Kuching’s air quality worsened again on Monday afternoon, with the API reaching 366 at 4pm. Samarahan stood at 350 and Serian at 445, while Lundu reached 405. All four readings were in the hazardous band. The same 4pm update placed Tebedu at 399, Lubok Antu at 396 and Sri Aman at 334, also hazardous. Sarikei, Sibu and Mukah were in the very unhealthy range at 277, 243 and 216 respectively. API readings move through the day, so the afternoon figures should not be treated as a forecast for tonight. Sarawak’s disaster committee said there was no need for an emergency declaration yet. If a local reading reaches 500, the matter would first be taken up with the National Disaster Management Agency, and any emergency would apply only to the affected locality—not the whole state. Offices, schools and activities in that locality would be required to close under such a declaration, apart from essential services. For areas at API 201 and above, residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure and wear an N95 mask when going out, or at least a three-ply mask if one is unavailable. Children, older people and those with breathing problems should take extra care and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Sarawak has mobilised 119 water tankers as dry weather puts smaller river-based water systems under pressure. The state’s main water-supply dams — Bengoh, Gerugu, Assyakirin and Sika — are still recording normal levels. The greater risk is in JBALB schemes that draw from small rivers, so the Utility and Telecommunication Ministry, JBALB and Sarawak Water are coordinating extra tankers, storage and alternative sources. Nine centralised water collection centres have been established in Sri Aman, with 13 more locations identified in Betong. The tanker response is being coordinated across divisions and with other agencies for areas that need support. For water-supply problems, residents can report through local leaders or call JBALB at 082-262111 and Sarawak Water at 082-222333. The 1-300-88-2020 Sarawak Water line will become effective on Sept 1. The dry spell is expected to continue into 2027 under El Niño conditions, while any cloud-seeding operation remains weather-dependent. Households are urged to use water carefully.

Seven Sarawak locations were in the hazardous API band by 8am on Monday, Aug 31, including Kuching and Samarahan. Kuching recorded 317 and Samarahan 330. Serian was the highest at 476, while Tebedu (385), Lubok Antu (367), Lundu (349) and Sri Aman (326) made up the other four hazardous readings. The same NREB table placed Sarikei at 267, Sibu at 219 and Mukah at 214 — all in the very unhealthy range. An API reading of 301 or above is classified as hazardous, while 201–300 is very unhealthy. These readings can change during the day. Residents should check the latest official update before making outdoor plans. Children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions should avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and anyone with serious breathing difficulty or chest pain should seek medical attention.

Sarawak has set API 500 as the line for closing most workplaces — but no shutdown order is in force now. Under the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee’s progressive haze guidelines, an API reading above 500 would close government and private-sector offices and workplaces, with essential services excluded. The closure would remain pending a national disaster-emergency declaration. At 2pm on Aug 30, APIMS recorded 425 at Serian, 336 at Samarahan and 313 at Kuching. Those readings are below 500, but the current rules already call for outdoor work to be avoided at 400–500. At 301–400, employers must assess visibility, drivers should use headlights and outdoor workers should use N95 respirators. Events are still a separate decision: organisers decide whether to continue, postpone or cancel unless an authority issues a specific directive. For workers in Kuching and elsewhere in Sarawak, check the reading at the worksite and official notices before sending staff outdoors; waiting for 500 is not the safety advice.

Kuching South residents whose homes were damaged by recent strong winds can register with MBKS for possible disaster assistance. MBKS is collecting each household's full name, MyKad number, address, contact number and photographs of the damaged roof. The council will compile the applications and send them to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), after its councillors, community leaders and staff help with forms and site assessments. Residents can register through MBKS WhatsApp at 011-1988 5962 or by email at [email protected]. Councillors and community leaders are also helping reach households, including residents who were away when the council visited. SDMC has yet to announce any assistance amount or approval outcome. Affected households should keep clear damage photos and supporting details ready when they contact MBKS.

Sri Aman recorded Sarawak’s highest air-pollution reading at 223 at 10am on Aug 29, putting the town in the very unhealthy range. The latest Air Pollutant Index Management System readings also placed Serian at 195 and Kuching at 171. Samarahan was at 169, Mukah 166, Sibu 162, Kapit 154 and Bintulu 151 — all within the unhealthy band. Sri Aman’s reading was the highest recorded nationwide at that time. An API reading from 201 to 300 is classified as very unhealthy, while 101 to 200 is unhealthy. These are readings taken at 10am, so conditions can shift through the day. Kuching’s 171 still matters for city residents planning outdoor activities; people with breathing problems should consider reducing prolonged strenuous exertion when the reading remains high and check the latest APIMS update before heading out.

