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Five residents escaped unharmed after a two-storey semi-permanent house caught fire near Dewan Dayak Baru in Bau on Friday afternoon. The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) said it received the alert at 12.49pm and firefighters from Bau station arrived five minutes later. The fire involved the upper floor and destroyed about 70 per cent of the structure. Firefighters brought the flames under control by 1.15pm and completed safety checks before ending operations at 1.46pm. All five occupants were safe and no injuries were reported. BOMBA said the cause of the fire and estimated losses are still under investigation. Residents near the affected area should keep away from smoke, unstable structures and emergency operations. The cause, total loss and final clearance should be treated as pending until the responding authority confirms them.

A severe thunderstorm swept through Kuching on Saturday evening, bringing rain that eased the haze but leaving damage across the city. MBKS said response teams were sent out after roofs were blown off, trees were uprooted, electricity cables were affected and flash floods were reported in several areas. At Taman Riverview in Pending, a fallen tree blocked the road. A local Kapitan and his wife began clearing it with a chainsaw before being warned about the safety risks. Bomba also attended incidents at Jalan Chong Chin Kong and Jalan Ming Ching near Jalan Foochow. As a safety measure, MBKS ordered stalls at the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion to stop operations after strong winds damaged about half of its canopy. Residents affected by the storm can notify MBKS, while the public is advised to avoid exposed roads during thunderstorms. The danger does not end when the rain stops: fallen trees, loose roofing, flooded roads and damaged cables can remain hazardous. Residents should avoid affected routes and report damage to the council or emergency services rather than entering the area to take photos.

Sarawak plans to begin developing a CubeSat laboratory in 2027, with a state nano-satellite targeted for space by 2030. [image: 1786788255616-sarawak-cubesat-20260815.jpg] Photo: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) via DayakDaily Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the plan after meeting aerospace experts. He said a satellite could support the collection of Earth and resource data, while the programme would create demand for engineers with space-technology and basic astronomy knowledge. What is confirmed — and what is not CubeSats are small satellites built around standardised units, making them useful for education, technology testing and focused observation missions. A local laboratory could therefore be valuable even before a launch by training engineers and letting teams design, assemble and test hardware. The 2030 launch remains a target, not a confirmed mission date. The announcement did not name a launch provider, final satellite specification, budget or exact laboratory site. Those are the details that will show whether the idea has moved from roadmap to funded engineering work. For Sarawak, the strongest case will be practical use: flood and land monitoring, agriculture, mapping or environmental data that local agencies can actually use. The next milestones to watch are the 2027 lab start, technical partners and a published mission plan. Announced in: Kota Samarahan ️ Timeline: Laboratory development targeted for 2027; satellite target 2030 Sources: DayakDaily report · NASA explainer on SmallSats and CubeSats

Kuching’s air quality has moved into the unhealthy range. [image: 1786788230548-kuching-api-20260815.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Kuching and Samarahan both recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 163 at 4pm on Saturday, the highest in Sarawak. Nine locations across the state were in the unhealthy range, with Serian at 162. API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy. MetMalaysia also warned of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in parts of Sarawak, which may bring temporary relief. Residents should check the latest APIMS readings and limit prolonged outdoor activity if the haze worsens. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Nine Sarawak locations recorded unhealthy air quality Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak Metro now has approval to establish its own auxiliary police unit to protect KUTS operations, facilities and assets. The Royal Malaysia Police approved the application, allowing Sarawak Metro to build a dedicated security capability as the Kuching Urban Transportation System moves closer to operation. Coverage is expected to include depots, stations, future operational facilities and other assets along the KUTS alignment. The unit will not appear fully formed overnight. Sarawak Metro said recruitment, training, compliance and competency development will be carried out in phases with PDRM. This is important because the announcement confirms approval to set up the unit; it does not mean all officers are already deployed or that it sets a new ART passenger-service date. Why a separate unit matters KUTS will combine public stations, vehicles, control systems and restricted technical areas. A dedicated team can focus on access control, crowd safety, asset protection and incident response while working alongside the regular police. For the public, the useful milestones to watch next are recruitment and training, station security arrangements and the official operating timetable. Those details should come from Sarawak Metro rather than viral posts or construction-site speculation. Location: Kuching Project: Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) ️ Status: Unit approved; capabilities to be developed in phases Sources: The Borneo Post report · Sarawak Metro official site

