[image: 1784174794492-kh-spm-workshop.jpeg] About 600 Batu Kawa students joined a free SPM readiness workshop as Sarawak keeps pushing education support for young people. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said Sarawak’s future depends heavily on quality education and talent development. He said the state government now provides several forms of education help, including the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme, scholarships, free laptops and living allowances. Who joined The two-day SPM 2026 Free Readiness Workshop was held at Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multi-purpose Hall in Batu Kawa. Most of the 600 participants came from three nearby secondary schools: SM Min Lit Batu Kawa SMK Batu Kawa SMK Jalan Arang The workshop covered study techniques and exam strategies, with experienced teachers guiding students on key parts of SPM preparation. Why it matters Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawah assemblyman, said SPM remains one of the country’s most important academic qualifications because it shapes future options in higher education and work. He encouraged candidates to stay focused and aim for strong results, noting that Sarawakian students have continued to perform well in SPM over the years. Location: Batu Kawa, Kuching Details: Around 600 students joined the SPM 2026 readiness workshop, while Sarawak highlighted education aid such as free tertiary education, scholarships, laptops and living allowances. Source: The Borneo Post SPM season is never easy. Good support like this really helps. What do you think?

[image: 1784174746149-kh-scam-losses.jpeg] Online scams have cost Malaysians RM5.37 billion since 2024, and investment fraud is the biggest chunk. Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen said the figure came from a written parliamentary reply by the Home Affairs Ministry. The number covers losses from 2024 up to May 2026. Investment scams alone made up RM2.68 billion, or 49.9% of the total. What the numbers show Investment scams: RM2.68 billion Telecommunication fraud: RM1.54 billion Electronic financial crimes: RM660.64 million E-commerce scams: RM250.81 million Loan scams: RM138.92 million Love scams: RM111.08 million Chong said the losses average about RM2.2 billion a year. He also warned that many victims are ordinary people, including retirees who lost their savings. What he is asking for He urged the public to be more careful with online investments and ads, and to verify with banks or people who understand digital safety before moving money. He also repeated his proposal for stronger bank safeguards, including fingerprint and MyKad readers for ATM withdrawals, alerts for unusually frequent withdrawals, and tougher rules on banks if mule accounts are allowed to operate. Location: Kuching / Malaysia Details: RM5.37 billion in scam losses from 2024 to May 2026, based on a Home Affairs Ministry parliamentary reply cited by Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen. Source: The Borneo Post Online investment ads still everywhere. What do you think banks should do next?

Kuching-based brewery 1602 says it has been cleared after a police investigation, and its seized beer products and merchandise have been returned. [image: 1784164007384-1602-brewery.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post The Borneo Post reported that the Attorney-General's Chambers reviewed the investigation findings and confirmed the case did not involve a smuggling offence. 1602 managing director Dato Sri Vincent Lee said the returned goods allow the company to resume normal production, sales and business operations. What happened Police carried out an operation at the company's warehouse in Kuching on July 3, following instructions from Bukit Aman's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation Unit. Lee said the company had cooperated with police and provided its licences and tax-related documents covering brewing, wholesale and sale. The case had been investigated as a suspected smuggling offence under Section 135 of the Customs Act 1967. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: 1602 says no smuggling offence was found, and seized products have been returned. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

