Tragic accident at Kuching's KUTS project site — a construction worker has died after falling from a 14-metre structure. [image: 1785978246668-kuts-accident.jpg] Sarawak Metro confirmed the victim, a Nepalese national, was fatally injured around 8.30am on Aug 5 while installing deck slabs at the Simpang Tiga construction site. He was rushed to the nearest hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. A stop-work order has been issued at the affected site. Sarawak Metro and the contractor are cooperating with DOSH (Department of Occupational Safety and Health) and the police to investigate the cause of the incident. The company said it remains committed to upholding safety standards at all its construction sites. Location: KUTS Simpang Tiga project site, Kuching Details: 14-metre fall, fatal, stop-work order issued, DOSH investigation underway Source: DayakDaily Thoughts?

Hot and dry weather is expected to continue across Sarawak until Aug 9, with possible transboundary haze — especially in southern parts of the state. MetMalaysia said prevailing southerly winds, combined with an increase in hotspots in neighbouring countries, could bring haze and reduced visibility. Its latest weather forecast also points to below-average rainfall across most of Borneo during this period. Meanwhile, Typhoon Dolphin, currently active over the western Pacific, is expected to move towards Okinawa, Japan, and then towards China by Aug 9. The typhoon is expected to strengthen westerly winds over Sabah and Labuan from Aug 6 to 9. [image: 1785924350668-weather-haze.jpg] MetMalaysia advises the public to check its official website, social media, or the myCuaca app for verified weather updates. Location: Sarawak (southern regions including Kuching) Details: Hot spell + possible haze until Aug 9 Source: Borneo Post Stay hydrated, folks. Is the heat already getting to you? What do you think?

A Chinese national jumped into the Sarawak River near Jalan Petanak in the early hours to rescue a woman who had fallen in, with both eventually pulled to safety by firefighters. Bomba Padungan received the emergency call at 3.04am on Aug 4 and dispatched a team to the scene near an apartment along Jalan Petanak. Upon arrival, firefighters found three individuals clinging to the riverbank. Initial reports indicated that an adult Chinese woman had fallen into the river, and an adult Chinese man entered the water to try to save her. An apartment employee also jumped in to assist and prevent the pair from being swept away by the current. Firefighters used a lifebuoy and rescue ropes to bring both victims to safety. The man and woman were escorted back to their apartment by security personnel and handed over to police. Both individuals declined medical treatment and refused transport to hospital. No injuries were reported. Location: Jalan Petanak, Kuching Details: 3.04am rescue — Bomba Padungan used lifebuoy and ropes Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A leaked Election Commission document has revealed plans to expand Sarawak's legislative assembly from 82 to 99 seats, with 17 new constituencies proposed across the state. The 14-page document, dated June 25 and signed by Sarawak State Election Director Abang Noraffian Abang Ibrahim, outlines the proposed seat additions as part of the Seventh Sarawak Redelineation Exercise. New seats in the Kuching area include Tabuan Jaya (under Bandar Kuching), Maong (under Stampin), and Samarindah (under Kota Samarahan). Other proposed new seats include Sungai Serin (Puncak Borneo), Tanah Mas (Lanang, Sibu), and Tudan (Miri). The proposal would bring the total number of State constituencies to 99, up from the current 82. The document also lists exhibition venues where the public can view the draft reports and gazette maps, including DBKU, MBKS, Padawan Municipal Council, and district offices across Sarawak. Location: Sarawak (Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu) Details: Leaked EC proposal for Seventh Redelineation Exercise — 17 new seats, 99 total Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Raw water levels at the Simunjan Water Treatment Plant have fallen below one metre due to prolonged dry weather, forcing the Sarawak government to plan three immediate measures. Simunjan requires about 10 million litres of water per day (MLD), but is currently receiving only 4.5 to 5 MLD through the existing supply system, supplemented by water from Sarawak Water and Serian. Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee said three proposals have been submitted to the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication and JBALB: New high-level water tank for Zone 3 (Sungai Apin area) Dredging and desilting of the treatment plant's raw water reservoir Booster station or Acute Water Supply System similar to Sebuyau While the current 5 MLD is sufficient for basic needs, the situation highlights the need for a more resilient water supply system in the district. Location: Simunjan, Samarahan Division Details: The prolonged dry spell has caused sediment and sand to accumulate in the plant's raw water reservoir, reducing storage capacity and affecting water production. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has proposed regular meetings among UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in Asia to strengthen cultural ties and culinary exchange. The proposal came as delegates from China's Quanzhou, Chaozhou, Chengdu, Macau, Eastern Guangdong, and Iloilo, Philippines, visited the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion at MBKS Jubilee Ground during the Kuching Food Festival 2026. "Food reflects a community's history, culture and identity. Although we come from different countries and cultures, our shared passion for gastronomy has brought us together as one family," Wee said. The mayor said closer cooperation among Asian gastronomy cities would help showcase the richness of Asian culinary traditions while encouraging more visitors to experience each city's unique food culture. Location: Kuching South (MBKS) Details: Kuching is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a City of Gastronomy. The 3rd Annual Meeting of UCCN Gastronomy Cities is currently underway with delegates from six cities. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching's heritage villages along the Sarawak River just got a safer and more accessible entry point — the Kampung Boyan-Gersik jetty has been fully upgraded. [image: 1785837875157-boyan-gersik-jetty.jpg] Source: Ukas The RM918,000 project was officially handed over today (Aug 4), witnessed by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. The upgrade included reconstruction of the guide pillars, pontoon, gangway and jetty walkway, replacing ageing infrastructure that had deteriorated after years of use. The jetty now features better accessibility for senior citizens, wheelchair users and persons with disabilities. It serves as the main gateway for visitors exploring Kampung Boyan, Kampung Gersik and Kampung Surabaya — villages known for traditional delicacies, cottage industries and handmade crafts. Location: Kampung Boyan-Gersik, Kuching Details: RM918,000 upgrade, improved safety & accessibility, key heritage tourism gateway Source: https://dayakdaily.com/rm918k-upgrade-makes-kampung-boyan-gersik-jetty-safer-for-residents-visitors/ What do you think?

