News 📰

JPN has asked families to hold off on some MyKad applications until Sept 7 while the new-generation card is introduced. The National Registration Department said printing services are temporarily disrupted during the transition. People who do not urgently need to replace or renew their MyKad should postpone those transactions. Parents or guardians of children turning 12 are also advised to wait before making a first-MyKad application, so the child can receive the new version when it becomes available. For Kuching residents, a routine trip to an NRD counter during this window may not produce a card immediately. Urgent cases are not covered by the advice to postpone, so applicants should check with JPN before travelling and follow its official updates for the next issuance arrangements.

Passengers flying between Borneo destinations should be ready for schedule changes as AirBorneo reviews operations amid Sarawak's worsening haze. The airline said some intra-Borneo flights may be retimed or cancelled for safety reasons, with further announcements to be made if scheduled services change. It urged passengers to check its latest updates before heading to the airport. The warning comes as hazardous API readings spread across Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman and Sarikei on Tuesday. That does not mean every flight is disrupted: the advisory describes possible changes while assessments continue. Travellers from Kuching should keep their booking details handy, allow time to check for notices and confirm the status of the specific flight rather than rely on general haze reports.

A Kuching South smart pole displayed an outdoor-activity message even while its API reading showed hazardous air, MBKS said on Tuesday. The council attributed the mismatch to a dashboard programming limit. The numerical reading remained accurate, but the advisory function had only been configured up to API 450. When the reading went higher, the system defaulted to the message used for the 0–50 healthy range. MBKS said it has told the system provider to rework the dashboard so the number, gauge and warning match official API bands, including exceptionally high readings. Until that update is confirmed across the system, residents should use the official API reading as the reference and avoid outdoor exercise once the air reaches hazardous levels.

Ten Sarawak monitoring stations were still in the hazardous band at 2pm on Tuesday, even after Kuching eased from 407 in the morning to 374. NREB's 2pm table recorded Lubok Antu at 390, IPD Serian at 389, Kuching at 374, Kanowit at 364, Tebedu at 353 and Lundu at 351. Sarikei was at 349, Samarahan at 339, Sibu at 331 and Sri Aman at 327. All ten readings were above the hazardous threshold of 300. No station was above 400 in the 2pm update, but that was not a clear-air signal: Kuching had reached 407 earlier, while Serian was also above 400. API is a 24-hour running average, so residents should check the latest reading before outdoor activity and cut strenuous exercise while conditions remain hazardous.

Police have arrested a suspect and recovered a homemade firearm after a 17-year-old was shot in both legs in Lawas. The arrest was made on Aug 25, after the teenager was injured at a water catchment area in Long Lidong. Police said the firearm, locally known as a ‘bakakuk’, was found at a hut near the suspect’s home, covered with a zinc sheet. The teenager had earlier been found injured after he failed to return from the forest. He was taken to Lawas Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. Investigators said the teenager had gone hunting with a relative and was accidentally shot by a friend who mistook him for an animal. That is the account under investigation; the arrest is not a conviction, and police have not announced any court outcome. The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code and Section 37 of the Arms Act 1960. Police are still tracing witnesses and gathering information. Anyone with relevant knowledge should pass it to the police and avoid spreading speculation about the case.

Sarawak’s proposed state constituency maps will go on public display from Sept 1, opening a one-month window for representations on the Election Commission’s redelineation plan. The proposal covers 17 additional seats and several renamed constituencies; if eventually approved, the State Legislative Assembly would grow from 82 to 99 seats. Notices are to appear in The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo, while exhibition boards, draft reports and maps are planned at selected city halls, municipal councils and district offices across the state’s 31 parliamentary constituencies. The EC’s proposed venues include Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Padawan Municipal Council—three separate local authorities, not one generic ‘Kuching council’. The display is not the final boundary map and does not by itself mean the next state election will use 99 seats. The proposal still needs approval by Parliament and gazettement before it can take effect. Representations may be made within one month after the notice is published, but the eligible groups are specific: the state government, an affected local authority, or a body of at least 100 people whose names appear on the current electoral rolls of the constituencies concerned. Kuching and Samarahan voters should check the displayed documents for the exact map, venue and submission procedure rather than rely on earlier leaked versions.

Four water treatment plants have been placed at the front of Sarawak’s next cloud-seeding plan as the dry spell continues to squeeze raw-water reserves. The priority sites are Simunjan, Lingga, Spaoh and Lichok. The target window is Sept 3 to 5, but the operation still depends on suitable cloud formations. Agencies are due to meet on Sept 1 to decide how it will be carried out, so the dates are not a confirmed flight schedule. The exercise is intended to support both water sources and power dams. The wider response is already moving. From Aug 18 to 29, JBALB’s 24 water tankers and 74 contracted lorries—98 vehicles in all—made 680 trips and delivered 3.344 million litres across Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Limbang and Miri. The disaster committee has also approved RM400,000 for additional water tanks and central collection points in larger villages. Separately, bottled-water assistance recorded 1,943 cases from Jan 1 to Aug 26, covering 49,523 families and 225,822 people. Communities facing supply interruptions should follow JBALB or Sarawak Water notices for the operating details of their local tanker routes and collection points.

