23 men were charged in a Kuching court yesterday over their alleged involvement in an organised criminal syndicate called 'Geng 24 Hung-Hung'. All 23 are accused of taking part in organised criminal activities between December 2021 and April 2026 at an oil palm plantation in Kampung Temaga Cina-Dayak, Sematan. They were charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code — which carries a prison sentence of between 5 and 20 years upon conviction. The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General's Chambers. Counsel representing the accused include Dato Shankar Ram, Ranbir Singh, Ralph Lee, Patrick Voon, Daniel Ling, and Tiong Ing Neng. [image: 1782176582672-geng24-hunghung.jpg] No bail was offered since the charges fall under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA). All 23 have been ordered to remain in remand pending the next mention date on July 23, 2026. According to the prosecution, the arrests were made during police's Ops Pusak Merah conducted between April 19 and 23. Location: Sematan, Kuching Details: 23 charged under SOSMA, organised crime (Geng 24 Hung-Hung), mention set for July 23 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

'For the first time in my career, a state government handed me a cheque instead of asking for allocations.' Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made this remark at the State-level Gawai Dayak 2026 Gala Dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday night, after Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas presented him with a RM1.8 billion cheque from the Sarawak government. The cheque relates to the Bintulu Port regulatory handover — a major MA63 milestone that officially transferred control to Sarawak. Anwar said the gesture proves that when a state is managed well, with competent leadership and sound fiscal governance, it can deliver. He specifically saluted Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his team. He also addressed critics in Peninsular Malaysia who have opposed devolving strategic assets back to East Malaysia under MA63, arguing that Sarawak has developed the institutional maturity to manage major infrastructure on its own. 'Throughout my time leading the government, despite complex negotiations, there has never been a single threat or ultimatum from Sarawak. This is the true spirit of consensus, maturity, and understanding of the Federal Constitution,' he added. Anwar also touched on international diplomacy, revealing that Malaysia secured a 20-year energy supply guarantee from Russia, won the management of Gas Fields 9 and 10 in Turkmenistan through PETRONAS, and that Japan has requested similar long-term gas supply agreements. Location: BCCK, Kuching Details: RM1.8 billion cheque from Sarawak govt; Bintulu Port handover; MA63 progress; PM praises Sarawak leadership Source: DayakDaily What do you think about the progress of MA63 talks?

"Lodge formal complaints" — Mayor Wee Hong Seng says reporting directly to Sarawak Water helps ensure faster action on murky water and supply problems. KUCHING — Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng is urging residents to file formal complaints with Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd whenever they face water supply issues, including murky or yellow water. Speaking during his Facebook live session 'Shall WEE Talk' on Saturday, Wee revealed that Sarawak Water had received 270 complaints as of June 17. "Make a complaint via their website should you need flushing or face any water supply issues," he said. The mayor also noted that Sarawak Water will soon relocate its customer service counter to the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Kuching for better accessibility. [image: 1782021752749-murky-water.jpg] File photo: Kitchen sink tap discharging murky water (Borneo Post) Location: Kuching Details: Sarawak Water has received 270 water quality complaints. Public urged to report through proper channels at sarawakwater.com instead of venting on social media. Source: Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak's deputy minister has confirmed plans for a 100-acre crocodile sanctuary at Kuching Wetlands — part of a broader strategy to manage growing human-crocodile conflicts across the state. Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the government has identified the site in the Kuching Wetland area, with fencing planned to keep relocated crocodiles contained within the sanctuary. Any crocodiles removed from residential areas will be sent there. The announcement follows a viral video showing a crocodile hunting pigeons at Kuching Waterfront last week, raising public alarm about the presence of large reptiles in popular areas. For central Sarawak, sanctuary sites include Pulau Seduku, Batang Lupar, and Rajang Mangrove National Park. In northern Sarawak, locations in Sibuti, Lawas and Limbang have been proposed. The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is already carrying out relocation and removal operations targeting crocodiles identified as threats to villages and longhouse communities. Len Talif also reminded the public to stay vigilant, follow warning signs, and use the Sarawak Croc Watch app to report sightings. Location: Kuching Wetlands, Sarawak Details: 100-acre sanctuary, fencing, statewide relocation plan Source: DayakDaily [image: 1781935364844-croc-sanctuary.jpg] Source: Pixabay (illustration) What do you think — is this the right approach to manage croc populations?

