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Federal police dismantle an RM81.8 million bird's nest syndicate after 10 raids across Sarawak, with Kuching identified as a major hub for the illegal trade. Federal Department of Internal Security and Public Order (JKDNKA) director CP Dato Sri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the raids under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) from June 1 to 16 led to the arrest of six suspects — both locals and foreign nationals. The syndicate was involved in the illegal collection, possession and trade of edible bird's nests without valid licences. Investigations revealed the nests were processed at commercial premises rather than harvested from natural sites like caves or forests, with products mainly intended for export. Suspects have been handed over to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for action under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. [image: 1783317790872-birdsnest1.jpg] [image: 1783317790955-birdsnest2.jpg] Nationwide, the OBK operation produced 70 investigation papers, 62 arrests, and seized RM98.4 million in wildlife and environmental crimes. Items seized included 16,367kg of edible bird's nests, 223 birds, 8 eagles, 2 pangolins, 790 turtle eggs, 4,238 turtles, 218 axolotls, 116 exotic fish, 959 fighting cocks and 1,673 logs. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: RM81.8 million seizures, 6 arrested, 10 raids coordinated by JKDNKA under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

One of Sarawak's biggest smuggling busts — police seize RM26.6 million worth of contraband beer and heavy equipment in a Kuching warehouse raid. [image: 1783299790565-contraband-beer-1.jpg] Bukit Aman's elite Wildlife Crime Bureau led 'Op Taring Alpha 2' on July 3, hitting a premises that was stockpiling tens of thousands of uncustomed beer cartons — mostly from local craft brand 1602. Here's what they found: 39,196 cartons of 1602 Smooth Lager (330ml) 20,788 cartons of Pure Lager (330ml) 3,210 cartons of Pale Ale, plus hundreds more of Golden Lager & Lager Fresh Three shipping containers loaded with contraband Two Toyota forklifts Three Indonesian men, all aged around 35, were arrested during the operation. The 1602 brand hits back In a press conference on July 5, 1602's executive director Dato Sri Vicent Lee Kee Lung insisted the company is "fully licensed" and tax-compliant, saying all permits — brewery licence, wholesale licence and liquor sales licence — are in order. [image: 1783299790635-1602-press-conf.jpg] Lee claimed his company suspects the rapid growth of 1602 has hurt the illegal alcohol market, and that enforcement may have been influenced by outside parties. He said 1602 will submit evidence of suspected smuggling activities to police, Customs and MACC. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. Nationwide, Bukit Aman's enforcement unit has conducted 199 raids between Jan 1 and July 4 this year, arresting 374 individuals and seizing goods worth RM258.5 million. Location: Kuching Details: Op Taring Alpha 2, July 3 raid Sources: DayakDaily (Raid) · DayakDaily (1602 Response) What do you think — is 1602 being unfairly targeted, or is there more to this story?

A major milestone for Sarawak's infrastructure — the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge is almost ready. The final stitching of the bridge's main structure was completed on July 2, marking a key step before its public opening in August 2026. [image: 1783144929988-batang-lupar-2-bridge.jpg] What you need to know Length: 870 metres, built to JKR R5 standards Design: Cable-stayed bridge with two towers rising 145.5m above the river Navigational channel: 200m wide with 23m clearance Access roads: 2.08km of connecting roads with drainage & safety features The impact The bridge will slash travel distance between Sri Aman and Betong from 73km to just 37km — cutting travel time by nearly half compared to the existing Pan Borneo Highway route. It's part of the Sarawak Second Trunk Road (SSLR) initiative, expected to boost trade, agriculture, and tourism along the Sri Aman-Betong corridor. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas officiated the final stitching ceremony, calling it a testament to the Sarawak government's commitment to strategic infrastructure. Location: Sri Aman-Betong corridor (Sarawak Second Trunk Road) ️ Project: Batang Lupar 2 Bridge Expected opening: August 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think about Sarawak's infrastructure push?

