Kuching residents want growth that fixes daily life first [image: 1785546287138-kuching_growth_20260801.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Edgar Ong Kuching's growth is bringing a clear message from residents: more jobs, better public transport, smarter traffic planning, cleaner neighbourhoods and stronger support for local businesses. The Borneo Post spoke to six residents for Kuching City Day. Their concerns were practical: young Sarawakians need career options at home, road capacity must match new developments, and public facilities must keep up with the city's expansion. What residents raised Location: Kuching Details: Residents pointed to jobs, public transport, road maintenance, cleanliness, CCTV coverage, local business support and environmental care. Business owner Lau Lee Leong said traffic impact should be planned before major projects are approved, especially in areas already facing congestion. Others said Kuching should stay clean, green and safe while creating more opportunities for students and entrepreneurs. Hot Score: 27/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Guro Street is now official in Kuching South, the first street in Malaysia named after a South Korean city. [image: 1785492302193-guro-street.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily / Wee Hong Seng Kuching South launched Guro Street on July 31, marking another step in the city’s long-running link with Guro District in Seoul. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the name reflects closer business, culture and people-to-people ties between Sarawak and South Korea. The partnership between MBKS and Guro District started in 2013. Dr Sim said Korean interest in Sarawak is growing in renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and gas development. He also pointed to OCI, which has invested more than USD2 billion in Sarawak since 2019 and has its headquarters in Kuching. Also present were Guro District Mayor Jang Inhong and Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Location: Kuching South Details: Malaysia’s first street named after a South Korean city Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak is putting RM300 million into a new biomedical research laboratory, with Kuching hosting the announcement today. [image: 1785405846518-biomed-lab.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the lab is meant to strengthen health research, biotechnology and precision medicine in Sarawak. His speech was delivered by Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the 19th ASEAN Conference of Clinical Laboratory Sciences in Kuching on July 30. Why it matters The State wants the facility to support work on new medicines, future disease readiness and international research partnerships. Dr Sim also linked the plan to Sarawak's wider healthcare push, including the RM1 billion Sarawak Cancer Centre and the digitalisation of more than 150 primary healthcare facilities through the Cloud-Based Clinic Management System. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: RM300 million biomedical research laboratory; health research, biotechnology and precision medicine focus Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A section of Jalan Tun Jugah from the CityOne traffic-light junction towards Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho is scheduled for partial closure from July 29 to Dec 31, 2026 for KUTS construction. [image: 1785384236632-tun_jugah_cityone_20260730.jpg] Image: Sarawak Metro via DayakDaily Sarawak Metro said the temporary diversion is needed for work under the Kuching Urban Transportation System. The notice covers a partial closure, not a complete shutdown of Jalan Tun Jugah. What drivers should plan for Traffic arrangements can change as work moves, so the map and signs on site take priority over an old social-media screenshot. Drivers should reduce speed before the work zone, follow lane arrows and temporary limits, and avoid changing lanes at the last moment. CityOne, Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho and surrounding businesses remain reachable, but travel time may be less predictable during weekday peak hours, school traffic and major events. If an appointment matters, allow an extra buffer or check an alternative route before leaving. Sarawak Metro said it would announce changes to the schedule or traffic plan. Enquiries can be made through the KUTS hotline at 1300-88-5887, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm excluding public holidays, or by email at [email protected] and [email protected]. This post is valid for the announced July 29–Dec 31 construction period. After that date, verify the latest notice instead of assuming the diversion remains in place. Affected direction: CityOne junction towards Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho Status: Partial closure / temporary traffic diversion Sources: DayakDaily · Sarawak Metro

Sarawak Science Centre is being positioned as a hands-on STEM hub for students and teachers across the state. [image: 1785373547375-science_centre_20260730.jpg] The Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) in Kuching is meant to support classroom learning with interactive tools, teacher resources and practical science exposure beyond textbooks. Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the centre will connect young Sarawakians with areas like robotics, coding, biotechnology and renewable energy. Why it matters For students, this is not just another building. It gives schools a place to bring science lessons closer to real life. The centre is also part of Sarawak's PCDS 2030 push to grow local STEM talent and support an innovation-driven economy. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Sarawak Science Centre to support teachers, students and public STEM learning Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Road users are asking MBKS and the contractor to fix the Jalan Mendu flood mitigation worksite before someone gets hurt. [image: 1785319527664-jln_mendu_20260729.jpg] The concern is over exposed metal rods used to hold temporary plastic barriers at the worksite. Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen's special assistant, Michael Kong Feng Nian, said the setup could be dangerous, especially for motorcyclists. He said some barriers had also been found toppled or scattered on the road, making the stretch harder to read in poor visibility. What residents are worried about Exposed rods could cause serious injuries in a crash Fallen barriers may create extra hazards for drivers and riders The flood mitigation project was scheduled to finish on Feb 9 but is now close to six months behind schedule Kong asked Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the contractor to review the site immediately, remove the exposed rods, and make sure all temporary barriers follow proper safety standards. Location: Jalan Mendu, Kuching Details: Flood mitigation project site safety complaint Photo: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