Kuching shoppers beware — online purchases from a local seller on social media have led to losses exceeding RM80,000, with at least 14 victims reporting they paid but never received their items. The Sarawak Consumers Association (PPS) said it received 14 consumer complaints and one pharmacy complaint as of June 17, linked to a local woman suspected of selling daily necessities — including infant formula, diapers, medicines, and household items — through social media platforms. PPS president Dr Wynson Ong said the total reported losses amounted to RM80,509.98, with more complaints still being verified. According to PPS, some buyers initially received their orders, which built trust and encouraged repeat purchases — especially since the seller offered promotional prices lower than market rates. "However, after several successful transactions, payments were made but the goods were no longer delivered," Ong said. In one case involving a pharmacy, the same individual was alleged to have made an invalid payment by submitting a receipt that didn't reflect the actual payment amount. Ong said the number of complaints shows the matter cannot be taken lightly. "When 14 consumers and a pharmacy are involved, with losses exceeding RM80,000 and potentially reaching hundreds of thousands, this matter cannot be taken lightly." PPS advised shoppers to: Avoid rushing into payments Do not transfer money to personal bank accounts without verifying seller legitimacy Check seller backgrounds Use traceable payment methods The Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) is expected to investigate. Anyone with information can contact PPS at 017-7109299. Consumer awareness is the first line of defence against online scams. [image: 1781917505645-scam-warning.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: 14+ victims, RM80,509.98 lost to online shopping scam Source: Borneo Post What do you think? Have you or someone you know encountered this scam?

A large crocodile was filmed hunting and devouring a pigeon at the Kuching Waterfront, prompting a Cabinet minister to call for immediate action. A viral video circulating on social media shows the reptile stalking and catching its prey near the popular tourist promenade, just metres from where families walk daily. Tourism Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the footage proves the crocodile is an active predator and not a passive bystander. "I've seen that video of the crocodile eating the pigeon. That means that crocodile is not a very tame one," he told reporters after an event at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak today (June 19). "If there are kids swimming in that river, they might end up being eaten by the crocodile," he warned. The minister has called on the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to take immediate action. SFC had previously conducted capture-and-relocate operations near the floating mosque along the Sarawak River, removing several crocodiles to a sanctuary in Matang. Abdul Karim believes this is likely a new crocodile that has moved into the area. Crocodile sightings along the Sarawak River are not new — the reptiles have long been known to gather beneath the floating mosque. But this latest incident, captured on video, has revived public concern over safety at one of Kuching's busiest tourist spots. [image: 1781849183862-crocodile.jpeg] Location: Kuching Waterfront / Masjid India (floating mosque) Details: Viral video shows crocodile hunting pigeon. Minister urges SFC to act. SFC had previously caught multiple crocs in same area. Source: DayakDaily / Borneo Post What do you think? Is the Kuching Waterfront safe?

