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?

Termite-damaged and declared unsafe by JKR — yet SMK Dalat's girls' hostel continues to house students, prompting an urgent call from Minister Fatimah Abdullah. [image: 1780899349010-smk-dalat-1-resized.jpg] DALAT: The girls' hostel at SMK Dalat has been declared unsafe by the Public Works Department (JKR), but students are still living there due to a lack of alternative accommodation. Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who is also Dalat assemblywoman, raised the issue during a visit to the school on Monday. "The first thing is safety. What we are concerned about is the safety of our students," she said. [image: 1780899350235-smk-dalat-2-resized.jpg] The nearly 48-year-old school comprises several ageing wooden structures, with termite infestation weakening parts of the buildings. The girls' hostel — located next to one of the old school blocks — remains occupied despite JKR's safety assessment. Fatimah noted that while the hostel is clean and well maintained by its occupants, visible signs of deterioration, including termite-damaged window frames, underscore the need for immediate action. The hostel was reportedly not included in the approved scope of renovation works for the school. Location: SMK Dalat, Dalat, Sarawak Details: Girls' hostel declared unsafe by JKR but still in use; Minister calls for urgent action; 48-year-old school with termite damage; renovation project did not cover hostel Source: The Borneo Post What do you think? Should student safety be prioritised faster?

Sarawak recorded the highest temperatures in Malaysia again this weekend, with Kapit hitting 35.5°C and Sibu close behind at 35.4°C. According to METMalaysia, the heat is being felt across the state — from Mulu (35.1°C) and Limbang (34.8°C) to Kuching and Sri Aman (both 34.5°C), Bintulu (34.4°C), Miri (33.8°C), and Mukah (33°C). This isn't the first time Sarawak has topped the national heat chart. On May 21, Sibu recorded the highest nationwide at 35.9°C. On June 4, Limbang (35.8°C) and Sri Aman (35.5°C) took the top spots. [image: 1780898757622-heatwave-sarawak.jpg] Region: Statewide Sarawak Details: Sarawak has consistently recorded the highest maximum temperatures nationwide, with multiple cities topping the national chart in recent weeks. Kapit and Sibu currently lead, with Kuching experiencing 34.5°C. Source: DayakDaily Stay cool out there, folks. How's the heat treating your area?

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

Kota Sentosa family terrorised by loan sharks after son's RM7,000 debt balloons to RM30,000 — arson, threats, and a family living in fear. A Kota Sentosa family has filed five police reports after illegal moneylenders allegedly threatened them and set fire to their house and vehicle over a RM7,000 loan taken out by their son. The son has gone into hiding, leaving his elderly parents to face the consequences alone. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap accompanied the couple to meet Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu today after the family began receiving threats and experienced arson attacks. According to Yap, the lenders are now demanding around RM30,000 in settlement — nearly four times the original amount. [image: 1780726648584-loan-arson.jpg] Yap (left) with the couple at the Kuching District Police Headquarters. Photo: Wilfred Yap's office. Location: Kota Sentosa, Kuching Details: The family's son borrowed RM7,000 from unlicensed moneylenders who now demand RM30,000. The family's house and car were set on fire. The son is in hiding. Five police reports have been lodged. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/illegal-loan-turns-into-nightmare-as-family-faces-threats-arson-over-sons-rm7000-debt/ What do you think?

Malaysians will soon be able to apply for a passport that lasts 10 years instead of the current 5 — and it will cost RM350. [image: 1780640317943-malaysia-passport.jpg] The new 10-year Malaysian passport was officially gazetted on June 3 under the Fees (Passports and Visas) (Amendment) Order 2026. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban confirmed the change is coming this year, adding that the current 5-year option will remain available. Fees at a glance: Category 10-Year Passport Fee General (13-59) RM350 Senior (60+) RM175 OKU (disabled, 18+) Free Immigration staff Free Lost or damaged passport replacement fees: First replacement: RM550 Second: RM850 Third or more: RM1,350 Seniors 60+: RM375 (first), RM675 (second), RM1,175 (subsequent) For comparison, the current 5-year passport costs RM200 (RM100 for seniors). The 10-year option costs RM150 more but saves you the hassle of renewing every five years. Good news for Sarawakians — no more trips to Immigration every half-decade. One application, set for a decade. Source: DayakDaily | Borneo Post Worth switching over when it launches?