A 21-year-old motorcyclist died after a crash near Puncak Borneo Prison. + +The accident happened along Jalan Mambong-Sikog-Sariq at about 6.15pm on Tuesday, July 28. + +[image: 1785298075798-kh_puncak_borneo_crash_20260729.jpg] + Source: DayakDaily / IPD Padawan + +## What police said + +Padawan District Police chief Superintendent Barry William said early investigations found the rider was on a Yamaha 135LC when he allegedly tried to overtake a car while going through a bend. + +The motorcycle then went into the opposite lane and collided with an oncoming Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck. + +Medical personnel confirmed the rider died at the scene. The 42-year-old pickup driver was not injured. + + Location: Jalan Mambong-Sikog-Sariq, near Puncak Borneo Prison, Padawan + Details: Police are investigating the case under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 + +Both vehicles were taken to the Padawan District Police Headquarters for further checks by Puspakom and the Chemistry Department. Police also said the rider was believed to have been riding without a valid driving licence. + + Source: DayakDaily + +What do you think?

Four more EV charging points are now available in Kuching city centre. + +Sarawak's EV network has added four 22kW AC charging points at two busy city locations: Sarawak Plaza and Riverside Majestic Hotel. + +[image: 1785298018227-kh_ev_sarawak_plaza_20260729.jpg] + Source: Sarawak Tribune / SDEC Karuna JV + +## Where the new chargers are + +The rollout is handled by SDEC Karuna JV Sdn Bhd (SKJV). + +Two charging units are on the third floor of the Sarawak Plaza multi-storey car park. Another two are on the fourth floor of the Riverside Majestic Hotel multi-storey car park, near the main entrance. + +The chargers are already integrated with the Fast EV mobile app, so users can find the location, start a charging session and pay through the app. + + Location: Sarawak Plaza and Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching + Details: Four 22kW AC charging points, priced at RM0.22 per minute + +SKJV said the expansion supports Sarawak's PCDS 2030 direction and the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy. The company also plans to add two DC fast-charging stations in Kuching, with locations to be announced later. + + Source: Sarawak Tribune + +What do you think?

Kuching's old General Post Office may get a new life as a restored heritage building. [image: 1785233057924-old_post_office_20260728-resized.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post / Roystein Emmor The Sarawak government is in talks with the federal government to acquire the old General Post Office building opposite Plaza Merdeka. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plan is to renovate the building while keeping its heritage character intact. What was mentioned The building is still under federal ownership, so talks must be completed first. The state wants to preserve the original structure, not rebuild it from scratch. Other heritage areas mentioned include Darul Kurnia along Jalan Haji Taha and Ban Hock Road. Private owners can also revive old buildings, but heritage rules still apply. Abang Johari pointed to Singapore's Fullerton Hotel and Kuala Lumpur's Sultan Abdul Samad Building as examples of old buildings being reused while keeping their historical value. Location: Old General Post Office, opposite Plaza Merdeka, Kuching Hot Score: 26/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think Kuching's old Post Office should become?