A 19-year-old woman in Kuching pleaded guilty to extorting RM18,000 from her own mother by staging a fake kidnapping. The unemployed teenager sent WhatsApp messages to her mother using a man's profile, claiming she had been abducted and would be killed unless the ransom was paid. The alleged 'kidnapping' took place at a residence in Taman Perniagaan Setia, Johor Bahru on June 18. [image: 1783127036643-fake-kidnapping.jpg] Her mother, terrified for her daughter's life, lodged a police report. But investigators quickly discovered the whole thing was orchestrated by the teen herself. Details: Charged under Section 387 of the Penal Code (max 10 years + whipping) Sentencing postponed to Aug 4 for a social report Judge Iris Awen Jon dismissed her excuse that she 'needed money to buy something for her mother' No prior criminal record, currently in remand Location: Sessions Court, Kuching Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Court of Appeal unanimously dismisses Chong Chieng Jen's appeal over 2013 'RM11 billion black hole' remarks — damages bumped from RM150,000 to RM300,000. The three-judge panel also allowed the Sarawak government's cross-appeal, bringing the total payable in damages and costs to RM500,000. The case stems from a 2013 statement where Chong claimed RM11 billion from the Sarawak Treasury had "disappeared into a black hole." The High Court found him liable for defamation in 2022, ruling the remarks suggested lack of transparency in state financial management. Chong's lawyer Michael Kong had argued for a retrial, saying the original judge wrongly blocked a subpoena for former second finance minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. But the appeal court rejected that argument. Breakdown of costs: RM300,000 in damages (doubled from RM150,000) RM50,000 for original costs RM100,000 for dismissed appeal costs RM50,000 for cross-appeal costs [image: 1783058785489-chong-bhole-appeal.jpg] Location: Court of Appeal, Putrajaya Details: Chong Chieng Jen (DAP Sarawak chairman / Stampin MP) v Sarawak Government & Sarawak Financial Authority Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching police bust a major drug operation — 1,192 cannabis vape cartridges worth over half a million ringgit seized, 14 suspects arrested. [image: 1783040552356-kuching-cannabis-vape.jpg] Date: June 30, 2026 (announced July 2) Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed the Sarawak NCID conducted two raids on the same day. First raid (11.30am): House along Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim 14 suspects arrested — 12 men, 2 women, aged 24-48 95g of syabu (methamphetamine) seized, valued at RM10,487 Second raid (6.45pm): Lorong Setia Raja — follow-up based on intel from first raid 1,192 vape cartridges containing liquid cannabis uncovered Cartridges were hidden inside plastic bags labelled with fruit names Street value: RM531,113 Total weight: 2,980 grammes Suspects: 13 tested positive for amphetamine-type substances 12 have prior drug-related offences All remanded under Section 39B of Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 Conviction carries mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment + minimum 12 strokes ACP Alexson praised public cooperation and urged anyone with information to contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222 or Sarawak NCID at 017-592 9211. Big numbers, bigger message — police aren't messing around with drug trafficking in Kuching. What do you think? Should the penalties be tougher? Source: DayakDaily