BCCK now has Sarawak's first live indoor 5G coverage, aimed at keeping large events online without the usual crowd-network slowdown. [image: 1784109896030-bcck-5g.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) has upgraded its digital infrastructure with an in-building 5G coverage system at BCCK 1. The system covers more than 3,740 square metres and is meant to support high-density use during conferences, exhibitions and major gatherings. Location: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) Details: Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said 5G speeds can reach more than 1,100Mbps, compared with about 200Mbps on 4G. The upgrade is also seen as a base for future connectivity at BCCK 2 once the expansion is ready. For visitors, exhibitors and event crews, this should mean smoother digital registration, livestreaming and online services when the hall is packed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784077612633-jalan-petanak-robbery-police.jpg] Police have arrested four locals over a gang robbery causing hurt at a carpark in Jalan Petanak, Kuching. Four suspects detained Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspects are aged between 22 and 27. They include three men and one woman. Police also seized a motorcycle and three mobile phones believed to be linked to the case. Remanded for investigation According to police, all four suspects tested positive for drugs and had previous records under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the Penal Code and the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. One of them was also wanted by police. The suspects have been remanded for four days to assist investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt while committing or attempting robbery. Hot Score: 22/30 — Kuching city crime case, fresh July 14 update, public safety angle, clear police action. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784077445053-tabuan-workers-quarters-fire.jpg] A fire broke out at workers’ quarters near Tropic City Condominium, Tabuan Heights, Kuching on Tuesday evening, destroying two blocks of temporary accommodation. What happened Bomba said the emergency call came in at 6.52pm on July 14. Firefighters from Tabuan Jaya rushed to the scene, with help from Batu Lintang and Padungan stations. Two blocks, each about 10 feet by 100 feet, were destroyed. A third block was about 30% damaged. Fire stopped from spreading Firefighters used several hose lines to put out the blaze. The Batu Lintang team also created a firebreak from the opposite side, helping stop the flames from reaching nearby homes. No injuries were reported. Overhaul work was still being carried out as of 8.40pm. Hot Score: 26/30 — local Kuching incident, same-day news, clear public safety angle, strong image. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784001875087-open-burning-sarawak.jpg] Kuching Division recorded the highest number of open-burning cases in Sarawak this July, with 15 cases reported as of July 13. Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Jamri Masran said Sarawak recorded 49 open-burning cases statewide from July 1 to 13. Miri came second with 11 cases, followed by Mukah with six, Bintulu with five and Sibu with four. Samarahan, Sri Aman and Betong each recorded two cases, while Kapit and Limbang recorded one each. The spike happened over the weekend: daily cases rose from 3 on July 10 to 10 on July 11, then 11 on July 12, before dropping to five on July 13. Jamri said Bomba Sarawak is preparing land and air assets as the country faces the Super El Nino threat. The department is also working with the Department of Environment and the Natural Resources and Environment Board on enforcement against open burning that harms the environment. Location: Kuching Division / Sarawak Details: 49 statewide cases from July 1-13; Kuching recorded the most with 15 cases Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching Festival Fair 2026 is getting a nationwide push this year through a limited-edition Pepsi can. [image: 1783988825831-kuching-fest-pepsi-2026.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune The collaboration between MBKS and Pepsi puts Kuching Festival branding on a special can that will be distributed across Malaysia. Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the can is more than a drink promotion. He described it as a way to carry Kuching's food culture and city identity to people outside Sarawak. The move also fits Kuching's status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, especially with the festival being one of the city's biggest food and community events. What to expect this year Kuching Festival Fair 2026 will run from July 22 to August 16. The fair is expected to feature: More than 300 food stalls 97 indoor trade exhibition booths 29 amusement and game stalls Nightly stage performances The Garden Show Pepsi is also returning as the festival's main sponsor for the second year, with RM60,000 cash sponsorship and support such as festival tents, limited-edition cans, co-branded materials, KOL marketing and products for festival activities. Location: Kuching South / MBKS area Hot Score: 29/30 - strong Kuching interest, nationwide exposure, timely, good visual angle Source: Sarawak Tribune Will you be going to Kuching Fest this year?