[image: 1786766703446-darul-hana-rescue.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Update: Woman rescued after falling from Darul Hana Bridge This is a follow-up to the earlier report about the Darul Hana Bridge rescue: https://kuchinghub.com/topic/846 A woman was rescued by members of the public after falling from Darul Hana Bridge at Kuching Waterfront on Friday evening (Aug 14). Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed that she was admitted to Sarawak General Hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Unit, Yellow Zone, for further treatment. Initial investigations found that the incident was related to a personal issue, but the root cause is still being investigated. Police have urged the public not to spread speculation or unverified claims. Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Update: Police are still investigating the incident. Support: Befrienders Kuching: 082-242800 (6.30pm–9.30pm daily) Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/15/woman-rescued-by-heroic-members-of-the-public-after-falling-from-darul-hana-bridge/ What do you think?

Kuching Port Authority says Pending Terminal is still operating despite concerns over the new Sejingkat-Samarahan Bridge. KPA said the terminal has been repositioned to handle domestic trade cargo within Sarawak and remains operational. From January to June 2026, it recorded 179 ship calls and about 217,600 tonnes of throughput. It also continues to support live-pig exports to Singapore and Selangor, with annual export throughput of about 14,000 tonnes. Senari Terminal is being positioned as a multipurpose facility for containers, roll-on/roll-off vehicles, project cargo, wheat, rice, maize, soy and fertilisers. Its vehicle yard currently has capacity for 2,500 units, with another 1,000-unit capacity expected by the end of 2026. The statement followed concerns raised by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, who said the bridge’s clearance could restrict some vessels from reaching Pending and push more cargo to Senari. KPA said both terminals would continue to serve complementary roles as Kuching’s cargo demand grows. Location: Pending Terminal and Senari Terminal, Kuching Details: 179 ship calls were recorded at Pending Terminal from January to June 2026. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

A girl was safely rescued after reportedly falling from Darul Hana Bridge at Kuching Waterfront on Aug 14. Videos circulating online showed a crowd gathering near the pedestrian bridge. The girl was later seen in the Sarawak River, where a boatman manoeuvred his vessel towards her and brought her to safety. Members of the public were also seen entering the river during the rescue. DayakDaily reported that the girl was understood to be safe. Police had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting, and the circumstances behind the fall had not been confirmed. [image: 1786755941261-darul-hana-rescue.png] Source: DayakDaily Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Details: Rescue confirmed by the source; the cause of the incident remains unconfirmed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

The Sarawak General Operations Force seized RM40.39 million worth of contraband and illicit goods in 24 raids from Aug 1 to 13. GOF Sarawak Brigade commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said the operations covered 11 districts, including Kuching, Padawan, Kota Samarahan, Lundu, Bau, Serian, Bintulu, Miri, Betong, Sri Aman and Sarikei. The operations led to 31 arrests. The biggest haul came from Op Taring Chiller: 573.85 tonnes of frozen goods, including chicken, beef, fish, mutton, squid and crabs, worth about RM33.9 million. Twelve people were arrested in that operation, with the cases handed to the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services for investigation. Other seizures included 7,500 litres of diesel, untaxed cigarettes and alcohol, timber, subsidised goods and swiftlet nests. The cases were referred to the relevant agencies under the Customs Act, Control of Supplies Act and other state laws. Location: 11 districts across Sarawak, including Kuching and Kota Samarahan Details: The raids ran from Aug 1 to 13 under several enforcement operations. [image: 1786701905005-pga-sarawak-contraband.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post Malay report: Utusan Borneo What do you think?

Sarawak may carry out a third cloud-seeding operation as haze and dry weather put pressure on water supplies. The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said the operation will target critical dam catchments and water catchment areas. It will be carried out with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), but only if suitable clouds and weather conditions are available. MetMalaysia will decide the location and timing after technical checks. At noon on Aug 14, unhealthy API readings included Kuching 171, Samarahan 170, Serian 182 and Sri Aman 162. SDMC warned prolonged dry weather could worsen haze, strain water sources and raise the risk of forest, peatland and open-burning fires. Location: Sarawak, including Kuching and Samarahan Details: This would be Sarawak’s third cloud-seeding operation this year. [image: 1786701893462-sarawak-cloud-seeding.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily (file photo) Source: DayakDaily Cross-check: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Construction of the Sarawak Bioindustrial Park's Central Hub has started in Kota Samarahan, with a 24-month completion target. [image: 1786680414071-sarawak-bioindustrial-hub-20260814.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post The wider development covers 100 acres and is intended to connect research, product development, pilot processing, manufacturing and commercialisation in one location. Its focus areas include bioactives, biohealth, biomaterials, bioenergy and environmental solutions. The Central Hub is expected to provide shared laboratories, pilot-scale processing facilities, collaborative workspaces and support for Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant production. It is managed by BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre. Why this is more than another building announcement Sarawak already has biodiversity research. The difficult part is turning a promising compound or process into a product that can be tested, manufactured consistently and sold. Shared pilot and GMP-oriented facilities could close part of that gap for researchers and smaller companies that cannot build everything themselves. Eight collaboration agreements and memoranda were exchanged at the ceremony, but the report did not publish the construction cost, confirmed tenant list, job numbers or commercial production dates. Those measurable details — together with the 24-month construction milestone — are what Kuching and Samarahan residents should track next. Location: Kota Samarahan ️ Scope: Central Hub within a 100-acre bioindustrial park Sources: The Borneo Post report · Sarawak Biodiversity Centre