Kuching is testing Sarawak's first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot, starting today at two major conference venues. [image: 1785202606837-review_food.jpg] Image source: Sarawak Tribune Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) is launching the four-day pilot from July 28 to 31 during the 51st IUPAC World Polymer Congress (MACRO 2026). The project covers more than 800 international delegates at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching. What will be tracked Organisers will work on menu planning, portion control and recovery of surplus ingredients where food safety rules allow it. The whole process will be documented through a compliance platform before independent assessment. Certification results are expected after the congress ends. BESarawak said it is pursuing The Pledge on Food Waste Certification, an internationally recognised standard for measuring food waste prevention and diversion. Why it matters If this pilot works, future conferences in Kuching could have a clearer model to cut food waste instead of sending everything to landfill. It also gives Sarawak's business events sector a practical way to show sustainability, not just talk about it. Location: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching Details: Sarawak's first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot runs from July 28 to 31 with over 800 delegates. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Serian has entered the unhealthy API range, and Sarawak may see more haze over the next few days. [image: 1785146672063-haze_map_20260727.jpg] NREB Sarawak said the Southwest Monsoon is now carrying a higher risk of transboundary haze, especially if biomass burning outside Sarawak intensifies. The board said ASMC recorded 1,081 hotspots in Kalimantan from July 1 to 26. Of these, 442 were detected in the last five days. Sarawak recorded 16 hotspots during the same period. As of noon on July 27, Serian recorded an API reading of 151, which falls under the unhealthy category. Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Samalaju, Lundu, Tebedu and Lubok Antu were in the moderate range. NREB said it has activated its haze operations room, increased patrols, revoked earlier controlled-burning permits and suspended new controlled-burning permits for now. Location: Sarawak, including Serian and Kuching Details: NREB advised the public to drink enough water, reduce outdoor activity during hot and dry spells, and use N95 masks outdoors, especially for high-risk groups. Open burning can lead to a fine of up to RM100,000, jail up to five years, or both. Photo credit: DayakDaily / NREB Sarawak Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching's RM2.6 billion flood mitigation project is back in the spotlight, after a call for MBKS to use its RM300 million reserves. Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng questioned whether that reserve fund could realistically cover a project of that size. [image: 1785125110348-mbks_flood_reserve-resized.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post What happened Wee said MBKS has about RM300 million in reserves, while the wider flood mitigation project for Kuching is estimated at RM2.6 billion. His point was simple: even if the council used the reserve, it would still be far short of the amount needed. He also said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof had already announced that major flood mitigation projects in Sarawak would start progressively from 2027. Why people are talking The issue came after Michael Kong, special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman, urged MBKS to review its priorities and consider using part of its reserves for drainage and flood mitigation works. Kong argued that financial prudence should not become an excuse for inaction when long-standing infrastructure problems are affecting residents. Wee pushed back, saying large-scale flood mitigation falls under federal responsibility and should not be turned into another political issue. Location: Kuching South / MBKS area Details: RM2.6 billion flood mitigation project; RM300 million MBKS reserve fund; federal rollout expected from 2027 Source: The Borneo Post For Kuching residents who deal with flash floods, the big question is whether the money and timeline can match the actual problem on the ground. What do you think?

A viral stunt at Darul Hana Bridge has now become a police matter. [image: 1784941442264-dbku-darul-hana-bridge-stunt.jpg] Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) said it has lodged a police report after a short video showed an individual allegedly jumping from the Darul Hana Bridge at Kuching Waterfront. The video was said to have started circulating on July 23, and DBKU filed the report at 2.11pm on July 24. Why DBKU is taking it seriously DBKU said the act could endanger the person involved, affect public safety and encourage copycat behaviour at one of Kuching's main landmarks. The city hall also said such actions may fall under public nuisance provisions, and asked anyone with information about the person in the video to assist PDRM or DBKU. Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Details: DBKU police report lodged on July 24, 2026, after viral July 23 video Hot Score: 27/30 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/dbku-condemns-viral-darul-hana-bridge-stunt-jump-lodges-police-report/ Photo: DayakDaily Public landmark, public safety. What do you think?

A section of Jalan Wan Alwi near the Tabuan Jaya Custom Housing Quarters is being diverted from today for KUTS works. [image: 1784855075972-jalan-wan-alwi-kuts.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Metro map KUCHING: Drivers using Jalan Wan Alwi near the Tabuan Jaya Custom Housing Quarters need to take note of a temporary diversion starting July 24, 2026. Sarawak Metro said the diversion is to make way for Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) construction works. The arrangement is scheduled to run until Jan 23, 2027. What road users need to know The affected stretch is in front of the Tabuan Jaya Custom Housing Quarters. Motorists are advised to slow down, watch the road signs and follow the traffic management plan around the work zone. Sarawak Metro said it will update the public if there are changes to the works or traffic arrangements. Location: Jalan Wan Alwi, near Tabuan Jaya Custom Housing Quarters, Kuching Details: Temporary road diversion from July 24, 2026 to Jan 23, 2027 for KUTS works Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily Using this road often? What do you think?