MBKS says it's had enough — critics keep recycling false claims about the council's finances despite repeated clarifications. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng today warned that the council will not hesitate to pursue legal action against individuals or organisations that continue spreading false or defamatory allegations about MBKS's financial management. [image: 1782972171737-mbks-sue.jpg] He accused certain political figures of deliberately using selective financial data to tarnish MBKS's image and create public distrust. Wee stressed that critics had failed to distinguish between operational revenue and restricted funds such as government grants, which are legally earmarked for specific purposes. The council continues investing in roads, drainage, flood mitigation, public health, waste management, parks, and Smart City initiatives. Major drainage and road projects requiring millions are implemented in phases under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Wee said criticism could be constructive if presented fairly, but rejected repeated attempts to distort facts after the council had already provided public explanations via Facebook Live and newspaper reports. Location: MBKS Building, Kuching Details: Wee Hong Seng — Mayor of Kuching South (MBKS) Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called for the immediate termination of the Sansols foreign worker platform, claiming a single private company has collected an estimated RM200 million annually from Sarawak employers. Speaking today, the DAP Sarawak chairman said the Sarawak government's Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) via the Sansols platform has created unnecessary costs and red tape for businesses. Chong revealed that the Ministry of Human Resources confirmed Sansols was made compulsory by the Sarawak government in January 2025 for all foreign worker applications in the state. Other states in Malaysia do not require a similar system. "The modus operandi was kept very secretive until it was finally exposed by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong in the recent DUN Sitting in May that all payments go to one private company," he said. With an estimated 130,000 foreign workers in Sarawak, Chong calculated that at RM1,800 per worker, the company could have collected about RM200 million in a single year. Describing it as "an abuse of our immigration autonomy", he urged the state government to disclose the identity of the company operating Sansols and explain how it was selected. He called for Sansols to be abolished and the previous free-of-charge MSEN system to be reinstated. [image: 1782954437699-stampin-fwta.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Sansols platform mandated for all foreign worker applications since Jan 2025; Chong claims RM200m/year flows to one secretive private company Source: The Borneo Post What do you think — should Sansols be scrapped?

Sarawak has clocked a GDP per capita of RM73,757 in 2025, comfortably above the national average of RM59,167. The latest numbers from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) show Sarawak is punching above its weight economically — joining KL, Putrajaya, Labuan, Penang and Selangor as states that beat the national average. [image: 1782885725943-sarawak-gdp-2025.jpg] By the numbers Sarawak's total GDP hit RM153.5 billion, growing 3.6% from 2024 Services sector led the charge, up 5.4% — driven by wholesale & retail trade, F&B, accommodation, utilities, transport, storage and ICT Agriculture grew 4.3%, thanks to higher oil palm production Mining & quarrying rose 2.7%, supported by natural gas output Manufacturing was flat at 0.1% National GDP expanded 5.2% to RM1.74 trillion, with Construction being the fastest-growing sector nationwide at 12.2%. Where Sarawak stands Despite growing at a more moderate 3.6%, Sarawak remains one of Malaysia's most economically significant states. Alongside KL, Johor and Penang, Sarawak accounted for a big chunk of the country's total economic output. Chief Statistician Dato' Sri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that all states recorded positive growth in 2025, reflecting a resilient economic environment despite global uncertainties. DOSM added that Malaysia's 2026 outlook stays positive — Q1 2026 already shows 5.4% GDP growth and a record-high 70.8% labour force participation. Location: Sarawak Details: DOSM State GDP Report 2025, released July 1, 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Here's your midweek deal roundup for Kuching — some ongoing promotions you don't want to miss this July! 1️⃣ AEON Member Price — July Promotions AEON Kuching (AEON Mall Kuching & AEON Kota Samarahan) is running multiple July deals: AEON Member Price on electronics, home appliances & clothing AEON Noodle Fiesta — discounted noodle & sauce bundles AEON Rice Fair — bulk rice at special member prices AEON Football Fiesta — food & merchandise specials AEON WOW Jimat Member Prices on selected groceries Thursday is Better than Friday — weekly midweek deals More details: aeonretail.com.my/promotion/ 2️⃣ Vivacity Megamall — Ongoing Store Promotions Vivacity Megamall's individual stores and restaurants continue their daily and weekly deals. Check directly with your favorite brands for current offers. 3️⃣ TGV Cinemas Vivacity Megamall Catch the latest blockbusters with TGV's student/ member discounts. Current screenings include Toy Story 5, Supergirl, and more. 4️⃣ New on the Kuching Food Scene Ah Fook's BBQ at C3 Cafe, BDC — featured in DayakDaily for their family-recipe barbecue Sung Moh Chicken Rice — a Kuching institution, open daily Source: AEON Malaysia, Vivacity Megamall, DayakDaily Note: Promotions may vary by outlet. Always confirm with the merchant before visiting.