Sarawak’s dry spell is reducing water flowing into three major hydropower reservoirs, but the state grid remains reliable for now. Rainfall in the catchments feeding Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai has fallen since April 2025. Hydropower normally supplies about 65% of Sarawak’s grid electricity, with thermal generation contributing about 34% and other sources the remaining 1%. Sarawak Energy says the system is being adjusted to conserve water: hydropower output can be reduced during a prolonged dry period, while thermal generation is increased when needed. The utility is monitoring all three hydropower plants with state and federal agencies. Two cloud-seeding operations were carried out in May and June under the Sarawak Government’s coordination. A third operation is tentatively scheduled for Sept 3 to 5, subject to suitable weather conditions, so that window is not yet a confirmed operation. For households, hot weather can push up electricity use. Turning off unused appliances and spacing out high-powered devices can help. Smart-meter users can also check hourly, daily and monthly consumption through Energy Insights in the SEB cares app or web portal.

Targeted widening has started along Jalan Urat Mata as MBKS works on the route's busiest bottlenecks. The Kuching South City Council said work began on Aug 11 and is scheduled for completion on Jan 10, 2027. The revised plan covers about 600 metres on the right side from the Jalan Song junction towards Lorong 7, plus another 300 metres on the left from Lorong 3 towards Jalan Wan Alwi. The original proposal covered the entire 1.32-kilometre road, but the first phase is now focused on sections where extra lane space can make the biggest difference during peak hours. The work will stay within the existing 25-metre road reserve and does not require land acquisition. Jalan Urat Mata links Jalan Wan Alwi and Jalan Song, serving nearby homes, shops and major commercial areas. Motorists should slow down and watch for work zones as construction continues.

Jalan Matang’s 1,100mm water main will be repaired from 10pm on Sept 4 to noon on Sept 5, with traffic changes beginning a day earlier. The pipeline feeds Bukit Siol Reservoir, which supplies Kuching, Petra Jaya and nearby areas. Sarawak Water says homes around Jalan Demak, Jalan Bako, Petra Jaya, Matang from Kubah Ria to Batu 9, Taman Sri Harmoni, Jalan Sultan Tengah and surrounding locations may face low pressure or a temporary interruption during the repair. Households in the affected areas are advised to keep at least 24 hours of essential water before the work starts. Tankers will be deployed where needed, with priority for critical facilities and essential needs. Motorists will be diverted via Jalan Matang Bersinar and Jalan Matang Bersinar 3 from Sept 3 to Sept 12. The longer traffic window covers site preparation, excavation, heavy machinery access and road reinstatement around the median. Supply will return gradually after the pipe is refilled. Higher ground and areas farther from the main distribution system may take longer, and brief discolouration is possible while the lines are flushed. Sarawak Water will issue progress and restoration updates through its official channels. Location: Jalan Matang, Kuching

Two Kuching businesses are under investigation after displayed prices did not match the amounts charged. KPDN Sarawak officers found the first case in Sejingkat at about 11.22am on Aug 26. A customer was charged RM13.20 for an item marked RM11.50, and officers took a copy of the business licence, four receipts, the price tag and a promotional tag. A second case was recorded at a Stutong premise around 12.43pm, where officers seized a copy of the business licence and a pair of shoes marked RM29.90. KPDN Sarawak said both cases are being investigated under Section 12(1)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act 1999. No court finding has been reported. Shoppers who spot a mismatch should keep the tag and receipt, take a photo if safe, and report it to KPDN through WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, [email protected] or 1-800-886-800. Location: Sejingkat and Stutong, Kuching

A 63-year-old woman who had been reported missing was found dead in a 10-foot-deep drain near Petra Jaya Health Clinic on Thursday morning. Members of the public found the woman before firefighters from the Petra Jaya station were called in at 9.34am. Bomba recovered her from the drain, completing the operation at 10.47am, and handed the body to police for further action. Police had been informed that she was feared missing the previous day after her child noticed she was gone. No details have been announced about how she entered the drain or what caused her death. The circumstances remain under police investigation. Families looking for a missing relative should report it promptly and share the person’s last known location with police. A deep drain is not a place to enter alone—call emergency services and keep clear of the scene.