Three people were pulled safely from the Sarawak River near Jalan Petanak early this morning. [image: 1785816275422-sarawak-river-rescue.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Bomba rescue photo A Chinese woman reportedly fell into the river near an apartment along Jalan Petanak, Kuching, before a Chinese man went in to help her. An apartment employee also entered the water to stop both of them from being swept away. Bomba Padungan received the call at 3.04am on Tuesday, Aug 4, and found three people holding on at the riverbank. What happened Firefighters used a lifebuoy and rescue ropes to bring them up safely. The rescue was under control at 3.45am and wrapped up at 4.18am. No injuries were reported. The two Chinese nationals declined medical treatment and were later escorted back to their apartment before the matter was handed to police for further action. Location: Sarawak River near Jalan Petanak, Kuching Details: 3 people rescued, no injuries reported Source: https://dayakdaily.com/chinese-man-jumps-into-sarawak-river-to-save-woman-both-rescued/ What do you think?

A new eight-storey Anjung Kasih is being planned opposite Sarawak General Hospital, aimed at helping families who travel to Kuching for medical treatment. [image: 1785805545085-anjung-kasih-sgh.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Kuching project would keep the facade of the former nurses' quarters, while a new block would be built behind it. Why it matters Anjung Kasih provides temporary accommodation for family members accompanying patients. For many people coming from outside Kuching, hotel costs can be a heavy burden during hospital treatment. The Premier said the concept could also be expanded to other parts of Sarawak where similar support is needed. Location: Opposite Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching Details: Proposed eight-storey block behind the preserved former nurses' quarters facade; meant for patients' families needing temporary accommodation. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak could see 17 new State seats, with Tabuan Jaya, Maong and Samarindah among the names in a leaked EC proposal. [image: 1785805495307-ec-redelineation.jpg] Source: Election Commission / Facebook The proposal points to a bigger Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, rising from 82 seats to 99 seats if the redelineation process goes through. What was revealed DayakDaily reported that the leaked Election Commission proposal includes new or renamed seats across Sarawak. In the Kuching and nearby areas, names listed include Tabuan Jaya, Maong, Matang, Semarak, Pasir Pandak, Samarindah and Sungai Serin. The document is dated June 25, 2026 and is linked to Sarawak's Seventh Redelineation Exercise. Location: Sarawak, including Kuching-area constituencies Details: Proposed expansion from 82 to 99 State seats, with public display venues expected at local authority offices such as DBKU, MBKS and MPP. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 29-year-old local man has been arrested over an alleged recording case at Kuching Food Festival. [image: 1785751445591-pdrm_logo_kff_recording_20260803.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / PDRM file image Kuching police arrested a 29-year-old local man after he allegedly recorded a video that insulted a woman’s modesty at Kuching Food Festival. Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspect was arrested at about 9.20pm on Aug 1. What police said Police seized the suspect’s mobile phone as evidence. A record check found that the suspect had no previous criminal record, and he has been remanded for two days to assist investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code for insulting the modesty of a person by recording a video. If convicted, the offence carries jail of up to five years, a fine, or both. Police also reminded the public to respect other people’s privacy and avoid acts that break the law. Anyone with information on criminal activities can contact the Kuching IPD Control Centre at 082-241133. Location: Kuching Details: A 29-year-old man was arrested; police seized a mobile phone and are investigating under Section 509 of the Penal Code. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak wants federal approval sped up for a Kuching-Putussibau cross-border bus route. [image: 1785751410267-kuching_putussibau_bus_20260803.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Ministry of Transport The Sarawak Ministry of Transport will send an official request to the federal side to speed up approval for the proposed Kuching-Putussibau bus service. Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the route is meant to improve links between Sarawak and West Kalimantan through the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau entry point. Why it matters Operators from both sides, Biaramas Express from Sarawak and DAMRI from Indonesia, have indicated they are ready to start. Lee said the route could support tourism, medical tourism, trade and cross-border economic activity. He also said the current Putussibau-Pontianak overland trip takes about 20 hours, while using the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau and Tebedu-Entikong route could cut travel time by more than half. Kuching as a transit hub The ministry also sees Kuching becoming a regional transit point, linking flights through Kuching International Airport with land travel into Kalimantan. Location: Kuching, Lubok Antu and Putussibau Details: Sarawak is asking for faster federal approval for a proposed cross-border bus route. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 14-year-old Sarawak deaf table tennis gold medallist may miss her next step because her cochlear implant processor keeps failing. [image: 1785729955161-celynn_20260803.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Celynn Ho won the women's singles gold medal at the first Malaysian Deaf Table Tennis Championship in Ipoh last month. She is now due to represent Malaysia at the Asia Pacific Deaf Multi-Sport Championships 2026 in Penang from Oct 3 to 10. Her mother Rita Bong said the biggest problem now is the cost of replacing Celynn's faulty cochlear implant processor. A new one could cost around RM90,000. Bong said the device matters not only for school, but also for training, because Celynn relies on it to communicate with coaches and teammates. Key Details Location: Kuching / Padawan Details: Celynn is a Form 2 student at Chung Hua Middle School No. 1. Those who want to know more can contact Bong at 012-8886366, as listed by The Borneo Post. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak may get a new International Islamic University Malaysia presence if the proposal moves ahead. [image: 1785719057269-iium_sarawak_20260802.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Sarawak has welcomed a proposal for the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) to set up an academic presence in the state. Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak should stay open to public and private universities that can help strengthen human capital. He said any institution that can improve skills, knowledge and access to quality education should be viewed positively. IIUM Rector Professor Emeritus Datuk Osman Bakar said the university has been approached by Sarawak alumni about the idea. He said IIUM is looking at options such as specialised academic programmes before moving into a full campus. Why it matters More higher education options in Sarawak could mean more pathways for local students without having to leave the state. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: IIUM is exploring an academic presence in Sarawak, with specialised programmes among the possible first steps. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

The Sarawak Teachers Union wants the Ministry of Education to act faster on teacher burnout, mental health and workplace pressure. [image: 1785665179930-stu_president_20260802.png] Source: DayakDaily KUCHING, Aug 2: The Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) has called for a thorough investigation into two teacher death cases linked to school compounds, while urging the Ministry of Education to take teachers' wellbeing more seriously. STU president Kullin Djayang said the union wants the facts established first and asked the public not to speculate while investigations are still ongoing. Workload and pressure in focus Kullin said prolonged stress can lead to emotional burnout, anxiety and lower motivation among teachers. He also called for education policies to be reviewed, especially those linked to heavy school-related tasks and high key performance indicator expectations. Schools must be safe workplaces too STU said classrooms, hostels and teachers' quarters should be safe and conducive for both teachers and students. The union also conveyed condolences to the families involved and reminded educators to prioritise their own health while serving in schools. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Details: STU is asking MOE to review teacher workload, mental health support and school working conditions. Source: DayakDaily Teachers and parents, do you think school workload has become too heavy?