Batu Kitang water treatment plant getting a massive RM138.9 million upgrade — capacity to double from 100MLD to 200MLD by end of this year. The project, which has reached 67% completion, will significantly boost water supply for Kuching Division, Samarahan Division, and surrounding areas. Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the upgrade will also help fix recurring low water pressure issues in fast-growing areas like Stakan and Samarindah. [image: 1782867814687-batu-kitang-plant.jpg] Scope of works includes: Upgrading treatment processes (flocculation, sedimentation, filtration) SCADA automation system upgrade New treated water storage tank and pumping station Enhanced raw water intake system at Sarawak River The upgraded facility will also benefit parts of Samarahan including Sungai Mata and Tanjung Parang, plus areas under JBALB's rural water distribution system. Location: Batu Kitang, Kuching Details: RM138.9 million upgrade, 67% complete, targets completion by end of 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Released prisoner re-offends within months — 24-year-old Muhamad Syafik jailed 17 years plus 30 months, 14 strokes for gang robbery, snatch theft and vandalism across Kuching. Muhamad Syafik, who was out under the Prisoners' Licensed Release (PBSL) programme, pleaded guilty to four charges in separate Sessions and Magistrates' Courts yesterday (June 29). [image: 1782799567373-prison-cell.jpg] His most serious offence: robbing a 64-year-old woman outside a pharmacy at Taman BDC, Jalan Stampin on June 11. He and his accomplice Nik Farris, 28, took her smartphone, IC and two ATM cards. Both got 10 years + 7 strokes under Section 395 of the Penal Code. In a separate case, Syafik snatched a handbag from a 43-year-old woman along Jalan Green Hill on May 6 — sentenced to 7 years + 7 strokes. He also faced two mischief charges: splashing petrol on a victim's house at Jalan Menggeris on March 16, and splashing red paint on the same gate on April 4. He got 18 months and 12 months respectively. All sentences run consecutively. Syafik was unrepresented. Location: Taman BDC (Jalan Stampin), Jalan Green Hill, Jalan Menggeris — Kuching Details: 24-year-old PBSL prisoner re-offends — gang robbery, snatch theft, vandalism — total 17 years + 30 months + 14 strokes Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching High Court has sentenced a 16-year-old boy to six years in prison after overturning an earlier order that sent him to Henry Gurney School for a crash that claimed five lives. The teenager, who was unlicensed, was behind the wheel of a Proton Saga when it collided with another vehicle along Jalan Stutong Baru on January 14, 2026. Five people aged between 16 and 42 were killed. [image: 1782781445352-kuching-court-teen-crash.jpg] The Magistrates' Court had initially ordered the boy to be detained at Henry Gurney School until age 21, but the prosecution appealed — arguing the sentence was too lenient given the gravity of the offence and the rising number of fatal crashes involving underage drivers. Judicial Commissioner Datuk Faridz Gohim Abdullah agreed, setting aside the Henry Gurney order and imposing a six-year prison sentence from June 16, 2025. The court also ordered that the teen be segregated from adult inmates. The boy had pleaded guilty to reckless driving causing death and driving without a valid licence. On top of the criminal case, his father was fined RM15,000 and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service for failing to supervise his son properly. Location: Jalan Stutong Baru, Kuching ️ Outcome: 6 years' imprisonment (overturned from Henry Gurney School detention) Father's penalty: RM15,000 fine + 100 hours community service Source: DayakDaily What do you think — was the High Court right to overturn the lighter sentence?

