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Sarawak Premier Abang Johari has called on AirBorneo to install in-flight Wi-Fi — starting with the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route. [image: 1785978260201-airborneo-wifi.jpg] Speaking at SACOFA's 25th anniversary dinner in Kuching on Aug 5, the Premier said the state-owned airline needs to keep up with Sarawak's digital transformation. "If possible, AirBorneo should have Wi-Fi on its aircraft. At the moment, it does not have Wi-Fi. I have asked them to install it, at least on flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching so that passengers can stay connected while on board," he said. He also urged SACOFA to stay ahead of emerging telecom technologies, adding that Sarawak must prepare for a future driven by wireless tech, satellite connectivity, AI, and aerospace. AirBorneo currently does not offer in-flight internet on any of its routes. Location: Kuching Details: Premier calls for AirBorneo in-flight Wi-Fi, starting with Kuching-KL route Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Would you use it?

Tragic accident at Kuching's KUTS project site — a construction worker has died after falling from a 14-metre structure. [image: 1785978246668-kuts-accident.jpg] Sarawak Metro confirmed the victim, a Nepalese national, was fatally injured around 8.30am on Aug 5 while installing deck slabs at the Simpang Tiga construction site. He was rushed to the nearest hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. A stop-work order has been issued at the affected site. Sarawak Metro and the contractor are cooperating with DOSH (Department of Occupational Safety and Health) and the police to investigate the cause of the incident. The company said it remains committed to upholding safety standards at all its construction sites. Location: KUTS Simpang Tiga project site, Kuching Details: 14-metre fall, fatal, stop-work order issued, DOSH investigation underway Source: DayakDaily Thoughts?

Hot and dry weather is expected to continue across Sarawak until Aug 9, with possible transboundary haze — especially in southern parts of the state. MetMalaysia said prevailing southerly winds, combined with an increase in hotspots in neighbouring countries, could bring haze and reduced visibility. Its latest weather forecast also points to below-average rainfall across most of Borneo during this period. Meanwhile, Typhoon Dolphin, currently active over the western Pacific, is expected to move towards Okinawa, Japan, and then towards China by Aug 9. The typhoon is expected to strengthen westerly winds over Sabah and Labuan from Aug 6 to 9. [image: 1785924350668-weather-haze.jpg] MetMalaysia advises the public to check its official website, social media, or the myCuaca app for verified weather updates. Location: Sarawak (southern regions including Kuching) Details: Hot spell + possible haze until Aug 9 Source: Borneo Post Stay hydrated, folks. Is the heat already getting to you? What do you think?

A 53-year-old accounts clerk in Kuching lost RM622,320 to an online stock investment scam. Padawan District Police Chief Supt Barry William said the woman joined the scheme in mid-June after clicking a link and downloading an app. She then made 15 transactions involving six different bank accounts, all from her personal savings. At first she received a profit of RM1,120. That was the bait — she was then told to pay more to grow her investment. But when she tried to withdraw the profits shown in the app, she couldn't. That's when she realised it was a scam. The transactions happened between June 14 and July 23. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. [image: 1785924267789-scam-investment.jpg] Police advise the public to verify any investment platform before transferring money, and to be wary of apps that promise quick returns. Location: Kuching (Padawan) Case: Section 420 Penal Code — cheating Source: Borneo Post RM622K gone in two months. Have you or someone you know ever been approached by these investment schemes? What do you think?

