News 📰

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?

Sarawak Science Centre is being positioned as a hands-on STEM hub for students and teachers across the state. [image: 1785373547375-science_centre_20260730.jpg] The Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) in Kuching is meant to support classroom learning with interactive tools, teacher resources and practical science exposure beyond textbooks. Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the centre will connect young Sarawakians with areas like robotics, coding, biotechnology and renewable energy. Why it matters For students, this is not just another building. It gives schools a place to bring science lessons closer to real life. The centre is also part of Sarawak's PCDS 2030 push to grow local STEM talent and support an innovation-driven economy. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Sarawak Science Centre to support teachers, students and public STEM learning Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak still has 931 vacant medical officer posts in the public healthcare system. [image: 1785319570836-sarawak_healthcare_vacancies_20260729-resized.jpg] Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said only 2,188 of 3,119 approved medical officer posts had been filled as of June 30. The ministry has deployed 575 contract medical officers, bringing the effective number of medical officers serving Sarawak to 2,763. Other shortages listed Public healthcare workforce: 25,635 filled out of 31,409 approved posts Specialists: 263 vacancies out of 932 approved posts Nurses: 1,226 vacancies out of 7,966 approved posts Pharmacists: 901 filled out of 975 approved posts, with 163 contract pharmacists supporting service Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry will continue filling vacancies through recruitment, permanent and contract appointments, and deployment based on the needs of health facilities in Sarawak. Location: Sarawak Details: Written Dewan Negara reply to Senator Pele Peter Tinggom Photo: The Borneo Post / Pexels Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Road users are asking MBKS and the contractor to fix the Jalan Mendu flood mitigation worksite before someone gets hurt. [image: 1785319527664-jln_mendu_20260729.jpg] The concern is over exposed metal rods used to hold temporary plastic barriers at the worksite. Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen's special assistant, Michael Kong Feng Nian, said the setup could be dangerous, especially for motorcyclists. He said some barriers had also been found toppled or scattered on the road, making the stretch harder to read in poor visibility. What residents are worried about Exposed rods could cause serious injuries in a crash Fallen barriers may create extra hazards for drivers and riders The flood mitigation project was scheduled to finish on Feb 9 but is now close to six months behind schedule Kong asked Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the contractor to review the site immediately, remove the exposed rods, and make sure all temporary barriers follow proper safety standards. Location: Jalan Mendu, Kuching Details: Flood mitigation project site safety complaint Photo: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

A 21-year-old motorcyclist died after a crash near Puncak Borneo Prison. + +The accident happened along Jalan Mambong-Sikog-Sariq at about 6.15pm on Tuesday, July 28. + +[image: 1785298075798-kh_puncak_borneo_crash_20260729.jpg] + Source: DayakDaily / IPD Padawan + +## What police said + +Padawan District Police chief Superintendent Barry William said early investigations found the rider was on a Yamaha 135LC when he allegedly tried to overtake a car while going through a bend. + +The motorcycle then went into the opposite lane and collided with an oncoming Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck. + +Medical personnel confirmed the rider died at the scene. The 42-year-old pickup driver was not injured. + + Location: Jalan Mambong-Sikog-Sariq, near Puncak Borneo Prison, Padawan + Details: Police are investigating the case under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 + +Both vehicles were taken to the Padawan District Police Headquarters for further checks by Puspakom and the Chemistry Department. Police also said the rider was believed to have been riding without a valid driving licence. + + Source: DayakDaily + +What do you think?

Four more EV charging points are now available in Kuching city centre. + +Sarawak's EV network has added four 22kW AC charging points at two busy city locations: Sarawak Plaza and Riverside Majestic Hotel. + +[image: 1785298018227-kh_ev_sarawak_plaza_20260729.jpg] + Source: Sarawak Tribune / SDEC Karuna JV + +## Where the new chargers are + +The rollout is handled by SDEC Karuna JV Sdn Bhd (SKJV). + +Two charging units are on the third floor of the Sarawak Plaza multi-storey car park. Another two are on the fourth floor of the Riverside Majestic Hotel multi-storey car park, near the main entrance. + +The chargers are already integrated with the Fast EV mobile app, so users can find the location, start a charging session and pay through the app. + + Location: Sarawak Plaza and Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching + Details: Four 22kW AC charging points, priced at RM0.22 per minute + +SKJV said the expansion supports Sarawak's PCDS 2030 direction and the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy. The company also plans to add two DC fast-charging stations in Kuching, with locations to be announced later. + + Source: Sarawak Tribune + +What do you think?

