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A planned road network linking several Sarawak towns could bring the Kuching-Sibu drive down to about two hours. [image: 1783742633328-roads.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS What the route covers Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the network would link Sebuyau, Sri Aman, Lingga, Betong, Roban, Sarikei and Sibu. According to DayakDaily, he said the route would be around 212km, cutting about 140km from the current journey. Why it matters The Premier said the new links would connect Sibu more closely with Kuching and growth areas in Sri Aman and Betong. He also said Sibu would be connected to Tanjung Embang, where the state plans to develop an international airport and deep sea port, with the journey expected to take about one and a half hours. Location: Kuching-Sibu corridor via Sebuyau, Sri Aman, Lingga, Betong, Roban and Sarikei Details: Proposed new road network, about 212km route, possible 140km reduction Hot Score: 26/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Two drainage upgrade projects worth over RM800,000 are now underway in Batu Kawa to reduce flash flood problems. [image: 1783742601204-drainage.jpg] Source: DayakDaily What is being upgraded The works cover RPR Batu Kawa Lorong 6 and Jalan Field Force, with completion targeted for August and October 2026 respectively. According to DayakDaily, the RPR Batu Kawa project will upgrade front and rear drains in phases. Roads along the affected lanes will be resurfaced after the drainage work is completed. Why residents should care Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the upgrades are needed because rapid development, heavier rainfall and older drainage systems have made flash flood issues harder to manage. He also warned contractors to keep to schedule, saying action including blacklisting can be taken if obligations are not met. Location: RPR Batu Kawa Lorong 6 and Jalan Field Force, Batu Kawa Details: Over RM800,000 drainage upgrade, targeted completion in August and October 2026 Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A brand new Type 2 health clinic in Tabuan Jaya is set to open on July 20, offering services to up to 1,000 patients daily. [image: 1783404176163-tabuan-jaya-clinic.jpg] The RM24 million facility, announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, will serve patients from Tabuan Jaya, Samarahan (up to Unimas), and Stutong areas. Services Available Outpatient & emergency care Maternal & child health Dental, pharmacy, radiology, lab Physiotherapy & occupational therapy Psychology, nutrition & dietetics Parking Concerns Dr Sim noted the clinic only has about 100 parking spaces despite serving up to 1,000 patients and employing 179 staff — something to keep in mind when visiting. The clinic (Lot 19351, Block 11, Muara Tebas Land District) is the second Type 2 clinic in Sarawak after Petra Jaya. It was originally supposed to be completed in June 2024 but was delayed due to additional Fire Department requirements. Location: Tabuan Jaya, Kuching Details: 179 personnel, 800-1,000 patients daily Source: DayakDaily Kuching folks — will you be using this clinic?

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?

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?

A glass bridge and 3km scenic riverside walkway are coming to Batu Kawa, connecting Kampung Rantau Panjang to Batu Kawa Riverbank Park. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian announced the plan after visiting the site on June 22 with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak team. The proposed walkway will link the predominantly Malay riverside villages with the historic Batu Kawa Chinese old town, creating a continuous promenade along the river. Riverbank Protection The project includes Phase 2 riverbank protection works covering 500 metres (split into 350m and 150m sections). DID will first carry out a temporary RM200,000 solution while designs for the permanent structure are completed. Open tender is expected by end of this year. Cost & History The first phase (450 metres) was initially awarded in 2019 for RM8.7 million but became a sick project during Covid when material costs surged. It was retendered in 2022 at RM11.6 million and completed in late 2023. Dr Sim said the Premier has allocated a RM31 million ceiling for the remaining 500 metres of riverbank works scheduled for 2026. [image: 1782194603298-batu-kawa-glass-bridge-1.jpg] Dr Sim (in yellow shirt) reviewing the riverbank protection plan with DID Sarawak team during a site visit on June 22, 2026. [image: 1782194603385-batu-kawa-glass-bridge-2.jpg] The proposed second phase of riverbank protection works at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Batu Kawa. Rising Construction Costs Dr Sim noted the entire 950-metre project would have cost RM18.6 million if done as a single project in 2019. The remaining 500 metres alone is now projected at RM31 million — a reflection of escalating material prices and global uncertainties. Location: Kampung Rantau Panjang, Batu Kawa, Kuching Details: 3km scenic walkway + glass bridge connecting Malay villages to Batu Kawa town Source: DayakDaily What do you think of this development?