Kuching’s air quality worsened again on Monday afternoon, with the API reaching 366 at 4pm. Samarahan stood at 350 and Serian at 445, while Lundu reached 405. All four readings were in the hazardous band. The same 4pm update placed Tebedu at 399, Lubok Antu at 396 and Sri Aman at 334, also hazardous. Sarikei, Sibu and Mukah were in the very unhealthy range at 277, 243 and 216 respectively. API readings move through the day, so the afternoon figures should not be treated as a forecast for tonight. Sarawak’s disaster committee said there was no need for an emergency declaration yet. If a local reading reaches 500, the matter would first be taken up with the National Disaster Management Agency, and any emergency would apply only to the affected locality—not the whole state. Offices, schools and activities in that locality would be required to close under such a declaration, apart from essential services. For areas at API 201 and above, residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure and wear an N95 mask when going out, or at least a three-ply mask if one is unavailable. Children, older people and those with breathing problems should take extra care and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Firefighters put out a 10-acre bushfire at Miri’s Kuala Baram Bypass on Sunday evening after strong winds helped the flames spread quickly. Lutong Fire and Rescue Station received the call at about 5.41pm. Six personnel left a minute later and arrived at 5.51pm. Thick smoke hampered the operation. The crew used an approximately 1,000-foot hose line, one nozzle, the fire engine’s pump and water from a hydrant. The fire was brought under control at 7.45pm and fully extinguished at 8.30pm. Personnel from Miri Central Fire Station and the police were involved, while several Miri Open Burning Emergency Mutual Aid (Mobema) teams were also at the scene. The report gave no cause, casualty details or property-damage assessment. Anyone who sees smoke or flames near the bypass should keep clear of the area and call emergency services; do not approach the fire line.

Twenty-three people were injured after a tour bus carrying 43 people crashed at the Kanowit Roundabout along the Pan Borneo Highway early Monday. The single-vehicle crash was reported at 2.25am. Six firefighters from Sibu Jaya Fire Station were sent to the scene. No one was trapped, but one woman was still inside the bus and was helped out by firefighters; the other 42 people had already been assisted out by members of the public. The injured — 19 women and four men — received initial treatment before being taken to Sibu Hospital and Kanowit Hospital. Police, Health Ministry personnel and the Civil Defence Force also took part in the response, which ended at 4.50am after firefighters ensured the scene was safe. The latest reports did not state what caused the crash or whether traffic arrangements at the roundabout changed afterward. Drivers using the Pan Borneo Highway through the area should follow any police directions and slow down near the scene.

Sarawak has mobilised 119 water tankers as dry weather puts smaller river-based water systems under pressure. The state’s main water-supply dams — Bengoh, Gerugu, Assyakirin and Sika — are still recording normal levels. The greater risk is in JBALB schemes that draw from small rivers, so the Utility and Telecommunication Ministry, JBALB and Sarawak Water are coordinating extra tankers, storage and alternative sources. Nine centralised water collection centres have been established in Sri Aman, with 13 more locations identified in Betong. The tanker response is being coordinated across divisions and with other agencies for areas that need support. For water-supply problems, residents can report through local leaders or call JBALB at 082-262111 and Sarawak Water at 082-222333. The 1-300-88-2020 Sarawak Water line will become effective on Sept 1. The dry spell is expected to continue into 2027 under El Niño conditions, while any cloud-seeding operation remains weather-dependent. Households are urged to use water carefully.

Seven Sarawak locations were in the hazardous API band by 8am on Monday, Aug 31, including Kuching and Samarahan. Kuching recorded 317 and Samarahan 330. Serian was the highest at 476, while Tebedu (385), Lubok Antu (367), Lundu (349) and Sri Aman (326) made up the other four hazardous readings. The same NREB table placed Sarikei at 267, Sibu at 219 and Mukah at 214 — all in the very unhealthy range. An API reading of 301 or above is classified as hazardous, while 201–300 is very unhealthy. These readings can change during the day. Residents should check the latest official update before making outdoor plans. Children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions should avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and anyone with serious breathing difficulty or chest pain should seek medical attention.

Sarawak has set API 500 as the line for closing most workplaces — but no shutdown order is in force now. Under the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee’s progressive haze guidelines, an API reading above 500 would close government and private-sector offices and workplaces, with essential services excluded. The closure would remain pending a national disaster-emergency declaration. At 2pm on Aug 30, APIMS recorded 425 at Serian, 336 at Samarahan and 313 at Kuching. Those readings are below 500, but the current rules already call for outdoor work to be avoided at 400–500. At 301–400, employers must assess visibility, drivers should use headlights and outdoor workers should use N95 respirators. Events are still a separate decision: organisers decide whether to continue, postpone or cancel unless an authority issues a specific directive. For workers in Kuching and elsewhere in Sarawak, check the reading at the worksite and official notices before sending staff outdoors; waiting for 500 is not the safety advice.

