings are unclear. But he said traffic regulation should not fall on individual shops. He urged MPP to assess the Mile 7 commercial area and carry out proper road marking works, including visible traffic lines and parking indicators, so road users are not misled. Location: Mile 7 commercial area, Kuching Details: MPP asked to review parking confusion, road markings and no-parking indicators after public complaints. Source: The Borneo Post Have you seen this issue around Mile 7? What do you think?

[image: 1784282630570-ai-voice-scam.jpeg] A Kuching Feng Shui consultant says scammers cloned his voice with AI and tried to borrow RM4,500 from his friends. The case was raised at a press conference in Jalan Setia Raja on Friday, July 17. The victim, Alex Ling, said the fake voice was not perfect, but close enough that people who did not know him well could be fooled. SUPP Public Complaints Bureau chief Milton Foo said this was already the third voice-cloning scam case brought to his office in two weeks. The earlier cases involved people from Kenyalang Market and Pending Seafood. What happened A mutual friend received a distress call on July 14 from someone who sounded like Ling. The caller claimed he urgently needed RM4,500 for a relative's medical operation. The friend checked with Foo instead of transferring money. Foo advised him to keep the caller talking and ask for the bank account number. When the caller returned 30 to 50 minutes later, the friend managed to record the conversation. Ling has lodged a police report to clear his name. Foo reminded the public not to trust a voice call alone, especially when money is requested urgently. Location: Jalan Setia Raja, Kuching Details: AI voice-cloning scam attempt involving RM4,500; police report lodged; third similar complaint in two weeks. Source: DayakDaily If someone suddenly calls asking for emergency money, verify through another channel first. What do you think?

AirBorneo passengers, check your schedule if you are flying between July and October. AirBorneo says about 4,000 passengers may be affected by temporary flight frequency changes on selected routes from July 6 to Oct 24. The airline said the move is linked to maintenance issues involving several ATR72 and DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, plus delays in getting critical parts and spares. [image: 1784250399755-airborneo-plane.jpg] Source: DayakDaily [image: 1784250399820-airborneo-reschedule.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / AirBorneo What passengers should know Around 594 flights will have frequency changes, while another estimated 1,337 flights will be retimed. Affected passengers will be moved to the next available flight, either on the same day or the next day. AirBorneo also said the temporary changes will not increase fares on affected routes. The airline said all destinations in its network will continue to be served, with no route suspended or discontinued. Location: AirBorneo network across Sarawak and the region Details: Selected routes affected from July 6 to Oct 24; rebooking and refund options apply under MACPC. Source: DayakDaily Anyone here got their AirBorneo timing changed already?

Borneo's first TPVI procedure has been completed at Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan. Sarawak Heart Centre said it has successfully performed Borneo's first Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation, or TPVI. It is now the second Ministry of Health hospital in Malaysia to offer the highly specialised procedure. [image: 1784250337102-sarawak-heart-tpvi.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune / Sarawak Heart Centre Facebook page What happened The centre said the procedure was done through teamwork between specialists from Hospital Serdang and the multidisciplinary team at Sarawak Heart Centre. TPVI gives patients who need pulmonary valve replacement a less invasive option. For suitable patients, it can mean faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and better quality of life. Location: Sarawak Heart Centre, Kota Samarahan Details: First TPVI procedure in Borneo; second MoH hospital in Malaysia to offer it. Source: Sarawak Tribune A solid medical milestone for Sarawak patients. What do you think?