Discoloured tap water has been reported across several areas in Kuching, but Sarawak Water says the Batu Kitang treatment plant is running fine — the issue is caused by sediment disturbance in the distribution network. Since early June, residents in parts of Kuching Division have been complaining about murky and discoloured water coming from their taps. The issue escalated to the point where SUPP Public Complaints Bureau chairman Milton Foo said he received over 10 complaints in just 24 hours on June 12. [image: 1781762762899-water-tap.jpg] Sarawak Water issued a statement yesterday assuring the public that the Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant continues to operate normally. The company attributed the discolouration to sediment disturbances within the distribution network, triggered by changes in water flow patterns and ongoing system stabilisation activities. Mitigation efforts have been ongoing since June 6, including intensified flushing operations and field monitoring. Sarawak Water reports that conditions are improving and complaint trends have declined compared to the previous week. The company apologised for the inconvenience and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring water quality to satisfactory levels. Milton Foo had previously called for water quality reports to be released and for clean water supplies to be deployed to affected areas. Borneo Post Location: Multiple areas across Kuching Division Details: Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant remains operational; discolouration due to sediment disturbance in pipes; flushing operations ongoing Source: Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1781744678877-niti-daun-map.png] Heading to the city centre tomorrow or Saturday? Plan your route — 12 roads around Kuching Waterfront will be closed for the Sarawak-level Gawai celebration. The closures are for the 'Niti Daun' programme, part of the Sarawak Gawai 2026 celebration at Kuching Waterfront. Closure schedule: June 19 (Fri): 12pm – 6pm (rehearsal) June 20 (Sat): 10am – 6pm (main event) Affected roads: Lebuh Java, Market Road, Gambier Road, Old Court House Road, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Carpenter Street, Lebuh Wayang, Main Bazaar, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Chan Chin Ann, Jalan Abell, and slip roads near the White Cat statue & Sri Aman roundabout. Police also advise against roadside parking in the affected areas. Traffic Enquiries: Kuching Traffic Division at 082-259900 Source: DayakDaily Plan ahead and avoid the jam! What do you think?

UK Trade Envoy to ASEAN Naz Shah visited Kuching and toured the Borneo Cultures Museum, saying Sarawak has "significant potential" as an international cultural tourism destination. [image: 1781676282296-uk-envoy-kch-resized.jpg] During her visit on Tuesday, Shah was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre CEO Prof Dr Patrick Then, and museum curator Yasmin Khalid Nicholls. UK reaffirms commitment to Sarawak Shah said the UK remains committed to strengthening strategic cooperation with Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, and countries across the ASEAN region in trade, investment and tourism. "This has been an incredibly meaningful experience, and I want to share it with people in the UK so that more people can learn about and appreciate what Sarawak has to offer," she said. World-class museum She described the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) as a "world-class institution" that successfully showcases the cultural richness of Sarawak and Borneo to both local and international audiences. "What is displayed here is remarkable and provides a deeper understanding of the people and heritage of Sarawak," she added. Location: Borneo Cultures Museum, Kuching Details: UK reaffirms commitment to deepening ties with Sarawak in trade, investment and tourism Source: Borneo Post Online What do you think of Sarawak's growing international profile?