Sarawak is building the first glass squash court in Borneo — an RM8 million international-standard facility in Kuching. [image: 1781831000916-squash1.jpg] The project was announced by Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu. He said the glass show court will seat around 800 spectators and come with specialist lighting and broadcast facilities. The court is part of Sarawak's preparations to host squash at the 2027 SEA Games. Glass courts have become the norm for international squash tournaments. They offer a better view for spectators and meet requirements for TV broadcasts. "Once this court is completed, it will open up opportunities for Sarawak to host more international-standard squash tournaments," Rentap said. Construction is expected to start after the ongoing Asian Doubles Squash Championship wraps up. The championship is currently being held in Kuching with around 70 players from nine countries. [image: 1781831001125-squash2.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Budget: RM8 million ️ Capacity: 800 spectators Rentap also highlighted the economic side — international teams coming here to train or compete will give a boost to hotels, food, and local services. Source: Utusan Borneo What do you think — excited for SEA Games 2027?

Sarawak's internet coverage has jumped from 54.3% to 94.5% in just four years, driven by a RM2.3 billion state-led telecommunications infrastructure push under the Saluran initiative. Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi announced the milestone at the Sacofa Client Networking Hi-Tea 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting that the achievement reflects strong collaboration between government agencies, telcos and infrastructure partners. [image: 1781330767828-sarawak-internet.jpg] Key Numbers RM2.3 billion invested under Saluran initiative 94.5% internet coverage — up from 54.3% in 2022 618 telecom towers built under SMART Project (incl. 17 relay towers) 636 towers completed under federal JENDELA Phase 1 337 more sites identified for JENDELA Phase 2 (starting Q4 2026) ~50,000 households connected via MySRBN fixed wireless and fibre ~250 rural locations served by WiFi Saluran satellite internet 12,000km fibre optic infrastructure statewide 1,680 telecom towers managed by Sacofa The SMART Project is a key pillar of Saluran, targeting rural and remote areas that previously had little to no connectivity. Julaihi said Sarawak is also looking beyond telecoms — with plans to establish a state space agency and aerospace advisory council. Location: Sarawak (statewide) Details: Minister Julaihi Narawi at Sacofa event, KL Source: DayakDaily | Borneo Post Still waiting for fibre in your area? How's your connection?

Sarawak is building its first-ever road tunnel — a 2.24km underground passage through Bukit Pagon in Lawas, cutting travel distance from 22.4km to just 7km. The tunnel is part of the Sarawak–Sabah Link Road (SSLR) Phase 2, a 335.54km road alignment connecting Sarawak and Sabah. As of June 11, Phase 2 has reached 11.39% physical progress, with full completion targeted for 2029. Location: Bukit Pagon, Bakun Range (Lawas–Limbang border) Details: 2.24km tunnel under Package 4 of SSLR Phase 2 Cuts travel distance from 22.4km to 7km — saving over 15km 2% longitudinal gradient, 321m max overburden depth Emergency widening sections every 500m for safety Expected to significantly improve connectivity between Sarawak and Sabah JKR Sarawak director Datu Dr Ir Cassidy Morris visited the tunnel site on June 11 to inspect progress. Meanwhile, SSLR Phase 1 has reached 71.16% completion and is on track for March 16, 2027. It features the MyArch Bridge, a modern arch bridge design that will serve as a landmark along the route. Phase 2 Package 3 (62.9km road built to JKR R3 standards) is also progressing at 16.25%, targeting completion by June 2029. [image: 1781244246800-tunnel-proposal-map.jpg] The proposed tunnel location at Bukit Pagon, Lawas [image: 1781244247304-myarch-bridge.jpg] MyArch Bridge — a landmark design feature of SSLR Phase 1 Source: DayakDaily What do you think of Sarawak's first tunnel?

Sarawak is spending RM4.53 billion on 76 school construction and upgrade projects across the state — with 25 currently under construction and 27 already completed. Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced the update after handing over new classroom blocks at SMK Dalat and SMK Semop today. Of the 76 projects: 25 are actively under construction 24 are in planning and preparatory stages 27 have been fully completed Seven more school projects worth RM223.64 million are expected to be completed between June and December this year. For SMK Dalat, the RM27.2 million 18-classroom block was completed in December 2025, while SMK Semop's RM10.56 million 12-classroom block finished in January this year. Nanta also mentioned that preliminary work for the SMK Bukit Goram project in Kapit has started, with a Letter of Acceptance expected before the end of 2026. [image: 1780966886005-school-p1-resized.jpg] Nanta visiting a new classroom at SMK Dalat. He also announced RM20,000 contributions each to the Parent-Teacher Associations of SMK Dalat and SMK Semop. "This demonstrates the government's continued commitment to ensuring schools in Sarawak are provided with more comfortable, safe and conducive facilities," said Nanta. Source: Borneo Post What do you think — are schools in your area improving?