A 37-year-old man was remanded after police found 6.1 grammes of suspected methamphetamine in Kampung Bako Hulu, Kuching. [image: 1786680362489-kuching-bako-meth-20260814.jpeg] The man was arrested by the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division at about noon on Aug 12. Police said the suspected drugs were packed in 16 plastic packets and were worth an estimated RM305. His preliminary urine test was negative and police said he had no previous criminal record. He was remanded for four days until Aug 17 while the case is investigated under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and whipping of up to nine strokes. Location: Kampung Bako Hulu, Kuching Details: The case is still under investigation and the substance is suspected methamphetamine Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Kuching Vocational College celebrated 181 SVM graduates in August, while reporting that 90.79 per cent of its diploma students had found work related to their field. [image: 1786669594232-20260814-kuching-vocational.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii told the graduation ceremony that Sarawak's expansion in energy, infrastructure, technology, automation and digital industries will require more technicians and practically trained workers. He argued that vocational education should not be treated as a second-class route. College director Michael Akien said all 181 students who completed the 2026 Sijil Vokasional Malaysia were eligible to continue to the Diploma Vokasional Malaysia level. What the employment figure does — and does not — show The 90.79 per cent figure referred to the college's diploma students securing field-related employment. It was not described as the employment rate of the 181 new SVM graduates, who had only just completed that level and could continue their studies. That distinction is useful for students comparing pathways. SVM can lead into DVM, while diploma outcomes give a separate indication of how closely training matches jobs. Before applying, students should compare the actual course, workshop exposure, industry placement, certification and entry requirements rather than relying on one overall percentage. The report highlighted demand in mechanics, electrical work, construction, automation, technology and hospitality. Students should still check current course availability directly with the college or the national TVET portal because programmes and intake conditions can change. 2026 SVM graduates: 181 Reported field-related employment: 90.79% among diploma students Sources: The Borneo Post · Malaysia TVET portal

A prolonged dry spell left about 500 residents in four Padawan villages short of water after their wells and gravity-fed systems dried up. [image: 1786669582960-20260814-padawan-water.jpg] The affected communities were Kampung Sitang, Kampung Biya Nusaraya, Kampung Biya Parang and Kampung Peremas. Their village chiefs channelled requests for help through the Padawan Sub-district Office after local water sources could no longer meet daily needs. At the time of the Aug 13 report, the Welfare Department had delivered bottled water to Kampung Biya Nusaraya and Kampung Biya Parang. That detail matters: assistance had started, but the report did not say that every affected household in all four villages had already received supplies. This was a rural-source shortage, not a citywide Kuching outage. Communities that depend on wells and gravity-fed systems can run short much earlier during a dry spell. Kampung Bangau, Kampung Petang and other upper Padawan villages were also identified as being at risk if dry weather continued. Residents facing the same problem should report it quickly through their village head or the Padawan Sub-district Office so demand can be recorded and aid coordinated. Official rural water notices can also be checked through JBALB Sarawak. Affected: Four Padawan villages, about 500 residents Photo: DayakDaily Sources: DayakDaily report · JBALB Sarawak

1.046kg of suspected syabu seized in Batu Kawa Police arrested a 24-year-old Indonesian woman at a coffee shop in the RPR Batu Kawa shophouses on Aug 12 and seized 1.046kg of crystalline substance suspected to be syabu. Padawan police chief Supt Barry William said the drugs were found in a grey courier parcel. Police also seized two smartphones. The suspect tested negative in an initial drug screening and has no previous criminal record, police said. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. If convicted, she faces the death penalty or life imprisonment, with whipping where the death penalty is not imposed. [image: 1786615620123-batu-kawa-drug-seizure.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Photo: Sarawak Tribune The investigation is ongoing.