[image: 1783937249183-fake-accounts-resized.jpg] Sarawak wants stronger action on fake social media accounts, especially those used to spread defamatory or harmful content online. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department for Corporate Affairs and UKAS, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission should monitor and act against users operating under false identities or fake names. He said some accounts use another person's photograph while hiding behind a different name, then deactivate or change their account after posting offensive remarks. Media content and AI also raised Abdullah also touched on pages that reuse photos, visuals and news reports from media organisations without proper credit. He said journalists had raised frustration over their work being taken without acknowledgement. He added that AI can make the issue harder to manage when people mix stories from different sources and reprocess them into new content without clear attribution. At the same time, he urged fair treatment for genuine content creators whose accounts may be removed after years of building their audience, especially creators producing positive Sarawak-related content. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Fake accounts, online defamation, media credit, AI-generated content and platform enforcement Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783937203980-gardenia-factory-resized.jpg] Gardenia is planning a RM30 million factory in Sarawak, with the state government saying it reflects stronger investor confidence here. The update came after a memorandum of understanding involving Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad and Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the investment points to Sarawak's skilled workforce, stable governance and improving infrastructure. Dr Sim said KTC had noted that 32.5% of its workforce are Sarawakians, something he linked to the quality of local talent. Why it matters The planned Gardenia factory is not just another commercial project. Dr Sim described it as a strategic investment that can help keep essential supplies from being too dependent on outside sources. He also said the Sarawak government will facilitate the approval process through the State Planning Authority and relevant local authorities once the required submissions are made. Also present at the signing were Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, KTC executive director Datuk Dexter Lau, KTC managing director Datuk Lau Kok Sing, and Sanjung Etika board members Datu Dr Hatta Solhi and Jolly Marikan. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Details: RM30 million Gardenia factory MoU, investor confidence, local workforce and approval process Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783915498213-sarawak-health-clinics.jpg] Sarawak wants more private clinics to join its health screening programmes so access is easier for workers and senior citizens. Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said only 166 out of about 400 private medical facilities in the State are currently registered under the Sarawak Foreigners Health Information System (Safhis). His speech was read by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the Society of Private Medical Practitioners Sarawak 52nd Anniversary Dinner in Kuching. Why it matters Dr Sim said more GP clinics should take part so foreign worker health screening can be done more easily, while also helping Sarawak manage illegal foreign worker issues. He also called for more private clinics to join the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) programme, because fewer than half of Sarawak private clinics are currently participating. He said healthcare providers should also move faster on electronic medical records, telemedicine, secure data sharing and AI tools to improve service delivery. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Hot Score: 25/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783915459573-lorong-peace-fire.jpg] A workers' quarters near Chung Hua Middle School in Kuching was destroyed by fire this morning. The Fire and Rescue Department said the call came in at 7.32am on July 13. Firefighters from Padungan were sent to Lorong Peace 3, with teams from Tabuan Jaya and Batu Lintang helping at the scene. What happened The fire involved a 10-room non-permanent structure, about 50ft by 50ft. The building was razed, and two motorcycles were also destroyed. Bomba used three hose lines and water from a fire engine pump plus a nearby hydrant. The operation ended at 9.29am. No casualties were reported. Location: Lorong Peace 3, Kuching Hot Score: 25/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching CHMS No.4 says scammers are using the school's name to ask people for money. [image: 1783904677263-chms-johnny-kon.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Chung Hua Middle School No.4 in Kuching has warned the public not to trust messages claiming to be from the school or its principal, Johnny Kon. Kon said people had reported receiving text messages and other approaches asking for financial help. What the school said The school will not ask for purchases, bank transfers, or money dealings through mobile messaging apps or social media. Anyone who receives suspicious messages should check directly with the school before doing anything. Location: Chung Hua Middle School No.4, Kuching Details: The school says scammers are impersonating the school and principal Johnny Kon to solicit funds. ️ Check with school: 082-243860 Source: The Borneo Post If this message reaches your family chat, remind them to verify first. What do you think?