Kuching residents report discoloured tap water as Sarawak Water rushes to fix pipeline issues Residents across several areas in Kuching Division have been complaining about murky, discoloured water coming from their taps over the past days. Sarawak Water confirmed it has mobilised its operations and technical teams to carry out intensive flushing works (water pipe cleaning) at affected locations. According to the agency, the issue is believed to be caused by muddy water and sediment disturbances within the distribution pipeline system — triggered by changes in water flow and ongoing stabilisation of the water supply system. "Sarawak Water is treating this matter seriously, and continuous field monitoring is being conducted to ensure that conditions return to normal as quickly as possible," the agency said in a Facebook post. Affected areas: Kuching Division (multiple locations) Status: Ongoing — flushing works underway, monitoring continues [image: 1780880739940-kuching-water.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Has your area been affected?

Just weeks after opening, Sarawak's RM848 million landmark bridge is already covered in rubbish — and netizens are calling it out. Batang Lupar Bridge 1, the RM848.7 million, 4.844km bridge that opened on May 21, was meant to be a source of pride for Sarawak. Instead, photos of rubbish scattered along the bridge have gone viral. Facebook user Ef Suhaimi shared images of the mess, comparing it to Brunei's much longer sea bridges that remain clean despite heavier traffic. "I feel embarrassed when looking at Brunei. They have sea bridges over 20km long and you don't see rubbish being thrown on the bridge. Here in Sarawak, it is only about 4km and it already looks like this," he wrote. [image: 1780622070152-batang-lupar-litter-resized.jpeg] Source: Ef Suhaimi / DayakDaily JKR Sarawak responded by urging the public to take responsibility: "Batang Lupar Bridge 1 belongs to all of us. Let us work together to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the bridge, which is a source of pride for the people of Sarawak." The bridge replaces the Sebuyau–Triso ferry service, cutting travel time from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes, and is part of Sarawak's Coastal Road Network development programme. Location: Batang Lupar, Sarawak Details: Littering on Sarawak's new landmark bridge sparks public debate Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should there be stricter penalties for littering?

[image: 1780102952038-nkia-airfares.jpg] Federal govt open to Sarawak taking bigger role in new Kuching airport — plus talks on cheaper domestic flights Sarawak's Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin met with his federal counterpart Anthony Loke in Putrajaya on May 26, and two big topics came up that affect every Sarawakian who travels. First, the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA). The federal government is now open to exploring a decentralised development model, meaning Sarawak would have a bigger say in planning and building the airport. "Allowing the Sarawak government to play a greater role in the planning and implementation of the project while supporting Sarawak's long-term aviation and economic aspirations," Lee said in a statement. The meeting also covered the submission of the Aerodrome Development Request for NKIA. Domestic airfares — still a pain point for Sarawakians Lee proposed reviving three key routes under the Rural Air Services Public Service Obligation (PSO) framework: Kuching–Sibu Kuching–Bintulu Kuching–Miri This could make domestic flights more affordable for people travelling within Sarawak. Airfare caps were also discussed, with Loke suggesting AirBorneo could operate these routes commercially using its ATR72 aircraft. Also on the table: extra Miri–Bario flights for the upcoming Bario Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta Nukenen Bario) in July, and the long-term Bintulu–Samalaju rail link under the Trans-Borneo Railway initiative. Location: Putrajaya / Kuching Details: Courtesy call between Sarawak Ministry of Transport and federal Transport Minister, May 26 Source: DayakDaily Have you flown between Kuching and Sibu/Bintulu/Miri recently? How much did it cost?

Sarawak's longest river bridge is now open to the public! The Batang Lupar Bridge (Jambatan Batang Lupar) officially opened on 21 May 2026, replacing the long-serving ferry service connecting Sebuyau and Sri Aman across the Batang Lupar river. Location: Sebuyau, Sarawak (Kuching Division) Length: 4.8km — Sarawak's longest river crossing Travel time saved: Ferry took ~30 minutes, bridge takes just 5 minutes. This bridge is part of Sarawak's massive infrastructure transformation under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Out of 21 major bridges planned, 10 have already opened, with 8 more expected in the coming months. The opening comes just in time for Hari Raya Haji and Gawai Dayak festivities — making balik kampung much easier for thousands of Sarawakians. Sources: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/22/batang-lupar-bridge-officially-opens/ https://dayakdaily.com/batang-lupar-bridge-sarawak-longest-river-crossing/ What do you think — will this bridge boost economic activity in the area? Share your thoughts below!