A Chinese national jumped into the Sarawak River near Jalan Petanak in the early hours to rescue a woman who had fallen in, with both eventually pulled to safety by firefighters. Bomba Padungan received the emergency call at 3.04am on Aug 4 and dispatched a team to the scene near an apartment along Jalan Petanak. Upon arrival, firefighters found three individuals clinging to the riverbank. Initial reports indicated that an adult Chinese woman had fallen into the river, and an adult Chinese man entered the water to try to save her. An apartment employee also jumped in to assist and prevent the pair from being swept away by the current. Firefighters used a lifebuoy and rescue ropes to bring both victims to safety. The man and woman were escorted back to their apartment by security personnel and handed over to police. Both individuals declined medical treatment and refused transport to hospital. No injuries were reported. Location: Jalan Petanak, Kuching Details: 3.04am rescue — Bomba Padungan used lifebuoy and ropes Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A leaked Election Commission document has revealed plans to expand Sarawak's legislative assembly from 82 to 99 seats, with 17 new constituencies proposed across the state. The 14-page document, dated June 25 and signed by Sarawak State Election Director Abang Noraffian Abang Ibrahim, outlines the proposed seat additions as part of the Seventh Sarawak Redelineation Exercise. New seats in the Kuching area include Tabuan Jaya (under Bandar Kuching), Maong (under Stampin), and Samarindah (under Kota Samarahan). Other proposed new seats include Sungai Serin (Puncak Borneo), Tanah Mas (Lanang, Sibu), and Tudan (Miri). The proposal would bring the total number of State constituencies to 99, up from the current 82. The document also lists exhibition venues where the public can view the draft reports and gazette maps, including DBKU, MBKS, Padawan Municipal Council, and district offices across Sarawak. Location: Sarawak (Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu) Details: Leaked EC proposal for Seventh Redelineation Exercise — 17 new seats, 99 total Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Raw water levels at the Simunjan Water Treatment Plant have fallen below one metre due to prolonged dry weather, forcing the Sarawak government to plan three immediate measures. Simunjan requires about 10 million litres of water per day (MLD), but is currently receiving only 4.5 to 5 MLD through the existing supply system, supplemented by water from Sarawak Water and Serian. Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee said three proposals have been submitted to the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication and JBALB: New high-level water tank for Zone 3 (Sungai Apin area) Dredging and desilting of the treatment plant's raw water reservoir Booster station or Acute Water Supply System similar to Sebuyau While the current 5 MLD is sufficient for basic needs, the situation highlights the need for a more resilient water supply system in the district. Location: Simunjan, Samarahan Division Details: The prolonged dry spell has caused sediment and sand to accumulate in the plant's raw water reservoir, reducing storage capacity and affecting water production. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has proposed regular meetings among UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in Asia to strengthen cultural ties and culinary exchange. The proposal came as delegates from China's Quanzhou, Chaozhou, Chengdu, Macau, Eastern Guangdong, and Iloilo, Philippines, visited the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion at MBKS Jubilee Ground during the Kuching Food Festival 2026. "Food reflects a community's history, culture and identity. Although we come from different countries and cultures, our shared passion for gastronomy has brought us together as one family," Wee said. The mayor said closer cooperation among Asian gastronomy cities would help showcase the richness of Asian culinary traditions while encouraging more visitors to experience each city's unique food culture. Location: Kuching South (MBKS) Details: Kuching is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a City of Gastronomy. The 3rd Annual Meeting of UCCN Gastronomy Cities is currently underway with delegates from six cities. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawakian musician Alena Murang has won a Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards for her Kelabit-language song, Sekunuh Kamih. [image: 1785837902100-alena-murang-silver.jpg] Source: DayakDaily The song, which means "Our Stories" in Kelabit, blends traditional sape' sounds with contemporary production. A unique feature: it includes voices from three generations of the Kelabit community — opening with a recording of Alena's father from a 1980s cassette tape asking his uncle, "Who told you this story?", to which the elder replies, "The elders did, a long time ago." The track also features Alena's grandaunt reciting an ancient epic tale of two warriors. Produced by Melina William, an award-winning Malaysian music director with Orang Ulu heritage, the song is available on major streaming platforms worldwide. Location: Sarawak Details: Alena Murang's Kelabit song Sekunuh Kamih, Silver Medal at Global Music Awards Source: https://dayakdaily.com/alena-murangs-kelabit-song-wins-silver-at-prestigious-global-music-awards/ Nice one, Sarawak!

Kuching's heritage villages along the Sarawak River just got a safer and more accessible entry point — the Kampung Boyan-Gersik jetty has been fully upgraded. [image: 1785837875157-boyan-gersik-jetty.jpg] Source: Ukas The RM918,000 project was officially handed over today (Aug 4), witnessed by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. The upgrade included reconstruction of the guide pillars, pontoon, gangway and jetty walkway, replacing ageing infrastructure that had deteriorated after years of use. The jetty now features better accessibility for senior citizens, wheelchair users and persons with disabilities. It serves as the main gateway for visitors exploring Kampung Boyan, Kampung Gersik and Kampung Surabaya — villages known for traditional delicacies, cottage industries and handmade crafts. Location: Kampung Boyan-Gersik, Kuching Details: RM918,000 upgrade, improved safety & accessibility, key heritage tourism gateway Source: https://dayakdaily.com/rm918k-upgrade-makes-kampung-boyan-gersik-jetty-safer-for-residents-visitors/ What do you think?

