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[image: 1783829054194-airborneo-pwd.jpg] A Kuching person with disabilities has urged AirBorneo Airways to introduce special fares and stronger accessibility support for passengers with disabilities. What was requested Tan Chun Sheng said concessionary fares could reduce the extra financial burden faced by PwDs, especially those who need more assistance when travelling. He also suggested priority seating near aircraft doors or exits, so boarding and disembarkation can be easier and safer. Why it matters Tan said affordable fares should go together with accessible facilities and passenger-friendly policies, so PwDs can travel safely, comfortably and with dignity. His call comes as AirBorneo prepares to open ticket sales for its Kuching-Singapore route on July 13 at 10am. The route is scheduled to start flights on July 22, in conjunction with Sarawak Day. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783828978522-sma-kpa.jpg] Kuching Port Authority says congestion at Senari Terminal has been resolved, while expansion works are moving ahead to support heavier cargo movement. What changed The Sarawak Manufacturers Association and Kuching Port Authority met in a recent dialogue to discuss logistics issues affecting manufacturers and exporters. KPA said vessel calls rose sharply in April and May 2026 compared with the same period last year. Container throughput also climbed, with April and May recording 27,461 TEUs and 31,686 TEUs respectively. Why it matters Manufacturers rely on smoother cargo clearance, stable vessel turnaround times and better shipping information to plan production and exports. KPA is now working on an additional 250-metre berth, targeted for completion by the end of 2028. It also plans to raise container yard capacity by another 200,000 TEUs per year by the end of 2027. SMA also proposed direct access to KPA's cargo e-tracking system and monthly import-export statistics so members can plan shipments faster. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783818287661-sejijak-waterfront.jpg] Two waterfront projects for Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh have been approved, with an estimated total cost of RM44 million. Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said the projects are already on the Economic Planning Unit approved list. An initial RM20 million allocation has also been approved to allow preliminary works to begin. Land return plan also underway Fazzrudin said another plan is being pursued to return land in Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh to residents. The Sarawak Land and Survey Department has identified the land and is in the process of reacquiring it before handing it back to the villages for residential lots or community needs. Location: Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh, Tupong Details: RM44 million waterfront projects approved, RM20 million initial allocation, land return process underway Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783818235479-smart-parking.png] Sarawak is working towards one smart parking app that can be used statewide. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the Pay and Go system is currently part of that move towards a unified parking payment setup. The long-term target is simple: one app for public and private parking, first in Kuching, then wider areas such as Padawan and Kota Samarahan once the system is stable. What residents should know Public complaints have been raised over parking penalties and system glitches. Wee said users should first submit complaints to Pay and Go, the appointed contractor. If the issue is not resolved, MBKS can take it up. He also said suggestions such as a five- to 10-minute grace period can be considered. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Unified smart parking app, Pay and Go complaints, wider statewide rollout being studied Hot Score: 29/30 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?

[image: 1783731853726-civic_centre.jpg] Kuching Civic Centre will reopen to the public on July 13 after RM5 million in upgrading and restoration works. The Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development announced that the landmark will again welcome the public for community activities, recreation and food stalls from Monday. The upgrade included re-roofing works on the main tower and other improvements to safety, accessibility and overall usability. The project began in 2025. A familiar city landmark The Civic Centre is known for its umbrella-shaped observation tower and views of Kuching city. It has long been used for exhibitions, cultural performances, community programmes and public activities. The building first opened in 1988 as a social, cultural, educational and recreational venue for Kuching. Location: Kuching Civic Centre Details: Reopens July 13 after RM5 million upgrade and restoration works Hot Score: 24/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783731821510-pantai_damai.jpg] Several road projects are moving in Pantai Damai, with the Bako-Buntal link expected to shorten travel along the Coastal Ring Road. The 7.2km road linking Kampung Bako and Kampung Buntal is now under construction. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year or early next year. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the link will help people travelling from Sematan, Lundu and Telaga Air towards Samarahan and northern Sarawak. More links planned Two more Telaga Air road projects are expected to start by the end of the year, pending final technical checks by JKR. One is a 4.2km link from the Federal Administrative Centre Road to Telaga Air. Another will connect FAC Road through the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Highway to the new i-CATS University College campus in Kampung Trombol. Village roads and drainage in Kampung Pasir Pandak, Kampung Pasir Panjang, Kampung Sungai Batu and Kampung Buntal will also continue to be upgraded to reduce monsoon flooding risk. Location: Pantai Damai, Kuching Details: Road links, drainage upgrades and better access to coastal, tourism and education areas Hot Score: 25/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