They're back at it again — Spiderman, Batman and Iron Man at Kuching traffic lights, waving buckets for donations. DBKU (Kuching North City Commission) says it's had enough. Despite repeated warnings, people dressed as superheroes keep returning to busy road intersections and roundabouts to collect money from drivers. Mayor of Kuching North, Dato Hilmy Othman, said complaints have been flooding in through the DBKU hotline and from enforcement officers on the ground. [image: 1782712956689-dbku-superheroes.jpg] "Every time we take action, they disappear for two or three days — then they come back again," he said. "We have no issue taking firm action if they remain stubborn." Safety concern Hilmy stressed that the activity is dangerous — not just for the people standing in traffic, but also for motorists who get distracted or have to brake suddenly, especially during peak hours. Street performance not banned DBKU clarified that it's not against street performances per se — but anyone wanting to perform or entertain needs a permit first. Collecting money at hazardous spots without approval won't be tolerated. "Any form of entertainment within DBKU's administrative area requires prior approval," he said. Location: DBKU jurisdiction, Kuching Details: Roadside 'superheroes' collecting donations at traffic lights have ignored repeated warnings; DBKU considering stricter enforcement Source: DayakDaily Has anyone else seen these 'superheroes' at Kuching traffic lights?

Looking for deals in Kuching this week? Here are 3 promotions you can still grab right now! [image: deals-29jun.jpg] Illustration for illustration purposes 1️⃣ Ta Kiong Kuching — Weekly Good Deal Grocery & household essentials at discounted prices 26 June – 2 July 2026 The Spring Shopping Centre, Jalan Simpang Tiga, Kuching Source: Ta Kiong Official 2️⃣ Potato Corner — Payday Promotion Buy any Jumbo Pizza Bites → get 50% OFF Mega Classic Fries! 25 – 30 June 2026 (Last day tomorrow!) Available at all Potato Corner outlets nationwide, including Kuching Source: EverydayOnSales 3️⃣ Lalamove Kuching — 25% Off Delivery Enjoy 25% off Motorcycle, Car, 4×4 and Van deliveries in Kuching Valid until 31 July 2026 ️ Limited to first 10,000 redemptions Source: Lalamove Kuching Know a deal we missed? Tag us or share in the comments!

A pre-dawn fire in Tabuan Hilir destroyed six homes and damaged a seventh on June 28, leaving 44 residents from six families without a place to stay. The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department received the call at 3.41am and reached the scene four minutes later. Twenty-eight firefighters from Tabuan Jaya, Padungan and Batu Lintang stations responded with five vehicles. The fire was brought under control at 4.44am and the operation ended at 7.08am. [image: 1782626507371-tabuan-hilir-fire-1.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily Six non-permanent houses were completely destroyed, while another was about 30 per cent damaged. Three motorcycles were also lost. Everyone escaped safely and no injuries or deaths were reported. [image: 1782626507482-tabuan-hilir-fire-2.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily What was confirmed — and what was not The 44 affected residents included children, but the published reports did not provide a public list of the families or an official donation account. The cause of the fire and estimated losses were still under investigation when the reports were published. Anyone wanting to help should verify requests through the village or community leadership, the Welfare Department or another clearly identified organiser before transferring money. Photos and account numbers forwarded without a named coordinator should not be treated as verified appeals. This article records the June 28 incident; it is not a live emergency alert. Location: Tabuan Hilir, Kuching Impact: Six houses destroyed, one damaged; 44 residents affected Casualties: None reported Sources: DayakDaily · The Borneo Post

Sabah and Sarawak have agreed to formalise cross-regional economic cooperation in Borneo, marking a strategic push to strengthen trade, investment, and overall regional development. Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Ewon Benedick said the agreement was reached after a courtesy call on Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on June 26. The collaboration will be coordinated between Sabah's Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship and Sarawak's Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED). "Sabah needs Sarawak, and Sarawak needs Sabah to ensure this Borneo territory develops more dynamically," Ewon said at the launch of the 17th DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan Exhibition and Business Event in Kuching. He highlighted that Gawai and Kaamatan have grown beyond harvest festivals into economic platforms that link business, culture and community across Borneo. The two-day exhibition features more than 50 exhibitors from Sabah and Sarawak showcasing handicrafts, agro-based products, food, and creative industries. SMEs from both states were also encouraged to tap into cross-regional opportunities, explore digital tech, and strengthen networks through business-matching sessions. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Cross-Borneo economic cooperation formalised between Sabah and Sarawak ministries Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Will closer cooperation between Sabah and Sarawak boost Borneo's economy?

