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

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

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

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

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

Kuching High Court has sentenced a 16-year-old boy to six years in prison after overturning an earlier order that sent him to Henry Gurney School for a crash that claimed five lives. The teenager, who was unlicensed, was behind the wheel of a Proton Saga when it collided with another vehicle along Jalan Stutong Baru on January 14, 2026. Five people aged between 16 and 42 were killed. [image: 1782781445352-kuching-court-teen-crash.jpg] The Magistrates' Court had initially ordered the boy to be detained at Henry Gurney School until age 21, but the prosecution appealed — arguing the sentence was too lenient given the gravity of the offence and the rising number of fatal crashes involving underage drivers. Judicial Commissioner Datuk Faridz Gohim Abdullah agreed, setting aside the Henry Gurney order and imposing a six-year prison sentence from June 16, 2025. The court also ordered that the teen be segregated from adult inmates. The boy had pleaded guilty to reckless driving causing death and driving without a valid licence. On top of the criminal case, his father was fined RM15,000 and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service for failing to supervise his son properly. Location: Jalan Stutong Baru, Kuching ️ Outcome: 6 years' imprisonment (overturned from Henry Gurney School detention) Father's penalty: RM15,000 fine + 100 hours community service Source: DayakDaily What do you think — was the High Court right to overturn the lighter sentence?

They're back at it again — Spiderman, Batman and Iron Man at Kuching traffic lights, waving buckets for donations. DBKU (Kuching North City Commission) says it's had enough. Despite repeated warnings, people dressed as superheroes keep returning to busy road intersections and roundabouts to collect money from drivers. Mayor of Kuching North, Dato Hilmy Othman, said complaints have been flooding in through the DBKU hotline and from enforcement officers on the ground. [image: 1782712956689-dbku-superheroes.jpg] "Every time we take action, they disappear for two or three days — then they come back again," he said. "We have no issue taking firm action if they remain stubborn." Safety concern Hilmy stressed that the activity is dangerous — not just for the people standing in traffic, but also for motorists who get distracted or have to brake suddenly, especially during peak hours. Street performance not banned DBKU clarified that it's not against street performances per se — but anyone wanting to perform or entertain needs a permit first. Collecting money at hazardous spots without approval won't be tolerated. "Any form of entertainment within DBKU's administrative area requires prior approval," he said. Location: DBKU jurisdiction, Kuching Details: Roadside 'superheroes' collecting donations at traffic lights have ignored repeated warnings; DBKU considering stricter enforcement Source: DayakDaily Has anyone else seen these 'superheroes' at Kuching traffic lights?

44 people from six families lost their homes in a pre-dawn fire at Tabuan Hilir, Kuching this morning. Bomba received the emergency call at 3.41am and arrived within 3 minutes. Seven wooden houses were involved — six completely gutted, one 30% damaged. Three motorcycles were also destroyed. The blaze was brought under control by 4.44am, with operations wrapping up at 7.08am. [image: 1782626507371-tabuan-hilir-fire-1.jpg] 28 firefighters from Tabuan Jaya, Padungan & Batu Lintang stations responded with 5 vehicles. All 44 residents escaped safely — no injuries reported. [image: 1782626507482-tabuan-hilir-fire-2.jpg] Location: Tabuan Hilir, Kuching Details: 7 houses destroyed, 44 residents (6 families) displaced. Cause still under investigation. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

PBB Youth has hit back at DAPSY Sarawak for allegedly editing out Premier Abang Johari from social media posts about the Bintulu Port handover. In a statement today, PBB Youth information chief Royston Valentine said DAPSY's visuals appeared to deliberately obscure the Premier's face from an official cheque handover image between the federal and state governments. He accused DAPSY of replacing or covering the Premier's image with photos of their own leaders, giving the false impression that Sarawak's leadership played no role in the port acquisition. [image: 1782453938630-pbb-youth-royston.jpg] Royston stressed that the Bintulu Port deal cost Sarawak RM1.8 billion — it was not a free transfer from the federal government as might be perceived. GPS leaders worked for years to secure the takeover. "In fact, they are acting as if they were the ones who championed Sarawak's rights under MA63, whereas all this time they remained silent while GPS leaders worked tirelessly to restore Sarawak's rights," he said. He urged all parties to avoid actions that could disrupt Sarawak's unity and harmony. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Key Facts: Bintulu Port acquisition cost RM1.8 billion, fully funded by Sarawak Royston Valentine is also the Tellian state assemblyman PBB Youth says DAP Sarawak has a track record of misleading the public through what they called "political manipulation" Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 67-year-old Kuching man lost over RM111,000 after falling for an online part-time job scam on Facebook. The victim came across a Facebook page called "RWESHOPS" that promised lucrative commission-based earnings. After signing up, he was instructed to complete online tasks — and to make payments to "unlock" commissions. He carried out 24 transactions into 6 different bank accounts. By the time he realised it was a scam, RM111,245 was gone. Location: Kuching Details: Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. He urged the public to: Verify suspicious accounts through Semak Mule portal (semakmule.rmp.gov.my) Contact NSRC hotline at 997 within 24 hours if scammed Report suspicious activities to Sarawak Commercial Crime Department at 011-62890089 Source: DayakDaily Have you or someone you know encountered similar online job scams? Drop a comment to warn others.

A 67-year-old man was killed after his car crashed into the back of a stationary four-wheel-drive at the traffic light junction along Jalan Sekama yesterday afternoon. According to Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, the accident happened around 12.20pm on June 23. A Mitsubishi Triton had stopped at a red light when a Proton Saga allegedly lost control from behind and slammed into it. The 70-year-old driver of the Triton was unharmed, but the 67-year-old Proton Saga driver was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical assistant from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). The victim's body has been sent to SGH's Forensic Department for a post-mortem. Both vehicles have been towed to the Kuching Traffic Police Station for inspection. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 — causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. Location: Jalan Sekama traffic light junction, Kuching Details: Fatal rear-end collision at red light, driver pronounced dead on scene Source: DayakDaily Drivers, always stay alert at traffic lights — you never know what's coming from behind. What do you think?

Viral photos of worn-out mattresses and dilapidated hostel rooms at Politeknik Kuching have sparked outrage online — and caught the attention of the state's deputy minister. [image: 1782263902144-polytechnic-hostel.jpg] Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, rushed to the polytechnic on June 22 after social media posts exposed the poor living conditions in the student hostels. What happened: A Facebook group 'Sarawak Awareness Group (No Ads)' posted photos of torn, stained mattresses and run-down beds Kuching Polytechnic admitted 1,600 students this year — up from just 1,200 previously More than 40 hostel rooms are unusable due to safety concerns and inadequate facilities The surge in UPU (Central University Unit) admissions reportedly caught the polytechnic unprepared The response: Dr Annuar said there's no point blaming anyone. "What is important is that all parties take responsibility to ensure what happened at the polytechnic will not happen again, either there or anywhere else in Sarawak." The polytechnic submitted an official request to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) on June 23 to expedite upgrades. Source: DayakDaily Students deserve better. What do you think?

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?