A Miri woman lost RM12,790 after clicking a fake food-order link shared through WhatsApp. [image: 1785816336983-miri-fake-food-link-scam-resized.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Mikhail Nilov, Pexels Miri police said the 29-year-old woman first saw a food advertisement on Facebook, then continued the order through WhatsApp. She clicked a link that was supposedly for viewing the menu. Soon after that, her phone screen went blank and the device stopped responding. Money moved out after the click Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the victim later checked with her bank and found four unauthorised transfers from her account. The total loss was RM12,790. Police are now investigating how the phone was compromised and tracing where the money went. Police also reminded the public not to click links from unverified ads or messages, and to download apps only from trusted platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Anyone who notices suspicious bank transactions should contact the bank quickly and lodge a police report. Scam victims can also call NSRC at 997. Location: Miri Details: Fake food ad link, 4 unauthorised bank transfers, RM12,790 loss Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/04/clicking-fake-food-order-link-leaves-miri-woman-rm12790-poorer/ What do you think?

Three people were pulled safely from the Sarawak River near Jalan Petanak early this morning. [image: 1785816275422-sarawak-river-rescue.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Bomba rescue photo A Chinese woman reportedly fell into the river near an apartment along Jalan Petanak, Kuching, before a Chinese man went in to help her. An apartment employee also entered the water to stop both of them from being swept away. Bomba Padungan received the call at 3.04am on Tuesday, Aug 4, and found three people holding on at the riverbank. What happened Firefighters used a lifebuoy and rescue ropes to bring them up safely. The rescue was under control at 3.45am and wrapped up at 4.18am. No injuries were reported. The two Chinese nationals declined medical treatment and were later escorted back to their apartment before the matter was handed to police for further action. Location: Sarawak River near Jalan Petanak, Kuching Details: 3 people rescued, no injuries reported Source: https://dayakdaily.com/chinese-man-jumps-into-sarawak-river-to-save-woman-both-rescued/ What do you think?