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

[image: 1780448535566-ruby-orangutan-baby.jpg] Heartwarming news from Kuching's Semenggoh Wildlife Centre — Ruby the orangutan has given birth to her first baby, and it's a historic milestone for Sarawak's conservation efforts. Rangers at the centre made the joyful discovery on May 19, spotting Ruby carrying her newborn around 5.50pm. The moment was confirmed via a social media post on May 31. What makes this birth special? The newborn is the first recorded fourth-generation orangutan birth at Semenggoh — meaning Ruby, her mother, grandmother, and now her baby all represent four generations of successful rehabilitation and conservation. The centre hailed the birth as a strong sign that Sarawak's ongoing efforts to protect and rehabilitate the Bornean Orangutan population are working. Ruby and her baby are said to be in good health, with staff continuing to monitor them closely. Location: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Kuching Details: Ruby's first baby, 4th-gen birth, historic conservation milestone Source: https://dayakdaily.com/joy-at-semenggoh-wildlife-centre-as-ruby-the-orangutan-cradles-her-first-baby/ What do you think?

An 80-year-old Kuching man lost RM103,850 after falling for an online investment scam promising big profits. The victim was contacted on WhatsApp by a woman claiming to run a business in Pattaya, Thailand. She offered him a partnership in a "Wholesale International Business Online" scheme through a website she managed. From September 2025 to February 2026, the man made eight bank transfers totalling RM103,850 to six different accounts. He was promised that both capital and returns would be deposited back into his account. Reality hit when he could no longer reach the suspect to ask for his money back. "The victim was directed to carry out a series of payment transactions as part of an alleged investment scheme, with assurances that the capital and returns would be deposited into the victim's account," said Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. [image: 80yo-scam-rm103850.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: RM103,850 lost to online investment scam, 8 transactions to 6 bank accounts, victim aged 80 Source: DayakDaily Reminder: If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify before transferring money. What do you think?

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

A massive fire tore through a 21-door longhouse in Bekenu in the early hours of this morning, leaving 136 residents without a home. The Fire and Rescue Department received the distress call at 1:17am. Firefighters from Batu Niah and Miri Central stations rushed to Rumah Nelson Ningkan, Jalan Sungai Saeh, Kampung Labau Bekenu to battle the blaze. The longhouse — a non-permanent wooden structure with individual homes measuring 16×100 square feet — was completely destroyed. It took crews seven hours to contain the fire. Firefighters used four water streams to tackle flames from the front, back, and sides of the building. The operation wrapped up at 8:18am. No injuries or deaths were reported, but all 136 residents have been displaced. Location: Kampung Labau Bekenu, near Miri Details: Non-permanent 21-door longhouse razed; 7-hour firefighting operation; no casualties [image: download] Source: Bomba Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A kopitiam that has survived nearly six decades — and still serves its char siew, steamed chicken and Hainanese coffee the old-school way. Just five days before Christmas in 1968, Ann Loke Hui Cafe was officially registered on Jalan Sekama. Almost 60 years later, it is still going strong under the Hua family. [image: 1780016782710-ann-loke-hui-01.jpg] John Hua (right) and his 83-year-old mother Chai Lan Jin at their coffee station. Today, 56-year-old John Hua runs the business, taking over from his father Hua Kia Jin in 2001. His father ran the cafe for 33 years before passing away at 64. His mother, now 83, still helps in the kitchen. What makes this place special? The cafe was at its busiest during the Lido Theatre era — cinema-goers would flood in before and after shows. Many regulars still come in today, reminiscing about those days. Signature dishes: steamed chicken, char siew, three-layer pork with savoury rice, meat curry rice, kueh teow in tomato sauce, and traditional Hainan coffee served in vintage kopitiam cups. [image: 1780016787269-ann-loke-hui-02.jpg] Meat curry rice and pork with savoury rice — Hainanese staples. Old habits die hard here. They still use old newspapers as takeaway wrappers — a tradition dating back decades. [image: 1780016787451-ann-loke-hui-03.jpg] Coffee served in vintage cups and newspaper wrappers — unchanged through the years. "It would otherwise go to waste," John explains about the newspaper practice. The Hua family hopes to pass the cafe to the next generation. John's children already help out, and the memorabilia on the walls tells the story of a kitchen that hasn't changed its ways for six decades. Location: Jalan Sekama, Kuching Hours: 10.30am - 2pm daily, closed Sundays Contact: 019-889 6101 Source: DayakDaily Ever been to Ann Loke Hui? What old-school kopitiam in Kuching do you still visit?