Sarawak still had five unhealthy air-quality stations on Thursday, and Lubok Antu’s reading rose from 182 at 8am to 191 by noon. Kuching remained in the moderate band, moving from 97 to 95. The noon table from Sarawak’s Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) listed Lubok Antu at 191, Samarahan at 162, IPD Serian at 158, Sri Aman at 156 and Lundu at 142 — all in the unhealthy range. Tebedu and the other listed stations were moderate. The number of unhealthy stations was unchanged from the morning reading, but the individual figures shifted during the day. API readings use a 24-hour running average of the dominant pollutant; 101 to 200 is classed as unhealthy and can worsen conditions for people with heart or lung complications. Anyone planning a long period outdoors should check the latest APIMS reading first. People in high-risk groups should take extra care if the air turns smoky or the API rises further.

MBKS is working with developers to arrange temporary accommodation and urgent repairs for Kuching South households damaged by Tuesday’s storm. Residents who cannot safely remain at home are to be housed temporarily first. The council then plans to cover exposed sections, inspect the damage and work out the scope and cost of repairs with the developers. At Kampung Tabuan Dayak, roofing sheets torn from a nearby apartment block hit one home at about 3pm on Aug 25. A mother-in-law and child who were inside escaped unhurt. Fallen trees and other storm damage were also reported around Kuching, but the latest update did not say how many homes need assistance or when all repairs will be completed. Anyone facing an unstable roof or loose building material should keep clear of the affected area, especially if more rain arrives. Call emergency services if there is immediate danger, and do not enter a damaged structure until it is safe.

Five Sarawak air-quality stations were in the unhealthy range at 8am on Thursday, while Kuching remained moderate. The Natural Resources and Environment Board’s latest reading put Lubok Antu highest at 182, followed by Samarahan at 164, IPD Serian at 162, Sri Aman at 155 and Lundu at 106. Kuching recorded 97. The readings are based on a 24-hour running average, so the situation can shift with rain, wind and smoke movement. Regional monitoring also points to dry conditions and fire activity in parts of Kalimantan, with a continuing risk of haze reaching western Sarawak. An API reading from 101 to 200 is classed as unhealthy, with greater concern for people who have heart or lung conditions. Kuching residents can check the latest APIMS reading before spending long periods outdoors; if the air turns visibly smoky, reduce strenuous activity and keep children and high-risk family members away from prolonged exposure.

Sarawak is preparing for another cloud-seeding attempt as falling dam levels raise concern ahead of a possible stronger El Niño. MetMalaysia is assessing whether weather conditions will support an operation between Sept 3 and 5. A coordination meeting on Sept 1 will help determine whether the clouds are suitable. The dates are only a possible operating window, not a confirmed flight schedule or a guarantee of rain. Earlier cloud-seeding operations on May 11 and 12, and June 19 to 21, were reported to have helped dam levels. Sarawak is also setting up a special operations team at the State Disaster Command Centre to track water levels, while welfare agencies and the Rural Water Supply Department continue water assistance where needed. For Kuching and other divisions, residents should treat the early-September dates as something to monitor alongside official water-supply and haze updates. MetMalaysia expects below-average rainfall in southwestern Sarawak from October to December, but the actual impact will still depend on cloud formation, rainfall and wind conditions.

MyKad printing services nationwide are expected to face a temporary disruption from Aug 26 to 31 as the National Registration Department (JPN) transitions to the new-generation identity card. For Kuching residents without an urgent need, JPN advises postponing MyKad replacement or exchange applications until the transition period is over. The disruption concerns printing as the department moves away from the existing card structure; it does not amount to an announcement that every National Registration Department counter is closed. Parents or guardians applying for a child’s first MyKad at age 12 are also encouraged to wait, so the child can receive the new-generation card when issuance begins. Anyone with an urgent identity-document matter should confirm the latest arrangement with JPN before going to a counter, as the notice does not give a single nationwide date for every new card to be issued.

