Sarawak civil servants could receive a two-month bonus, Premier Abang Johari reveals ahead of the 2027 State Budget. [image: Sbw-080826-mu-SKSSarikei01.jpg] The Premier announced the early indication at the sixth edition of the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Sarikei today, citing the state's improved financial position. Sarawak's revenue has doubled from RM7 billion to RM14 billion during the first five years of PCDS 2030, allowing the government to fund major initiatives including free tertiary education and higher community leader allowances. "What I can say is that there are signs that our revenue this year will, God-willing, allow us to do so," Abang Johari said. Other announcements made: New stadium for Sarikei 10 additional dialysis machines at Sarikei Hospital Expansion of Tanjung Manis Airport to accommodate ATR aircraft Exploring carbon trading revenue from mangrove forests Location: Sarikei / Sarawak Details: Two-month bonus for all Sarawak civil servants; revealed early by Premier ahead of 2027 Budget tabling Source: Borneo Post Online What do you think?

"Stop pointing fingers, start fixing" — Tiong King Sing wants a full review of airport security after a Malaysia Airlines pilot was caught smuggling drugs in Jakarta. The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, who is also Bintulu MP, said the focus should be on fixing the system, not assigning political blame. He made the call after a meeting with MAHB, AVSEC, the border control agency AKPS, and KLIA police. The pilot, 39, was detained at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport with 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine pills worth an estimated RM45 million. He also tested positive for meth, ecstasy and cocaine. "Airports are the country's gateways. When these protective measures fail to function, the consequences extend far beyond a single incident," Tiong said. [image: 1786097193031-tiong-meeting.jpg] Key developments: MAG has mandated drug screening for all 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots First phase of screening must be completed by Aug 15 Pilots who refuse screening will be grounded Screening to be extended to all MAG pilots and cabin crew Malaysia Airlines confirmed the pilot was not operating the flight at the time Source: DayakDaily What do you think — is airport security in Malaysia tight enough?

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari says investors are now scrutinising governance, transparency and integrity before deciding where to invest — not just physical infrastructure. [image: 1786064908262-premier1.jpg] Speaking at the Integrity and Excellence Day of the Sarawak Construction Industry 2026 (IECONS 2026) at CIDB Sarawak Complex in Kuching, the Premier said strong institutions, transparent processes, policy stability and integrity levels have become deciding factors for investment destinations. "Today, investors no longer look at physical facilities alone. They also assess the strength of institutions, transparency of processes, policy stability and the level of integrity," he said. He stressed that integrity must be built through strong systems, transparent processes, and principled leadership — not just enforcement after something goes wrong. [image: 1786064908490-premier2-resized.jpg] Abang Johari said Sarawak will continue strengthening governance through digitalised procurement, improved audit systems, and better risk management. He also highlighted the state's ombudsman system, with officers trained alongside MACC to be placed across government agencies. The Premier said the effort aligns with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, emphasising that integrity has become a strategic advantage in the global economy. Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi also spoke at the event, saying successful projects should not be measured by speed alone, but by quality, cost, and value delivered to the people. Location: CIDB Sarawak Complex, Kuching Details: IECONS 2026 | Premier's address on governance & integrity Source: DayakDaily What do you think — is Sarawak moving in the right direction on governance?

120 floats, 1,500 participants, and thousands of devotees — Kuching's annual Guan Ti Kung procession was a sight to behold. [image: 1786064897754-guanti1-resized.jpg] The steady beat of gongs and drums echoed through Lorong Ang Cheng Ho No. 7 as worshippers gathered to honour the deity in one of the city's most colourful annual celebrations. Lion and dragon dance troupes, giant mascots, and cultural groups from Kuching and across Sarawak took part in the grand procession, which made its way through 15 streets including Jalan Petanak, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Ban Hock, Jalan Bukit Mata, and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman before returning to the starting point. [image: 1786064898368-guanti2-resized.jpg] Sacred rituals were performed inside the temple to ceremonially invite Guan Ti Kung's spirit into the deity's statue before the public procession began. Firecrackers erupted in rapid succession, sending bursts of red confetti through the air. The procession started at around 6pm and drew crowds of locals and tourists alike, many capturing the vibrant floats and performances on their phones. Location: Ang Cheng Ho, Kuching city centre Details: 120 floats | 1,500 participants | Route covered 15 major streets Source: DayakDaily Have you been to the Guan Ti Kung procession before? What do you think about Kuching's cultural celebrations?

A 19-day-old newborn allegedly suffered a fractured left arm while under the care of a confinement centre in Kuching — and the parents are demanding answers. The baby's parents were told at 1am on Aug 4 that their child's left arm appeared swollen. An X-ray at the hospital confirmed a fracture. They lodged a police report and requested CCTV footage from the centre. What they saw allegedly showed a staff member handling the baby roughly — pulling the baby's arm forcefully while changing clothes, striking the baby's hand during feeding, and other vigorous movements. [image: 1786010686135-baby-fracture.jpg] The confinement centre issued a statement Wednesday saying it's fully cooperating with authorities. The staff member involved is no longer working there and is under investigation. The centre said it's reviewing its procedures and training. Parents shared the incident publicly to seek accountability and to prevent similar incidents from happening to other families. Location: Kuching (confinement centre, name withheld pending investigation) Details: 19-day-old baby, fractured left arm, police report lodged, CCTV examined, staff member no longer at facility Source: DayakDaily Infant safety in confinement centres — should there be stricter regulations?

A 25-year-old man who jumped off Darul Hana Bridge into the Sarawak River after a tourist dared him has been fined RM200. The video of the stunt went viral on Facebook last month — and police tracked him down from the footage. He pleaded guilty to public nuisance in the Magistrate's Court, with Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan imposing the RM200 fine, or two days' jail if he can't pay. Here's how it happened: on the night of July 23, he was chatting with friends on the bridge when a group of tourists from Peninsular Malaysia heard them. He joked about being brave enough to jump — and one tourist challenged him to prove it. He said the dare wasn't about money, even though he was promised some. He jumped because he wanted to prove he was a "true Sarawakian". [image: 1786010616754-bridge-jump.jpg] The court heard the jump happened around 10.30pm and caused inconvenience to the public, which is why he was charged under Section 268 of the Penal Code. Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Details: Fined RM200 for public nuisance; viral Facebook video from July 23 led police to identify him Source: DayakDaily Worth RM200 to prove you're a true Sarawakian? What do you think?

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari has called on AirBorneo to install in-flight Wi-Fi — starting with the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route. [image: 1785978260201-airborneo-wifi.jpg] Speaking at SACOFA's 25th anniversary dinner in Kuching on Aug 5, the Premier said the state-owned airline needs to keep up with Sarawak's digital transformation. "If possible, AirBorneo should have Wi-Fi on its aircraft. At the moment, it does not have Wi-Fi. I have asked them to install it, at least on flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching so that passengers can stay connected while on board," he said. He also urged SACOFA to stay ahead of emerging telecom technologies, adding that Sarawak must prepare for a future driven by wireless tech, satellite connectivity, AI, and aerospace. AirBorneo currently does not offer in-flight internet on any of its routes. Location: Kuching Details: Premier calls for AirBorneo in-flight Wi-Fi, starting with Kuching-KL route Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Would you use it?

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?