A fire at an ice cream factory in Demak Laut Industrial Park spread to a neighbouring premises on Friday afternoon. [image: 1783677898926-demak-fire.jpg] Source: Bomba via The Borneo Post What happened The Fire and Rescue Department said the blaze involved a storage area for ice-cream powder before spreading to the rear of the factory and into a second nearby premises. Firefighters from the Tabuan Jaya and Petra Jaya fire stations were sent to the scene after Bomba received a distress call at 12.23pm on July 10. No casualties reported According to the report, no casualties were reported. Factory personnel managed to evacuate safely. The operation was still focused on extinguishing the blaze when the initial report was published. Location: Demak Laut Industrial Park, Kuching Details: Factory storage fire spread to a neighbouring premises; no casualties reported Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Police say four raids around Kuching and Padawan broke up a methamphetamine trafficking syndicate. [image: 1783677862593-drugs-raid.jpg] Source: PDRM via DayakDaily What happened Sarawak police said seven people were arrested after four raids were carried out around Kuching and Padawan on July 3 and 4. The seizures totalled 26,965.95 grams of suspected methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of RM1.35 million. Police said the amount could supply about 134,500 users. Where the raids happened The raids covered Jalan Matang, Jalan Batu Kawa, Jalan Setia Raja and Jalan Tabuan Tranquillity. Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspects were aged between 25 and 46. Police also seized a motorcycle and a car under the Dangerous Drugs Act. Investigation The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Location: Kuching and Padawan Details: 7 arrested, RM1.35 million in suspected methamphetamine seized Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783645436038-taska-baby.jpeg] A three-month-old baby suffered a broken arm at a Kuching childcare centre that had allegedly been told to stop operating last year. The case has raised fresh questions over taska licensing and child safety in Kuching. According to DayakDaily, Michael Kong, special assistant to DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, said the centre was allegedly ordered by the Welfare Department to cease operations after failing to meet licensing requirements, including caregiver-child ratio and premises standards. What happened The baby was reportedly injured while attending the childcare centre. Kong said the person caring for the baby had since been charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act, so he would not comment further on the court process. He said if the taska had continued operating despite the earlier directive, it would raise serious concerns about compliance and enforcement. Location: Kuching Details: The Welfare Department had allegedly ordered the taska to stop operating last year over licensing issues. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783472671494-sejingkat-bridge.jpg] Sejingkat Bridge is now 94% complete and could open earlier than planned this October. The 1.2km bridge is being positioned as a major new link for Kuching and Sarawak's Second Trunk Road network. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said the project is about one per cent ahead of schedule. The original completion date was October 22, but the remaining works are now mainly focused on road approaches at Sejingkat and Tanjung Bako. Why it matters Once completed, the bridge is expected to handle about 15,000 vehicles a day. It will connect Sejingkat, Kuching to the wider Second Trunk Road network, giving travellers from coastal and interior areas a stronger route into Kuching. The project is also tied to future plans around Tanjung Embang, including the proposed new Kuching airport and deep-sea port. Location: Sejingkat, Kuching / Tanjung Bako Details: 1.2km bridge, 94% complete, early October 2026 target, estimated 15,000 vehicles daily Source: https://dayakdaily.com/sejingkat-bridge-nears-completion-at-94-pct-expected-to-open-ahead-of-schedule-this-oct/ What do you think?

GPS says no candidates have been decided for the upcoming Sarawak election yet — social media posts naming possible candidates are not official. KUCHING, July 6 — Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has come out to clarify that no potential candidates have been decided for the upcoming Sarawak State Election, following social media posts circulating names of purported candidates. GPS spokesman and PBB information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the posts have caused confusion among party leadership and supporters. He stressed that the individuals named have not been endorsed by the coalition. "Recently, there have been a few postings on social media on personalities purportedly proposed as GPS candidates for the upcoming Sarawak State Elections. "In this regard, GPS wishes to clarify that no potential candidates have been decided by the coalition of Sarawak governing party," he said in a statement. However, GPS expressed appreciation for the public attention, viewing it as a sign of support. [image: 1783386121022-gps-logo.jpeg] Details: GPS clarifies no candidates decided for upcoming state election after unverified social media claims Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Federal police dismantle an RM81.8 million bird's nest syndicate after 10 raids across Sarawak, with Kuching identified as a major hub for the illegal trade. Federal Department of Internal Security and Public Order (JKDNKA) director CP Dato Sri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the raids under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) from June 1 to 16 led to the arrest of six suspects — both locals and foreign nationals. The syndicate was involved in the illegal collection, possession and trade of edible bird's nests without valid licences. Investigations revealed the nests were processed at commercial premises rather than harvested from natural sites like caves or forests, with products mainly intended for export. Suspects have been handed over to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for action under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. [image: 1783317790872-birdsnest1.jpg] [image: 1783317790955-birdsnest2.jpg] Nationwide, the OBK operation produced 70 investigation papers, 62 arrests, and seized RM98.4 million in wildlife and environmental crimes. Items seized included 16,367kg of edible bird's nests, 223 birds, 8 eagles, 2 pangolins, 790 turtle eggs, 4,238 turtles, 218 axolotls, 116 exotic fish, 959 fighting cocks and 1,673 logs. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: RM81.8 million seizures, 6 arrested, 10 raids coordinated by JKDNKA under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