[image: 1784196307107-airborneo-kia.jpg] AirBorneo Airways' Boeing 737-800 has arrived at Kuching International Airport ahead of its first Kuching-Kuala Lumpur service. The aircraft arrived on Wednesday, July 15, with commercial operations under the AirBorneo brand scheduled to begin on July 20. Why it matters The Kuching-Kuala Lumpur-Kuching route will be the airline's first service under the new brand after the Sarawak government's acquisition and rebranding of MASwings. Photos of the aircraft in AirBorneo livery have been circulating on social media. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian also shared the aircraft's arrival on Facebook, calling it a milestone for Sarawak's state-owned airline. Flight details AirBorneo said the route will operate twice daily between Kuching International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1. The airline earlier announced promotional one-way fares from RM375 all-in for Economy Class and RM736 all-in for Business Class, inclusive of airport taxes and fuel surcharges. Dr Sim also linked the airline's growth to Sarawak's wider air connectivity plans, including the proposed new Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang, expected to be completed after 2030. Location: Kuching International Airport (KIA) Details: Boeing 737-800 arrived before July 20 Kuching-KL launch; route planned twice daily Image: The Borneo Post / Facebook Dr Sim Kui Hian Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784196254465-tupong-ulu-fire.jpg] A house fire in Tupong Ulu, Kuching, claimed the life of a 13-year-old girl early this morning. A 14-year-old boy was rescued from the same double-storey terraced house at Lorong 5 Permai Jaya and sent to hospital by ambulance. What happened The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the emergency call came in at 2.23am on Thursday, July 16. Firefighters from Petra Jaya reached the scene about four minutes later, with help from the Tabuan Jaya station. Initial information from the public said two victims were trapped inside the burning house. Firefighters entered the building and brought both victims out. Victims and damage Both victims received initial treatment while waiting for medical personnel. The 13-year-old girl was later pronounced dead by Ministry of Health personnel. The 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital. Bomba said the house, measuring about 20 by 40 feet, was badly damaged. The operation ended at 3.40am. The cause of the fire and total losses are still under investigation. Location: Lorong 5 Permai Jaya, Tupong Ulu, Kuching Details: 13-year-old girl died, 14-year-old boy rescued and sent to hospital Image: The Borneo Post / Bomba Source: The Borneo Post Condolences to the family. Stay safe, Kuching.

[image: 1784174794492-kh-spm-workshop.jpeg] About 600 Batu Kawa students joined a free SPM readiness workshop as Sarawak keeps pushing education support for young people. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said Sarawak’s future depends heavily on quality education and talent development. He said the state government now provides several forms of education help, including the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme, scholarships, free laptops and living allowances. Who joined The two-day SPM 2026 Free Readiness Workshop was held at Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multi-purpose Hall in Batu Kawa. Most of the 600 participants came from three nearby secondary schools: SM Min Lit Batu Kawa SMK Batu Kawa SMK Jalan Arang The workshop covered study techniques and exam strategies, with experienced teachers guiding students on key parts of SPM preparation. Why it matters Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawah assemblyman, said SPM remains one of the country’s most important academic qualifications because it shapes future options in higher education and work. He encouraged candidates to stay focused and aim for strong results, noting that Sarawakian students have continued to perform well in SPM over the years. Location: Batu Kawa, Kuching Details: Around 600 students joined the SPM 2026 readiness workshop, while Sarawak highlighted education aid such as free tertiary education, scholarships, laptops and living allowances. Source: The Borneo Post SPM season is never easy. Good support like this really helps. What do you think?

[image: 1784174746149-kh-scam-losses.jpeg] Online scams have cost Malaysians RM5.37 billion since 2024, and investment fraud is the biggest chunk. Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen said the figure came from a written parliamentary reply by the Home Affairs Ministry. The number covers losses from 2024 up to May 2026. Investment scams alone made up RM2.68 billion, or 49.9% of the total. What the numbers show Investment scams: RM2.68 billion Telecommunication fraud: RM1.54 billion Electronic financial crimes: RM660.64 million E-commerce scams: RM250.81 million Loan scams: RM138.92 million Love scams: RM111.08 million Chong said the losses average about RM2.2 billion a year. He also warned that many victims are ordinary people, including retirees who lost their savings. What he is asking for He urged the public to be more careful with online investments and ads, and to verify with banks or people who understand digital safety before moving money. He also repeated his proposal for stronger bank safeguards, including fingerprint and MyKad readers for ATM withdrawals, alerts for unusually frequent withdrawals, and tougher rules on banks if mule accounts are allowed to operate. Location: Kuching / Malaysia Details: RM5.37 billion in scam losses from 2024 to May 2026, based on a Home Affairs Ministry parliamentary reply cited by Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen. Source: The Borneo Post Online investment ads still everywhere. What do you think banks should do next?