Several Kuching PPR projects are part of Sarawak's low-rent housing safety net for B40 families. [image: 1785287187066-ppr_rentals_20260729.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Housing Development Corporation Sarawak currently manages 3,715 People's Housing Programme rental units across seven major projects statewide. HDC chief executive officer Fathi Hambali said the PPR rental scheme gives eligible households a temporary place to stay before they are able to own a home. Kuching has a big share The Kuching-linked projects listed include: PPR Taman Dahlia, Kuching: 816 units PPR Batu Gong, Kuching: 500 units PPR Landeh, Kuching: 443 units PPR Demak Laut, Kuching: 256 units PPR Sri Wangi, Kuching: 200 units Monthly rental in Sarawak ranges from RM100 to RM250, including management fees. Eligible tenants include former squatter families, B40 households without home ownership, and persons with disabilities within the B40 income group. Location: Kuching and other Sarawak divisions Details: HDC Sarawak manages 3,715 PPR rental units across seven projects. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Serian is getting a major power upgrade, with a RM223.5 million substation now under construction. [image: 1785287138361-serian_substation_20260729.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post The new 275/132/33kV Serian Substation is meant to strengthen electricity supply reliability in Serian Division as demand grows. Utility and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the project started on Dec 1 last year and is scheduled for completion on June 30, 2028. What it covers The substation will add more injection capacity into the state grid and help reduce the risk of future power disruptions. According to Julaihi, the upgraded network will benefit Serian town, Tebedu, Gedong, Lundu and parts of Samarahan Division up to Simunjan. Physical construction is now at 12 per cent and still on schedule. Location: Serian Division Details: RM223.5 million Serian Substation, funded by the Sarawak government through Sarawak Energy and implemented by Sesco. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

More US companies are looking at Sarawak for green energy, technology and high-impact industrial projects. [image: 1785233094122-us_green_energy_20260728.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily United States Embassy in Malaysia Chargé d’Affaires ad interim David Gamble said Sarawak's location in Asean, renewable energy strength, natural resources and skilled workforce are drawing investor interest. He said American companies are especially watching renewable energy projects, where US technology could support hydroelectric systems, power-grid monitoring and other high-tech solutions. Why it matters Sarawak wants to grow its green energy and industrial base. US firms are looking beyond capital investment, with training and technology transfer also part of the pitch. Sarawak's energy capacity could also support the wider Asean Power Grid plan. Gamble said the first visit is usually the hardest step for investors. Once companies have operated in Sarawak, many choose to keep expanding here. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What kind of investment should Sarawak focus on next?

Kuching's old General Post Office may get a new life as a restored heritage building. [image: 1785233057924-old_post_office_20260728-resized.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post / Roystein Emmor The Sarawak government is in talks with the federal government to acquire the old General Post Office building opposite Plaza Merdeka. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plan is to renovate the building while keeping its heritage character intact. What was mentioned The building is still under federal ownership, so talks must be completed first. The state wants to preserve the original structure, not rebuild it from scratch. Other heritage areas mentioned include Darul Kurnia along Jalan Haji Taha and Ban Hock Road. Private owners can also revive old buildings, but heritage rules still apply. Abang Johari pointed to Singapore's Fullerton Hotel and Kuala Lumpur's Sultan Abdul Samad Building as examples of old buildings being reused while keeping their historical value. Location: Old General Post Office, opposite Plaza Merdeka, Kuching Hot Score: 26/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think Kuching's old Post Office should become?

A 69-year-old retiree in Miri lost RM367,000 after joining an online investment scheme that promised fast returns. [image: 1785211547300-miri_scam_20260728.jpg] Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the man saw a social media advertisement earlier this year and contacted a person claiming to be an investment agent. Between June 9 and July 26, 2026, the victim made 48 transfers into three bank accounts. The total came up to RM367,000. He realised something was wrong when he tried to withdraw the supposed profits, but kept getting excuses. Police advice The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Police advised the public to be careful with investment ads promising unusually high returns in a short time. Check with Bank Negara Malaysia's Financial Consumer Alert List and the Securities Commission Malaysia Investor Alert List before putting in money. Location: Miri, Sarawak Details: Report lodged with Miri Commercial Crime Investigation Department on Monday. Photo: Max Pixel via The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?