Sarawak’s next cloud-seeding window is Sept 3–5, but the operation could start earlier if the haze worsens. The federal plan covers Sarawak, Kedah and Perlis, with the Malaysian Meteorological Department working alongside the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Sarawak officials are also weighing whether to bring forward the Sarawak operation as air quality deteriorates. APIMS readings at 2pm on Aug 30 were 425 in Serian, 336 in Samarahan and 313 in Kuching. Cloud seeding is being considered for two practical reasons: helping haze-affected areas and adding water to dams as reserves fall. The dates are a window, not a weather guarantee. Flights still depend on suitable clouds and their movement; daily flight times and target locations have not been announced.

Sarawak motorists will get the 300-litre BUDI95 basic quota back from Tuesday, Sept 1. The monthly limit was cut from 300 to 200 litres on Apr 1. The government’s latest announcement restores the 300-litre allowance and is expected to cover more than 16 million subsidised RON95 users. The same announcement gives eligible owners of diesel-powered pick-up trucks and jeeps up to 400 litres of Budi Diesel each month. It changes the monthly allowance; it does not announce a new RON95 price. For Kuching drivers, the useful check is their own BUDI account once the new month begins. The announcement gives the effective date but no separate timetable for when each account will show the revised balance.

At 10am on Aug 30, Serian’s API reached 385 and Samarahan’s 316 — both hazardous. Kuching and Tebedu were at 297 each, just below the hazardous threshold of 301 and within the very unhealthy band. Lundu and Lubok Antu were both at 236, while Sri Aman recorded 215. Ten other Sarawak locations were unhealthy, including Sarikei at 196, Sibu at 189, Bintulu at 182, Samalaju and Mukah at 173, Kapit at 160, Miri at 157, ILP Miri at 153, Bario at 119 and Lawas at 106. Limbang was the only listed location in the moderate range, at 92. The NREB figures are a time-specific snapshot and can change with weather and smoke movement. Check APIMS before making outdoor plans and reduce prolonged exposure while levels remain high, especially for children, older adults and people with respiratory or heart conditions. Avoid open burning.

Sarawak recorded one rabies-positive dog case between Aug 24 and 28, involving a stray dog in Sungai Asap, Belaga. It was not a Kuching case. The Kuching South mayor said a mass anti-rabies vaccination drive will be held in the city in September, but the dates and locations have not been announced. The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak advises dog owners to keep vaccinations current rather than treat them as a one-off. Owners with unvaccinated or overdue dogs can contact a veterinarian now; the department’s rabies hotline is 082-610023 or 016-2557267. Anyone who may have been bitten, or whose dog may have been exposed to a suspect animal, should seek medical or veterinary help promptly.

Balai Ringin’s satellite-town proposal cites a RM55 million GKCDA allocation. The idea was raised after the Jalan Melikin upgrading project was completed at Kampung Danau Keranggas on Aug 29. The stated aim is to organise future growth in the Serian Division and bring surrounding communities into the same development plan. The briefing also said an Integrated Emergency Centre in Pantu had been approved by the Sarawak Government. It mentioned a Youth Centre beside the mini stadium in a later phase and a digital hub at SMK Balai Ringin, expected to serve about 2,000 students with digital-skills, STEM, robotics and TVET programmes. The satellite-town plan, Youth Centre and digital hub still have no public implementation timetable, project lead or construction date. Citing the RM55 million allocation does not confirm that the satellite town is ready to begin construction.

A five-year-old boy has died in Sibu, while Sarawak welfare agencies move to support his family as police investigate. Police said they received a report at about 1.45pm on Friday, Aug 28, over an incident in which the boy was believed to have suffered a neck injury. He was taken to Sibu Hospital and was later pronounced dead at the Emergency Department. A 49-year-old man identified as the boy’s uncle was remanded until Sept 4 to assist a murder investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code. The remand and investigation do not establish guilt; the circumstances and any court outcome have yet to be determined. The Social Welfare Department, Early Childhood Development Division and Social Development Council have been directed to monitor the family and provide psychosocial and welfare assistance. Authorities have also urged the public not to share unverified photographs or speculation while the investigation continues.

The RM170 million Menalun–Sungai Poi road project in Kanowit is moving into Phase 3, but the full route is still targeted for completion only in 2030. Phases 1 and 2 have been completed. The latest phase began with a groundbreaking on Aug 29 and involves a 3.6-kilometre road through hilly terrain. It carries an allocation of RM46.11 million and a contract value of RM39.96 million, and does not include bridges or extend as far as the school. Phase 4 remains at the design stage. The RM58.4 million allocation covers another 2.6 kilometres and two bridges, with the planned route connecting Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Poi and the longhouses Rumah Panjang Gani and Rumah Panjang Tarang. The project is meant to improve access for remote communities and essential services, but the 2030 date is a completion target that depends on the remaining phases being delivered. The road should not be treated as a fully open connection yet; the next milestones are Phase 3 progress and a firm construction plan for Phase 4.