Haze remains a health concern across Sarawak Air quality in nine Sarawak locations was still in the unhealthy range at 4pm today, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s Daily Haze Watch. The affected locations are Serian, Samarahan, Kuching, Tebedu, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Lundu. Kuching’s Air Pollutant Index (API) eased slightly from 177 at 8am to 174 at 4pm. The Kuching Division Health Office advised residents to cut down on outdoor activities, wear a mask if going outside is unavoidable, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise. Children, seniors, pregnant women and people with asthma or heart and respiratory conditions should take extra care. Seek medical attention if you develop worrying symptoms. [image: 1786615608468-sarawak-haze-aug13.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Photo: Roystein Emmor / The Borneo Post What is the air like in your area?

Kuching’s API reached 177 on Aug 12 as haze worsened across Sarawak. [image: 1786593856418-kuching-haze-20260812.jpg] At 4pm, data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed 11 areas at unhealthy levels and two at very unhealthy levels. Tebedu recorded an API reading of 214 and IPD Serian 201. Samarahan was at 178, followed by Kuching at 177. Other unhealthy readings were recorded in Lubok Antu (165), Sarikei (160), Sri Aman (157), Bintulu (153), Miri (151), Sibu (124), Lundu (111), Samalaju (110) and Lawas (102). API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, while 201 to 300 are very unhealthy. The readings are updated hourly. Location: Kuching and Sarawak Details: APIMS readings at 4pm on Aug 12 Source: Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak recorded 112 open-burning cases from Aug 1 to 11, with reports rising sharply since Aug 8. JBPM Sarawak director Jamri Masran said 28 cases were logged on Aug 11, after 16 on Aug 8, 25 on Aug 9 and 21 on Aug 10. The cases covered 75 bush fires, 20 rubbish fires, eight forest fires, four farm or plantation fires and five others, affecting a combined 111.64 hectares. Kuching Division recorded the most cases at 27, followed by Samarahan with 16. Two larger forest fires in Sri Aman and Daro involved about 80 and 10 hectares respectively. JBPM Sarawak urged residents to pause open burning, rubbish burning and land-clearing fires while the weather stays hot and dry. Report fires early before they spread and worsen the haze. [image: 1786583428207-open-burning.jpg] Location: Sarawak; Kuching Division recorded the highest count Details: 112 cases, 111.64 hectares affected, 27 cases in Kuching Division Source: TVS Photo: JBPM Sarawak via TVS What do you think?

An ART construction error damaged an 850mm water main along Jalan Tun Jugah on Aug 13, affecting supply to about 20,000 users. The pipe had been moved to a new alignment before piling began, but the contractor reportedly failed to distinguish the old route from the live one. Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said consultants, engineers and contractors had been told to tighten site supervision, with work stoppage possible if negligence continued to disrupt the public. [image: 1786583362057-art-pipe.jpg] Photo: TVS What residents should take from this This article records the Aug 13 incident; it is not a live outage notice. People finding the page later should check Sarawak Water's current advisories before assuming their area is still affected. At the time, agencies were instructed to prepare enough water tankers for affected communities. For any future construction-related disruption, residents should note the exact address, the time supply stopped and whether neighbouring streets are affected when filing a report. That makes it easier to distinguish a local pipe issue from a wider supply problem. The bigger accountability issue is underground-utility mapping. Moving a pipe is not enough if drawings, site markings and contractor briefings are not updated together. The promised tighter supervision should therefore be judged by whether repeat strikes stop, not only by how quickly one break is repaired. Incident location: Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching Reported impact: About 20,000 users Sources: TVS report · Sarawak Water official site

A 29-year-old woman has claimed trial over an alleged injury to a 20-day-old baby at a Kuching confinement centre. The woman pleaded not guilty at the Kuching Sessions Court on Aug 12 to a charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. The charge alleges that she negligently handled and lifted the baby from a cot in a way likely to cause physical injury. The incident was alleged to have happened between 12.30am and 1.30am on Aug 4. The baby was reported to have suffered a closed fracture of the right humerus. The court granted RM10,000 bail with two local sureties and ordered the accused to report to a police station once a month. Pre-trial case management is fixed for Sept 14. The charge remains an allegation, and the accused has pleaded not guilty. Location: Kuching Sessions Court / Kuching Details: The case is being prosecuted under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?