MBKS warns Kuching Food Festival stall owners — no subletting, no reselling, or face blacklisting The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has issued a firm warning to all 2026 Kuching Food Festival stall holders after spotting a social media ad offering an already-allocated stall for sale. In a statement released today, MBKS said it’s aware of the ad and won’t tolerate any violation of the stall allocation rules. Strictly prohibited under any circumstances: Subletting, renting, or transferring stalls Selling or assigning stalls to third parties Sharing stalls with unauthorised operators Any successful applicant found guilty of these violations faces immediate revocation of their stall allocation, forfeiture of their deposit, and blacklisting from future Kuching Food Festival events. [image: 1781658353862-kuching-food-festival.jpg] The council also reminded operators that they’re required to operate every night throughout the festival period. Failure to operate for a cumulative three nights may result in enforcement action, including deposit forfeiture. MBKS urged the public not to engage in any unauthorised purchase or negotiation of allocated stalls, adding that such transactions “are unauthorised, invalid, and will not be recognised by MBKS under any circumstances.” The Kuching Food Festival 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors — one of the most anticipated events on the Kuching calendar. Location: Kuching South City (MBKS) Details: Stall resale discovered on social media; MBKS warns of revocation, deposit forfeiture, and blacklisting Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari has broken his silence on the recent AirBorneo flight disruptions, calling them 'teething problems' during the transition from MASwings and assuring the public that solutions are on the way. Speaking at the launch of the SWG Green Industrial Complex and Decarbon Hub at Demak Laut Industrial Park today, the Premier acknowledged the challenges faced by the state-owned airline. 'We are still in the transition stage when we took over MASwings, and therefore, there are some minor problems along the way. But surely, it will be resolved. We will solve the problem for the future,' he said. [image: 1781571920953-airborneo-plane.jpg] Source: DayakDaily (file photo) What happened In recent weeks, AirBorneo-operated flights have faced a series of disruptions including delays and cancellations, drawing widespread complaints on social media. The issues emerged shortly after the Sarawak government completed its takeover of MASwings and rebranded it as AirBorneo. Abang Johari stressed that AirBorneo was created with a bigger vision — to strengthen Sarawak's position within the ASEAN economy and provide businesses with better access to regional markets. 'For us in this region, our market does not only rely on Sarawak's market. Neither should you rely on the Malaysian market. You must rely on the ASEAN market. We are in the middle of ASEAN,' he said. The bigger picture The Premier outlined that Sarawak is investing heavily in connectivity infrastructure — from undersea power cables to Singapore to enhanced transportation networks — and AirBorneo is a key piece of that puzzle. 'If you want to go to see your client in Jakarta, you need our own airline to go there. At the moment, we are building physical bridges, but because we are on an island, we also need bridges to our neighbours,' he explained. He added that the state government is developing its own operational model for the airline to ensure it can effectively support business and economic growth. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: AirBorneo flight disruptions addressed by Premier Abang Johari Source: https://dayakdaily.com/we-will-solve-the-problem-abang-johari-addresses-airborneo-controversy/ What do you think?

AirBorneo has been allocated airport slots for direct flights between Kuching and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport — but the airline says it hasn't formally applied just yet. The slot allocation happened during the 158th IATA Slot Conference in Bangkok from June 9-11, where AirBorneo was listed alongside Riyadh Air, Virgin Atlantic, and SkyUp Nistru as new airlines receiving slots for Thailand services. According to Thailand's The Nation, AirBorneo was allocated 14 flights per week on the Kuching-Suvarnabhumi-Kuching route for the Winter 2026/2027 season (Oct 25, 2026 to March 27, 2027). [image: 1781503391488-airborneo-logo-resized.jpg] Source: Borneo Post However, AirBorneo has since clarified that no formal application has been submitted for the Bangkok route at this stage. "Destinations across the region are part of our longer-term route planning, but nothing has been formally confirmed," the airline said in a statement. AirBorneo stressed that its immediate priority is stabilising its current intra-Borneo operations following service disruptions earlier this month. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) identified Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, and U-Tapao as airports experiencing strong travel demand ahead of the high season. Tourism Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had earlier said the airline could expand to regional destinations including Thailand from 2027, subject to operational readiness. Location: Kuching International Airport / Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Details: 14 weekly flights allocated for Winter 2026/27, pending formal confirmation Source: Borneo Post - AirBorneo clears key hurdle | AirBorneo clarifies no submission yet What do you think? Would you fly Kuching-Bangkok direct?