One of Sarawak's biggest smuggling busts — police seize RM26.6 million worth of contraband beer and heavy equipment in a Kuching warehouse raid. [image: 1783299790565-contraband-beer-1.jpg] Bukit Aman's elite Wildlife Crime Bureau led 'Op Taring Alpha 2' on July 3, hitting a premises that was stockpiling tens of thousands of uncustomed beer cartons — mostly from local craft brand 1602. Here's what they found: 39,196 cartons of 1602 Smooth Lager (330ml) 20,788 cartons of Pure Lager (330ml) 3,210 cartons of Pale Ale, plus hundreds more of Golden Lager & Lager Fresh Three shipping containers loaded with contraband Two Toyota forklifts Three Indonesian men, all aged around 35, were arrested during the operation. The 1602 brand hits back In a press conference on July 5, 1602's executive director Dato Sri Vicent Lee Kee Lung insisted the company is "fully licensed" and tax-compliant, saying all permits — brewery licence, wholesale licence and liquor sales licence — are in order. [image: 1783299790635-1602-press-conf.jpg] Lee claimed his company suspects the rapid growth of 1602 has hurt the illegal alcohol market, and that enforcement may have been influenced by outside parties. He said 1602 will submit evidence of suspected smuggling activities to police, Customs and MACC. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. Nationwide, Bukit Aman's enforcement unit has conducted 199 raids between Jan 1 and July 4 this year, arresting 374 individuals and seizing goods worth RM258.5 million. Location: Kuching Details: Op Taring Alpha 2, July 3 raid Sources: DayakDaily (Raid) · DayakDaily (1602 Response) What do you think — is 1602 being unfairly targeted, or is there more to this story?

A 19-year-old woman in Kuching pleaded guilty to extorting RM18,000 from her own mother by staging a fake kidnapping. The unemployed teenager sent WhatsApp messages to her mother using a man's profile, claiming she had been abducted and would be killed unless the ransom was paid. The alleged 'kidnapping' took place at a residence in Taman Perniagaan Setia, Johor Bahru on June 18. [image: 1783127036643-fake-kidnapping.jpg] Her mother, terrified for her daughter's life, lodged a police report. But investigators quickly discovered the whole thing was orchestrated by the teen herself. Details: Charged under Section 387 of the Penal Code (max 10 years + whipping) Sentencing postponed to Aug 4 for a social report Judge Iris Awen Jon dismissed her excuse that she 'needed money to buy something for her mother' No prior criminal record, currently in remand Location: Sessions Court, Kuching Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Court of Appeal unanimously dismisses Chong Chieng Jen's appeal over 2013 'RM11 billion black hole' remarks — damages bumped from RM150,000 to RM300,000. The three-judge panel also allowed the Sarawak government's cross-appeal, bringing the total payable in damages and costs to RM500,000. The case stems from a 2013 statement where Chong claimed RM11 billion from the Sarawak Treasury had "disappeared into a black hole." The High Court found him liable for defamation in 2022, ruling the remarks suggested lack of transparency in state financial management. Chong's lawyer Michael Kong had argued for a retrial, saying the original judge wrongly blocked a subpoena for former second finance minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. But the appeal court rejected that argument. Breakdown of costs: RM300,000 in damages (doubled from RM150,000) RM50,000 for original costs RM100,000 for dismissed appeal costs RM50,000 for cross-appeal costs [image: 1783058785489-chong-bhole-appeal.jpg] Location: Court of Appeal, Putrajaya Details: Chong Chieng Jen (DAP Sarawak chairman / Stampin MP) v Sarawak Government & Sarawak Financial Authority Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching police bust a major drug operation — 1,192 cannabis vape cartridges worth over half a million ringgit seized, 14 suspects arrested. [image: 1783040552356-kuching-cannabis-vape.jpg] Date: June 30, 2026 (announced July 2) Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed the Sarawak NCID conducted two raids on the same day. First raid (11.30am): House along Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim 14 suspects arrested — 12 men, 2 women, aged 24-48 95g of syabu (methamphetamine) seized, valued at RM10,487 Second raid (6.45pm): Lorong Setia Raja — follow-up based on intel from first raid 1,192 vape cartridges containing liquid cannabis uncovered Cartridges were hidden inside plastic bags labelled with fruit names Street value: RM531,113 Total weight: 2,980 grammes Suspects: 13 tested positive for amphetamine-type substances 12 have prior drug-related offences All remanded under Section 39B of Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 Conviction carries mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment + minimum 12 strokes ACP Alexson praised public cooperation and urged anyone with information to contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222 or Sarawak NCID at 017-592 9211. Big numbers, bigger message — police aren't messing around with drug trafficking in Kuching. What do you think? Should the penalties be tougher? Source: DayakDaily