Budi Diesel subsidy now covers company-owned pickup trucks and jeeps — Cabinet approves expansion ahead of July 1 rollout The government has expanded the Budi Madani Diesel programme to include company-owned private pickup trucks and jeeps. This move is expected to benefit small business operators and rural users across Sarawak who rely on diesel vehicles for daily work. [image: 1782540162346-budi-diesel-pickup.jpg] Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Cabinet approved the expansion as part of several enhancements to ensure a smoother transition to the targeted diesel subsidy mechanism. Key Details Company-owned pickup trucks and jeeps can now access subsidised diesel Owners can apply for an additional 100 litres per month via the Budi Madani portal Full subsidised rate at RM2.10 per litre through MyKad verification Early access at RM2.15 per litre begins today (June 27) for eligible private users in Peninsular Malaysia The full nationwide implementation of Budi Diesel is scheduled for July 1, 2026. Location: Nationwide (affects Sarawak directly) Details: Company-owned pickups and jeeps now eligible for diesel subsidy; additional 100L/month allocation available; RM2.10/L subsidised rate Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Will this help small businesses and rural communities in Sarawak?

Sarawak's vast geography and heavy reliance on diesel transport make the federal government's 200-litre monthly subsidy cap unworkable, says social activist Voon Shiak Ni. Speaking on Friday (June 27), Voon said the Budi Madani Diesel programme — which offers subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre up to 200 litres per month — fails to account for Sarawak's unique circumstances as an oil-producing state with enormous logistical challenges. "A one-size-fits-all approach may not reflect the realities of different regions. Sarawak's contribution as an oil-producing state and its unique logistical challenges should be considered," she said. [image: 1782522151104-diesel-subsidy.jpg] Lorry drivers and transport operators would be the hardest hit. One lorry driver told Voon he uses over 2,000 litres of diesel a month just transporting stones from Paku, Bau to Jalan Stephen Yong — ten times the proposed cap. Location: Sarawak Details: Budi Madani Diesel subsidy cap at 200 litres/month — activist calls it unsuitable for Sarawak's geography and logistics needs Source: Borneo Post Online What do you think?

PBB Youth has hit back at DAPSY Sarawak for allegedly editing out Premier Abang Johari from social media posts about the Bintulu Port handover. In a statement today, PBB Youth information chief Royston Valentine said DAPSY's visuals appeared to deliberately obscure the Premier's face from an official cheque handover image between the federal and state governments. He accused DAPSY of replacing or covering the Premier's image with photos of their own leaders, giving the false impression that Sarawak's leadership played no role in the port acquisition. [image: 1782453938630-pbb-youth-royston.jpg] Royston stressed that the Bintulu Port deal cost Sarawak RM1.8 billion — it was not a free transfer from the federal government as might be perceived. GPS leaders worked for years to secure the takeover. "In fact, they are acting as if they were the ones who championed Sarawak's rights under MA63, whereas all this time they remained silent while GPS leaders worked tirelessly to restore Sarawak's rights," he said. He urged all parties to avoid actions that could disrupt Sarawak's unity and harmony. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Key Facts: Bintulu Port acquisition cost RM1.8 billion, fully funded by Sarawak Royston Valentine is also the Tellian state assemblyman PBB Youth says DAP Sarawak has a track record of misleading the public through what they called "political manipulation" Source: DayakDaily What do you think?