A house fire in Taman Satria Jaya BDC damaged half of the ground floor, but two occupants escaped safely. [image: 1785665113260-bdc_house_fire_20260802.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Bomba KUCHING, Aug 2: A double-storey house in Taman Satria Jaya BDC was badly damaged after a fire broke out around noon today. Bomba said the emergency call came in at 12.49pm. Firefighters from Tabuan Jaya were sent to the scene, with The Borneo Post also reporting response from Tabuan Jaya and Batu Lintang stations. What happened The fire damaged about 50 per cent of the ground floor of the permanent house, which measured about 20 feet by 40 feet. A neighbouring house was also lightly affected by heat and smoke, with about five per cent damage reported. No injuries reported The occupants, a 66-year-old woman and her 38-year-old daughter who is a person with disabilities, had already left the house before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported. Location: Taman Satria Jaya BDC, Kuching Details: Bomba received the call at 12.49pm; the fire was brought under control using hose lines and a nearby hydrant. Source: DayakDaily Anyone staying around BDC saw the smoke this afternoon?

Jalan Mendu road works are delayed, but MBKS says the project is now targeted for Sept 15 completion. [image: 1785643462063-jalan_mendu_20260802.jpg] KUCHING, Aug 2: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) says the Jalan Mendu Upgrading Project was held back by a clash between planned drainage works and an existing live water supply pipeline. MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the pipeline's actual location did not match available utility records and project drawings. What MBKS says The contractor is waiting for final approval from Sarawak Water to relocate the pipeline. Once approval is given, the relocation is expected to take about three days before culvert construction and reinstatement works resume. MBKS has also ordered safety fixes at the site after temporary barriers were found improperly arranged, with exposed reinforcement steel that could endanger motorcyclists and pedestrians. Location: Jalan Mendu, Kuching South Details: MBKS targets Sept 15, 2026 completion, subject to approval for utility relocation and no further unforeseen issues. Photo: DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching's ART project has moved into the next stage after the first two trains arrived for KUTS pilot preparations. [image: 1785632692948-art-first-trains.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) The first two ART trains under the Kuching Urban Transportation System are now in Kuching, bringing the project closer to pilot operations. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the focus is now on system integration, infrastructure readiness and operational checks before the service is opened for pilot use. What is being prepared Lee said work is progressing on the ART alignment, stations, depots and support systems. The Phase 1 Hydrogen Production Plant at Rembus Depot is also moving ahead. Once ready, it is expected to produce up to one tonne of green hydrogen a day to support pilot and early ART operations. For Kuching road users, this is one of the clearest signs yet that KUTS is moving from construction into actual service preparation. Location: Kuching / Rembus Depot Details: First two ART trains arrived; pilot operation preparation now focuses on integration, safety, reliability and hydrogen support facilities. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak’s population is now estimated at 2.54 million, but the state is still Malaysia’s least densely populated region. [image: 1785578654062-sarawak_population_20260801.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / file photo of Kuching Waterfront What changed DayakDaily reported that the latest Department of Statistics Malaysia estimate puts Sarawak at 2.54 million people in 2026, with annual growth of only 0.4%. That makes Sarawak the fifth most populous state, behind Selangor, Johor, Sabah and Perak. Why people are talking The bigger issue is density and ageing. Sarawak records only 20 people per square kilometre, the lowest in the country. The report also says residents aged 65 and above now make up 9.7% of the population, placing Sarawak second nationwide for elderly share. The median age has risen to 33.2 years, while the total fertility rate stands at 1.5 children per woman. Location: Sarawak Details: 2.54 million population, 0.4% annual growth, lowest density in Malaysia Source: DayakDaily What do you think this means for Sarawak’s future workforce?

Immigration officers detained 64 suspected undocumented migrants after checks across Kuching and Kota Samarahan. [image: 1785557110562-immigration_20260801.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Sarawak Immigration said the two-day operation ran from 9am on July 29 until 3am on July 30, after public complaints and intelligence work. Officers inspected 107 people at 13 locations, including Kota Sentosa, Batu 10 to Batu 12, Pending Industrial Estate, Metrocity, Sematan, Batu Kawa and Kota Samarahan. What was checked The checks covered eateries, factories, construction sites, grocery shops, rented rooms in shophouses, massage centres and premises suspected of online gambling activity. Those detained are being investigated for alleged overstaying and for not having valid travel documents or passes under the Immigration Act 1959/63. Location: Kuching and Kota Samarahan Details: 64 detained, 107 checked, 13 locations covered Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?