Delayed public projects are getting a closer look after complaints from the public. [image: 1784801084746-sick-projects.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily / Nanta Facebook page Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi has ordered a full review of delayed and “sick” projects under the Ministry of Works after reading public complaints about projects that are still not completed. The issue was raised during the ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting on July 23. Nanta said the report must spell out the status of affected projects, the causes of delay, and quick steps that can actually be taken. What happens next The ministry will look at project monitoring, accountability, and the reasons some works keep falling behind schedule. Nanta said every delayed project affects people who are waiting to use roads and public facilities. Location: Nationwide, with Sarawak-based minister leading the review Details: Delayed infrastructure projects, public complaints, ministry review Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Bintawa now has a new landmark: a roundabout featuring a traditional kotak fishing boat to honour Kuching’s early fishing community. [image: 1784595888415-bintawa-kotak-roundabout.jpg] Source: DayakDaily The Bintawa Kotak Roundabout was officially launched on July 20, with the landmark built around a traditional wooden fishing boat once widely used by Bintawa fishermen. Mayor of Kuching South Dato Wee Hong Seng said Bintawa was one of Kuching’s earliest fishing settlements. Many early Chinese immigrants settled there because of its close link to the Sarawak River, where fishing supplied fresh seafood to the growing city. He said the kotak boat symbolises the courage and resilience of local fishermen, and that the city should keep these stories visible even as Kuching continues to modernise. MBKS Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, Bintawa community leaders and MBKS councillors were also present. Location: Bintawa, Kuching South Details: New roundabout landmark features a traditional kotak fishing boat; MBKS says it honours Bintawa’s early fishing community. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/bintawa-kotak-roundabout-honours-kuchings-early-fishing-community/ What do you think?

A contractor escaped unharmed after a telecommunications tower caught fire along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway on Monday evening. [image: 1784595825990-telco-tower-fire.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Bomba A fire broke out at a telco tower in Kampung Binyu Baru, along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, while maintenance work was being carried out. According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the emergency call came in at 8pm on July 20. Firefighters from Kota Samarahan, assisted by the Tabuan Jaya station, were sent to the scene. Initial information said a male worker was trapped at the top of the tower. He had been working at an estimated height of 100 feet when the fire started. He managed to climb down before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported. Location: Kampung Binyu Baru, Kuching-Samarahan Expressway Details: Telco tower fire during maintenance work; contractor escaped safely; Bomba responded from Kota Samarahan and Tabuan Jaya. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/contractor-escapes-unharmed-after-telco-tower-fire-in-kota-samarahan/ What do you think?

AirBorneo launched its Kuching–Kuala Lumpur jet service on July 20 with an RM375 all-inclusive one-way fare, positioning the state-owned airline as a price competitor on the route. [image: 1784541894083-airborneo-fare.jpg] Photo: Sarawak Information Department via DayakDaily At the launch, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the objective was not simply to maximise profit but to put downward pressure on fares between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. He said competing prices had already moved after AirBorneo introduced its fare. The airline began with two jet aircraft and planned to increase that to four within four to five months. New-generation ATR aircraft were also expected from 2027 to replace older turboprops inherited through the MASwings acquisition. RM375 was a launch commitment, not a permanent price guarantee The Premier said he hoped the all-inclusive fare could remain for at least the first year, and longer if market conditions allowed. Travellers should still check the live booking page because seat availability, travel dates, optional services and future fare changes can affect the final amount. The proposed use of future ATR aircraft on routes popular with university students was an idea raised at the launch, not a published student-fare programme. No eligibility rules, routes or application process were announced in the report. For Kuching passengers, the useful measure will be more than one advertised price: how many seats are sold near that level during school holidays and festive periods, whether flight frequency improves and how the airline handles delays or schedule changes. ️ Route: Kuching–Kuala Lumpur Launch fare: RM375 all-inclusive one way, subject to live availability Sources: DayakDaily · AirBorneo official site

Two checked-baggage drug smuggling attempts were stopped at Kuching International Airport, with Customs seizing drugs worth about RM1.32 million. [image: 1784541833508-customs-kia-drugs.jpg] Sarawak Customs said its Narcotics Branch carried out the operation on July 9 after two Malaysian men arrived on a domestic flight from Johor Bahru. Location: Kuching International Airport Details: In the first case, officers detained a man around 9.10pm after he allegedly removed a baggage tag from his suitcase near the arrival hall. Officers found 13 Chinese tea packets believed to contain about 13.2kg of methamphetamine, worth around RM660,000. A second man from the same flight was later arrested using a similar method. The second seizure involved about 13.178kg of methamphetamine and 83 Eramin 5 tablets, worth about RM660,560. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Two suspects have been arrested after a robbery case that caused injuries at Jalan Canna, Kuching. [image: 1784509460855-jalan-canna-robbery.jpg] Kuching police said a man and a woman, aged between 19 and 25, were picked up at about 1.05am during an operation at Jalan Satok. The case happened on Saturday, July 18. Police said both suspects were arrested within 24 hours of the incident. What police said Urine screening for both suspects came back negative for drugs. Police also said the male suspect has one previous criminal record linked to voluntarily causing grievous hurt. Both suspects have been remanded for five days to help the investigation under Section 394 of the Penal Code. Location: Jalan Canna, Kuching Details: Robbery causing hurt; two suspects remanded for five days Source: DayakDaily Anyone with information can contact the Kuching IPD operations room at 082-244444 or go to the nearest police station. What do you think?