Sarawak is looking at water exports as a next economic frontier, but the state says local supply has to come first. [image: 1784164063064-sarawak-water-export.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Sarawak Tribune reported that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg wants Sarawak to use purification technology to treat river water for export once the statewide water grid is completed. He said the state has many rivers and could later supply countries that face water shortages, especially as water becomes more important for industrial use and data centres. What comes first Abang Johari said Sarawak's immediate target is still 100 per cent water supply coverage by 2030. That work includes the state water grid, new treatment plants, replacement of ageing pipelines, and the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply System for remote villages. He also said talks on possible export markets are ongoing, but did not name the countries involved. Location: Sarawak Details: Sarawak wants to explore treated river water as a future export commodity after local water coverage is secured. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Kuching-based brewery 1602 says it has been cleared after a police investigation, and its seized beer products and merchandise have been returned. [image: 1784164007384-1602-brewery.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post The Borneo Post reported that the Attorney-General's Chambers reviewed the investigation findings and confirmed the case did not involve a smuggling offence. 1602 managing director Dato Sri Vincent Lee said the returned goods allow the company to resume normal production, sales and business operations. What happened Police carried out an operation at the company's warehouse in Kuching on July 3, following instructions from Bukit Aman's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation Unit. Lee said the company had cooperated with police and provided its licences and tax-related documents covering brewing, wholesale and sale. The case had been investigated as a suspected smuggling offence under Section 135 of the Customs Act 1967. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: 1602 says no smuggling offence was found, and seized products have been returned. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

The Niah National Park forest fire is now fully extinguished after a three-day operation involving air and ground teams. [image: 1784109951034-niah-fire.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily Bomba Sarawak confirmed that the fire was put out at 12pm on July 15, after 20 helicopter water bombing runs released 26,000 litres of water over the affected area. Location: Niah National Park, Miri Division Details: The affected area covered 1.62 hectares. The final stage of the operation began at 9.45am and lasted three hours and 36 minutes, using one Bomba Air Unit MI-171 helicopter with 11 personnel. Ground support came from Bomba Batu Niah Station, with help from the Royal Malaysia Police and Sarawak Forestry Corporation. Authorities said the fire is now 100 per cent extinguished, with monitoring to make sure the area stays safe. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

BCCK now has Sarawak's first live indoor 5G coverage, aimed at keeping large events online without the usual crowd-network slowdown. [image: 1784109896030-bcck-5g.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) has upgraded its digital infrastructure with an in-building 5G coverage system at BCCK 1. The system covers more than 3,740 square metres and is meant to support high-density use during conferences, exhibitions and major gatherings. Location: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) Details: Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said 5G speeds can reach more than 1,100Mbps, compared with about 200Mbps on 4G. The upgrade is also seen as a base for future connectivity at BCCK 2 once the expansion is ready. For visitors, exhibitors and event crews, this should mean smoother digital registration, livestreaming and online services when the hall is packed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784088236065-sibu-drugs.jpg] Sibu's drug problem is showing a sharp rise, with reported drug and substance abuse cases increasing by 40.6% in one year. Sibu MP Oscar Ling said Home Ministry data tabled in Parliament showed the number of people involved in drug and substance abuse in Sibu rose from 903 in 2024 to 1,270 in 2025. That increase is higher than Sarawak's overall rise of 17.6%, where statewide cases went from 10,705 to 12,590 over the same period. Main concern Ling said amphetamine-type stimulants were the most commonly abused drugs in Sibu, making up about 82.7% of cases in 2025. ATS-related cases rose from 639 to 1,050. He urged police, the National Anti-Drug Agency and schools to strengthen enforcement, prevention programmes and community education, especially for youths. Location: Sibu, Sarawak Details: Drug and substance abuse cases rose sharply, with synthetic drugs named as the main threat. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?