Over 10,000 people turned up for MILO Malaysia Breakfast Day 2026 in Kuching, turning the venue into a sea of green. [image: 1781485658966-milo_crowd.jpg] The Sarawak stop of the nationwide event was held yesterday (June 14) and drew families, school groups and community members from all walks of life — from Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu, Malay and Chinese communities. Beyond the 3km fun run and activity booths, what stood out was how deeply MILO is woven into local family life. "We grew up with MILO, and now our kids are carrying on the tradition," said one participant. Sarawak South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the turnout reflected both cultural unity and shared lifestyle habits among Sarawak's diverse communities. [image: 1781485659071-milo_stage.jpg] The event also featured fitness challenges, interactive booths and educational activities under the Nestlé for Healthier Kids programme, promoting balanced nutrition through Malaysia's "Suku-Suku Separuh" concept. Following stops in Sabah and Terengganu, the MILO Malaysia Breakfast Day 2026 tour continues to Kuantan, Kelantan, before wrapping up in Putrajaya on July 12. Location: Kuching Details: MILO Malaysia Breakfast Day 2026 drew 10,000 participants from Sarawak's multi-ethnic communities for a day of fitness, family and breakfast traditions. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1781416938573-scam-alert.jpg] A 79-year-old man in Kuching lost over RM9 million after falling for a fake share investment and IPO scam — and only got RM1,000 back. The victim was approached by a suspect at Jalan Pending back in January 2026 and was offered a chance to invest in shares and IPOs through a platform called "TBGIA". Trusting the offer, he made 27 transfers into nine different bank accounts. The total amount? RM9,082,000. He only received RM1,000 in returns. Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the victim realised he had been scammed when he couldn't withdraw his "investment" or the profits shown in the TBGIA app. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. Location: Jalan Pending, Kuching Details: 27 transactions, 9 bank accounts, RM9.08M lost Source: DayakDaily ️ Police advise the public to verify investment companies through Bank Negara Malaysia and Securities Commission Malaysia lists, and to use the Check Scammers CCID app or Semak Mule portal before making any transfers. What do you think?

College students rescued a toddler found wandering alone along a dark roadside in Kota Samarahan at 2am on Saturday — now under police investigation. A three-year-old girl was discovered alone in the Taman Berlian commercial area early Saturday morning by several college students. The students, who were heading home on a motorcycle after eating at a nearby eatery, noticed the child waving for help and turned back to check on her. They found the toddler clutching a feeding bottle, a blue towel, and a small beaded basket, crying for her mother. Samarahan District Acting Police Chief DSP Barry William confirmed the case, stating that investigators have since located the child's family and are actively recording statements. "The investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the child being left unattended near a major roadway," he said. The toddler was initially taken to the Samarahan District Police Headquarters before being referred to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for assessment. Medical staff confirmed she remains under observation as a precaution. Welfare authorities have also been notified and are monitoring the case alongside police. Location: Taman Berlian, Kota Samarahan Details: 3yo child found alone at 2am; rescued by college students; police investigating Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1781312721319-repair-scam.jpg] If a Facebook ad offers cheap home repairs with free inspection — think twice. Victims across Sarawak are losing thousands. The Sarawak Consumers Association (PPS) has sounded the alarm after receiving complaints from Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu about a suspected scam syndicate operating through Facebook ads. The modus operandi? Ads offering free inspection and home repairs. Workers show up, do substandard or irrelevant work, pressure victims into paying via personal bank accounts — then disappear. The original problem remains unfixed. Reported losses: Kuching: RM3,000 – RM4,200 Sibu: RM5,400 Miri: RM2,700 Bintulu: RM5,600 The workers are reportedly Chinese nationals. PPS has raised concerns over possible immigration law violations and public safety risks. "We are not talking about isolated incidents anymore. Victims from several divisions — even Peninsular Malaysia — have come forward with nearly identical stories," said PPS president Dr Wynson Ong. Some victims have filed police reports, but the cases were not classified as fraud since the workers physically showed up and did some work. Tips to stay safe: Verify the company's business address and license Never pay via personal bank accounts Get a written quote before any work starts If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is If you have been a victim, file a police report and contact PPS at 017-710 9299. Source: DayakDaily | Borneo Post Share this with your family and friends!

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?