Op Gali Mega has detained 14 men and uncovered seized items valued at more than RM40.55 million across Sarawak. Fourteen local men were detained after a four-day joint operation found suspected breaches linked to mining, earth removal and sand activities at three of seven sites inspected across Sarawak. The Sarawak General Operations Force Brigade and the Land and Survey Department ran Op Gali Mega from Aug 19 to 22, covering Kuching, Bau, Kota Samarahan, Sri Aman, Mukah and Limbang. The coal, earth, sand, vehicles, machinery and equipment seized in the operation were estimated at more than RM40.55 million in total. The largest haul came from a coal collection and storage site in Mukah: about 8,525 metric tonnes of coal, four excavators, a crane, two barges and two tugboats, valued at about RM24.46 million. In Kota Samarahan, 10 men were detained in two operations involving earth removal and river sand. Those seizures included roughly 20 tonnes of earth, 2,986 tonnes of river sand, lorries, excavators, a tugboat, a barge and a digital weighing scale. The detainees and seized items were handed to the Mukah and Samarahan divisional Land and Survey offices for investigation under the Sarawak Land Code. Authorities also reminded operators handling mining, dredging, earth removal or natural-resource sales to obtain the required approvals. The investigation is ongoing, and detention is not a conviction. [image: 1787717581254-coal-sand-ops.jpeg] Source: Sarawak Tribune

Storm damage repairs are under way at Kuching International Airport. Malaysia Airports said the affected section of the terminal’s external ceiling structure, near the arrival area, has been secured while workers carry out repairs. Airport operations are continuing as normal. The damage followed strong winds and heavy rain across Kuching on Aug 25. Trees also fell in Kuching and Samarahan. At Tabuan Dayak, roofing sheets and structural frames blown from an apartment block struck nearby houses; local coverage reported no injuries. There is no indication of a flight suspension in the latest update. Passengers using KIA should check their airline’s notice before leaving and allow a little extra time around the terminal while the work continues. [image: 1787717444278-kia-storm.jpg] Source: DayakDaily

A powerful afternoon storm damaged part of the Kuching International Airport arrival-area roof and brought down trees in several parts of Kuching. Airport personnel were assessing the damaged section while RELA officers helped control traffic. The affected area was cordoned off in the scene report. Elsewhere, fallen trees damaged vehicles, and roofing sheets from an apartment block in Tabuan Dayak landed on nearby homes. No injuries were reported in that incident. Bomba Sarawak also reported multiple tree-fall incidents across the Kuching and Samarahan divisions. MetMalaysia’s 3.55pm update warned of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in much of Sarawak, including Kuching, until 7pm on Aug 25. There is still no public confirmation of a full flight disruption or a repair timeline for the airport area. Anyone travelling through KIA should check directly with the airline before leaving, while drivers should avoid fallen trees, loose roofing and cordoned-off roads. Do not shelter under trees or damaged structures while the weather warning remains active. [image: 1787653734774-kia-roof.jpeg] Source: The Borneo Post Online — Photo by Roystein Emmor [image: 1787653734904-kuching-tree.jpeg] Source: The Borneo Post Online — Photo by Shahrul Tready

It is official: IKEA Kuching is expected to welcome shoppers this December, giving East Malaysia its first physical IKEA store. IKEA Malaysia announced the plan on 24 August. The Kuching outlet will also be the retailer's first small-format store in Malaysia , so shoppers should not expect the same layout as its four larger stores in Malaya. The compact store will feature room settings and home-furnishing ideas, along with selected products that can be bought and taken home on the same day. Customers will also have access to a wider IKEA product range beyond the items displayed in-store. IKEA said its team visited local households in Kuching to understand how people use their homes. Family gatherings and hospitality stood out, while storage and organisation were common concerns in both landed and high-rise homes. The company says those findings will shape the room settings and solutions shown in the new store. The exact opening day, full address, floor size, product list and details such as the restaurant or food market have not been announced so far . Recruitment numbers and application details were also not stated, so jobseekers should rely on IKEA Malaysia's official channels and be cautious of unofficial recruitment messages. For Sarawak shoppers, the biggest change is the chance to see room settings and selected products in person instead of relying only on e-commerce and fulfilment services. The next details to watch are the exact opening date, location and recruitment announcement. [image: 1787544876067-st-campaign.jpg] Source: IKEA Kuching campaign artwork via Sarawak Tribune [image: 1787544876250-says-cover.png] Source: SAYS / Skyscraper City / image provided to SAYS [image: 1787544876330-ikea-illustration.png] Source: IKEA Damansara via IKEA, published by SAYS (not the Kuching store) [image: 1787544876571-ikea-store.png] Source: IKEA Damansara via 360tour, published by SAYS (not the Kuching store)