A new eight-storey Anjung Kasih is being planned opposite Sarawak General Hospital, aimed at helping families who travel to Kuching for medical treatment. [image: 1785805545085-anjung-kasih-sgh.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Kuching project would keep the facade of the former nurses' quarters, while a new block would be built behind it. Why it matters Anjung Kasih provides temporary accommodation for family members accompanying patients. For many people coming from outside Kuching, hotel costs can be a heavy burden during hospital treatment. The Premier said the concept could also be expanded to other parts of Sarawak where similar support is needed. Location: Opposite Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching Details: Proposed eight-storey block behind the preserved former nurses' quarters facade; meant for patients' families needing temporary accommodation. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak could see 17 new State seats, with Tabuan Jaya, Maong and Samarindah among the names in a leaked EC proposal. [image: 1785805495307-ec-redelineation.jpg] Source: Election Commission / Facebook The proposal points to a bigger Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, rising from 82 seats to 99 seats if the redelineation process goes through. What was revealed DayakDaily reported that the leaked Election Commission proposal includes new or renamed seats across Sarawak. In the Kuching and nearby areas, names listed include Tabuan Jaya, Maong, Matang, Semarak, Pasir Pandak, Samarindah and Sungai Serin. The document is dated June 25, 2026 and is linked to Sarawak's Seventh Redelineation Exercise. Location: Sarawak, including Kuching-area constituencies Details: Proposed expansion from 82 to 99 State seats, with public display venues expected at local authority offices such as DBKU, MBKS and MPP. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 29-year-old local man has been arrested over an alleged recording case at Kuching Food Festival. [image: 1785751445591-pdrm_logo_kff_recording_20260803.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / PDRM file image Kuching police arrested a 29-year-old local man after he allegedly recorded a video that insulted a woman’s modesty at Kuching Food Festival. Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspect was arrested at about 9.20pm on Aug 1. What police said Police seized the suspect’s mobile phone as evidence. A record check found that the suspect had no previous criminal record, and he has been remanded for two days to assist investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code for insulting the modesty of a person by recording a video. If convicted, the offence carries jail of up to five years, a fine, or both. Police also reminded the public to respect other people’s privacy and avoid acts that break the law. Anyone with information on criminal activities can contact the Kuching IPD Control Centre at 082-241133. Location: Kuching Details: A 29-year-old man was arrested; police seized a mobile phone and are investigating under Section 509 of the Penal Code. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak wants federal approval sped up for a Kuching-Putussibau cross-border bus route. [image: 1785751410267-kuching_putussibau_bus_20260803.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Ministry of Transport The Sarawak Ministry of Transport will send an official request to the federal side to speed up approval for the proposed Kuching-Putussibau bus service. Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the route is meant to improve links between Sarawak and West Kalimantan through the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau entry point. Why it matters Operators from both sides, Biaramas Express from Sarawak and DAMRI from Indonesia, have indicated they are ready to start. Lee said the route could support tourism, medical tourism, trade and cross-border economic activity. He also said the current Putussibau-Pontianak overland trip takes about 20 hours, while using the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau and Tebedu-Entikong route could cut travel time by more than half. Kuching as a transit hub The ministry also sees Kuching becoming a regional transit point, linking flights through Kuching International Airport with land travel into Kalimantan. Location: Kuching, Lubok Antu and Putussibau Details: Sarawak is asking for faster federal approval for a proposed cross-border bus route. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 14-year-old Sarawak deaf table tennis gold medallist may miss her next step because her cochlear implant processor keeps failing. [image: 1785729955161-celynn_20260803.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Celynn Ho won the women's singles gold medal at the first Malaysian Deaf Table Tennis Championship in Ipoh last month. She is now due to represent Malaysia at the Asia Pacific Deaf Multi-Sport Championships 2026 in Penang from Oct 3 to 10. Her mother Rita Bong said the biggest problem now is the cost of replacing Celynn's faulty cochlear implant processor. A new one could cost around RM90,000. Bong said the device matters not only for school, but also for training, because Celynn relies on it to communicate with coaches and teammates. Key Details Location: Kuching / Padawan Details: Celynn is a Form 2 student at Chung Hua Middle School No. 1. Those who want to know more can contact Bong at 012-8886366, as listed by The Borneo Post. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Update, Aug 14: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof successfully underwent heart bypass surgery at the National Heart Institute and was reported to be in stable condition during recovery. [image: 1785729898539-fadillah_20260803.jpg] File photo: DayakDaily His office first announced on Aug 3 that the Petra Jaya MP would undergo the procedure on the advice of his specialist team. He was asked to rest fully and avoid visitors so treatment and recovery could proceed without disruption. A later statement said the surgery was performed at IJN on Aug 12 and was successful. Fadillah and his family thanked the medical team and the public for their support. Why this update is included The original version of this post only said surgery was planned. Leaving it unchanged would make an old medical update look current and incomplete. The latest confirmed public status available from the cited reports is that the procedure was successful and he was stable while recovering. No recovery timetable or confirmed date for returning to full duties was included in those statements. Personal medical details beyond what the family or his office releases should not be speculated about. Fadillah, 63, is Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, and Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya. Hospital: National Heart Institute (IJN), Kuala Lumpur 🩺 Latest cited status: Surgery successful; stable during recovery as of Aug 14 Sources: Initial Aug 3 statement · Aug 14 recovery update · IJN

A 23-door longhouse in Samalaju was completely destroyed in a fire on Sunday evening. [image: 1785719114352-samalaju_longhouse_fire_20260802.jpg] Source: Bomba / DayakDaily A longhouse at Rumah Padang Batu 37, along Jalan Bintulu-Miri in Samalaju, was razed by fire on Aug 2. The Fire and Rescue Department said it received the emergency call at 4.31pm. Firefighters from the Samalaju station were sent to the scene. When the operations commander arrived, the non-permanent longhouse, measuring about 200 ft by 400 ft, was already fully engulfed. No casualties reported All 125 occupants were reported safe. No victims were involved in the fire. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and carried out overhaul works at the site. Location: Rumah Padang Batu 37, Jalan Bintulu-Miri, Samalaju Details: 23-door longhouse destroyed; 125 occupants safe. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak may get a new International Islamic University Malaysia presence if the proposal moves ahead. [image: 1785719057269-iium_sarawak_20260802.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Sarawak has welcomed a proposal for the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) to set up an academic presence in the state. Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak should stay open to public and private universities that can help strengthen human capital. He said any institution that can improve skills, knowledge and access to quality education should be viewed positively. IIUM Rector Professor Emeritus Datuk Osman Bakar said the university has been approached by Sarawak alumni about the idea. He said IIUM is looking at options such as specialised academic programmes before moving into a full campus. Why it matters More higher education options in Sarawak could mean more pathways for local students without having to leave the state. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: IIUM is exploring an academic presence in Sarawak, with specialised programmes among the possible first steps. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?