MBKS says it's had enough — critics keep recycling false claims about the council's finances despite repeated clarifications. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng today warned that the council will not hesitate to pursue legal action against individuals or organisations that continue spreading false or defamatory allegations about MBKS's financial management. [image: 1782972171737-mbks-sue.jpg] He accused certain political figures of deliberately using selective financial data to tarnish MBKS's image and create public distrust. Wee stressed that critics had failed to distinguish between operational revenue and restricted funds such as government grants, which are legally earmarked for specific purposes. The council continues investing in roads, drainage, flood mitigation, public health, waste management, parks, and Smart City initiatives. Major drainage and road projects requiring millions are implemented in phases under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Wee said criticism could be constructive if presented fairly, but rejected repeated attempts to distort facts after the council had already provided public explanations via Facebook Live and newspaper reports. Location: MBKS Building, Kuching Details: Wee Hong Seng — Mayor of Kuching South (MBKS) Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called for the immediate termination of the Sansols foreign worker platform, claiming a single private company has collected an estimated RM200 million annually from Sarawak employers. Speaking today, the DAP Sarawak chairman said the Sarawak government's Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) via the Sansols platform has created unnecessary costs and red tape for businesses. Chong revealed that the Ministry of Human Resources confirmed Sansols was made compulsory by the Sarawak government in January 2025 for all foreign worker applications in the state. Other states in Malaysia do not require a similar system. "The modus operandi was kept very secretive until it was finally exposed by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong in the recent DUN Sitting in May that all payments go to one private company," he said. With an estimated 130,000 foreign workers in Sarawak, Chong calculated that at RM1,800 per worker, the company could have collected about RM200 million in a single year. Describing it as "an abuse of our immigration autonomy", he urged the state government to disclose the identity of the company operating Sansols and explain how it was selected. He called for Sansols to be abolished and the previous free-of-charge MSEN system to be reinstated. [image: 1782954437699-stampin-fwta.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Sansols platform mandated for all foreign worker applications since Jan 2025; Chong claims RM200m/year flows to one secretive private company Source: The Borneo Post What do you think — should Sansols be scrapped?

Released prisoner re-offends within months — 24-year-old Muhamad Syafik jailed 17 years plus 30 months, 14 strokes for gang robbery, snatch theft and vandalism across Kuching. Muhamad Syafik, who was out under the Prisoners' Licensed Release (PBSL) programme, pleaded guilty to four charges in separate Sessions and Magistrates' Courts yesterday (June 29). [image: 1782799567373-prison-cell.jpg] His most serious offence: robbing a 64-year-old woman outside a pharmacy at Taman BDC, Jalan Stampin on June 11. He and his accomplice Nik Farris, 28, took her smartphone, IC and two ATM cards. Both got 10 years + 7 strokes under Section 395 of the Penal Code. In a separate case, Syafik snatched a handbag from a 43-year-old woman along Jalan Green Hill on May 6 — sentenced to 7 years + 7 strokes. He also faced two mischief charges: splashing petrol on a victim's house at Jalan Menggeris on March 16, and splashing red paint on the same gate on April 4. He got 18 months and 12 months respectively. All sentences run consecutively. Syafik was unrepresented. Location: Taman BDC (Jalan Stampin), Jalan Green Hill, Jalan Menggeris — Kuching Details: 24-year-old PBSL prisoner re-offends — gang robbery, snatch theft, vandalism — total 17 years + 30 months + 14 strokes Source: DayakDaily What do you think?