A Korean Netflix star is coming to Kuching — and he's bringing a full film crew with him. Cha Ji-hyuk, the actor from Netflix's hit action series Bloodhounds 2, will star in a brand-new Korean-Malaysian romantic comedy called "Distinct: Becoming Sarawak" — and the entire film will be shot right here in Kuching and across Sarawak. Filming kicks off June 15. [image: 1781157840077-cha-ji-hyuk.jpeg] What's the movie about? It's a romance story built around the idea that differences can bring people together. The film explores love, healing and identity — set against Sarawak's city life, culture and landscapes. The message? Sarawak's multicultural society, where people of different backgrounds live side by side while keeping their own identity, is the perfect backdrop for this kind of story. Who's involved? Cha will star alongside Malaysian actresses Siti Nur Aishah Bee Md Nor and Shelyn Poh. The film is directed by Shin Ji-hwan, with costume design by Lee Chung Chung — the creative director of global fashion brand LIE, whose work has walked Seoul, New York, Paris and London fashion weeks. The Korean crew has already been in Kuching since June 1 for pre-production, and local casting sessions were held earlier this year to recruit Sarawakian talent. Why it matters This is more than just a movie. Producer Lee Sang Chan says the project is about building a bridge between Sarawak and international audiences — and his company plans to bring more Korean productions to Malaysia after this. For Kuching's creative scene, this means jobs, exposure and the chance to put local talent on a global stage. Location: Kuching & across Sarawak Filming starts: June 15, 2026 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/korean-actor-cha-ji-hyuk-to-spotlight-sarawak-in-new-international-feature-film/ Would you watch a K-drama filmed in Kuching?

[image: 1781071314796-cement-price.jpg] Miri and Kuching now lead the nation in cement price increases, with annual hikes of 7.5% and 7.4% respectively — the highest in Malaysia, according to the latest DOSM data. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) released its Special Release for Building and Structural Works for May 2026, showing average cement prices across Malaysia rose from RM23.04 per 50kg bag in May 2024 to RM25.95 in May 2026. But Sarawaks two largest cities saw the biggest jumps. Miri recorded the highest year-on-year increase at 7.5%, with Kuching close behind at 7.4%. Nationwide, the year-on-year range was just 1.0% to 7.5%. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that cement prices also rose month-on-month across all regions, increasing between 0.2% and 2.1% in May alone. Other construction materials are not spared either: Steel prices rose 0.1% to 1.3% month-on-month nationwide, with Sibu and Miri among the higher increases Sand prices increased up to 9.7% in some areas, with Sibu recording a 3.7% jump Aggregate prices climbed 0.3% to 4.7% nationwide The Building Cost Index (BCI) confirmed the broader trend, with Sarawak recording month-on-month increases of 0.1% to 1.1% across all building categories. At the national level, Ordinary Portland cement now averages RM25.95 per 50kg bag, while steel bars sit at RM3,517.50 per metric tonne. For homeowners planning renovations and developers with ongoing projects, these numbers mean real cost pressure ahead. Location: Kuching & Miri, Sarawak Source: DayakDaily / DOSM - https://dayakdaily.com/construction-costs-rise-as-miri-kuching-record-nations-steepest-cement-price-hikes/ What do you think?

Former soldier Umar Sidee, 66, dashed into a blazing two-storey house in Sibu to rescue eight grandchildren and his son — a split-second decision that saved nine lives. The fire tore through Kampung Jeriah Abang Ramli along Jalan Oya Lama around 11am on Sunday (June 7). Umar and his wife were at a nearby orchard when they heard explosions from the house. "My wife suddenly shouted that our house was on fire. I heard several explosions," Umar told Bernama. He ran inside, grabbed all his grandchildren aged 4 to 14 who were watching TV on the ground floor, then rushed upstairs to wake his son. "I was in the armed forces before. I couldn't just watch my family die," he said. Villagers tried to help put out the fire with buckets, but the flames spread too fast. Bomba firefighters arrived and ordered everyone back as conditions became dangerous. The family of 19 from three households survived. But the house — built by Umar over nearly 40 years after he retired from military service in 1995 — was completely destroyed. [image: 1780985601017-sibu-fire-house.jpeg] Location: Kampung Jeriah Abang Ramli, Jalan Oya Lama, Sibu Details: 19 family members from 3 households lost their home; all safe thanks to Umar's quick action Source: https://dayakdaily.com/66yo-man-risks-life-to-save-grandchildren-son-from-sibu-house-fire/ What do you think?