[image: 1783829054194-airborneo-pwd.jpg] A Kuching person with disabilities has urged AirBorneo Airways to introduce special fares and stronger accessibility support for passengers with disabilities. What was requested Tan Chun Sheng said concessionary fares could reduce the extra financial burden faced by PwDs, especially those who need more assistance when travelling. He also suggested priority seating near aircraft doors or exits, so boarding and disembarkation can be easier and safer. Why it matters Tan said affordable fares should go together with accessible facilities and passenger-friendly policies, so PwDs can travel safely, comfortably and with dignity. His call comes as AirBorneo prepares to open ticket sales for its Kuching-Singapore route on July 13 at 10am. The route is scheduled to start flights on July 22, in conjunction with Sarawak Day. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783828978522-sma-kpa.jpg] Kuching Port Authority says congestion at Senari Terminal has been resolved, while expansion works are moving ahead to support heavier cargo movement. What changed The Sarawak Manufacturers Association and Kuching Port Authority met in a recent dialogue to discuss logistics issues affecting manufacturers and exporters. KPA said vessel calls rose sharply in April and May 2026 compared with the same period last year. Container throughput also climbed, with April and May recording 27,461 TEUs and 31,686 TEUs respectively. Why it matters Manufacturers rely on smoother cargo clearance, stable vessel turnaround times and better shipping information to plan production and exports. KPA is now working on an additional 250-metre berth, targeted for completion by the end of 2028. It also plans to raise container yard capacity by another 200,000 TEUs per year by the end of 2027. SMA also proposed direct access to KPA's cargo e-tracking system and monthly import-export statistics so members can plan shipments faster. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783818287661-sejijak-waterfront.jpg] Two waterfront projects for Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh have been approved, with an estimated total cost of RM44 million. Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said the projects are already on the Economic Planning Unit approved list. An initial RM20 million allocation has also been approved to allow preliminary works to begin. Land return plan also underway Fazzrudin said another plan is being pursued to return land in Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh to residents. The Sarawak Land and Survey Department has identified the land and is in the process of reacquiring it before handing it back to the villages for residential lots or community needs. Location: Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh, Tupong Details: RM44 million waterfront projects approved, RM20 million initial allocation, land return process underway Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783818235479-smart-parking.png] Sarawak is working towards one smart parking app that can be used statewide. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the Pay and Go system is currently part of that move towards a unified parking payment setup. The long-term target is simple: one app for public and private parking, first in Kuching, then wider areas such as Padawan and Kota Samarahan once the system is stable. What residents should know Public complaints have been raised over parking penalties and system glitches. Wee said users should first submit complaints to Pay and Go, the appointed contractor. If the issue is not resolved, MBKS can take it up. He also said suggestions such as a five- to 10-minute grace period can be considered. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Unified smart parking app, Pay and Go complaints, wider statewide rollout being studied Hot Score: 29/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Two drainage upgrade projects worth over RM800,000 are now underway in Batu Kawa to reduce flash flood problems. [image: 1783742601204-drainage.jpg] Source: DayakDaily What is being upgraded The works cover RPR Batu Kawa Lorong 6 and Jalan Field Force, with completion targeted for August and October 2026 respectively. According to DayakDaily, the RPR Batu Kawa project will upgrade front and rear drains in phases. Roads along the affected lanes will be resurfaced after the drainage work is completed. Why residents should care Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the upgrades are needed because rapid development, heavier rainfall and older drainage systems have made flash flood issues harder to manage. He also warned contractors to keep to schedule, saying action including blacklisting can be taken if obligations are not met. Location: RPR Batu Kawa Lorong 6 and Jalan Field Force, Batu Kawa Details: Over RM800,000 drainage upgrade, targeted completion in August and October 2026 Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783731853726-civic_centre.jpg] Kuching Civic Centre will reopen to the public on July 13 after RM5 million in upgrading and restoration works. The Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development announced that the landmark will again welcome the public for community activities, recreation and food stalls from Monday. The upgrade included re-roofing works on the main tower and other improvements to safety, accessibility and overall usability. The project began in 2025. A familiar city landmark The Civic Centre is known for its umbrella-shaped observation tower and views of Kuching city. It has long been used for exhibitions, cultural performances, community programmes and public activities. The building first opened in 1988 as a social, cultural, educational and recreational venue for Kuching. Location: Kuching Civic Centre Details: Reopens July 13 after RM5 million upgrade and restoration works Hot Score: 24/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783731821510-pantai_damai.jpg] Several road projects are moving in Pantai Damai, with the Bako-Buntal link expected to shorten travel along the Coastal Ring Road. The 7.2km road linking Kampung Bako and Kampung Buntal is now under construction. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year or early next year. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the link will help people travelling from Sematan, Lundu and Telaga Air towards Samarahan and northern Sarawak. More links planned Two more Telaga Air road projects are expected to start by the end of the year, pending final technical checks by JKR. One is a 4.2km link from the Federal Administrative Centre Road to Telaga Air. Another will connect FAC Road through the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Highway to the new i-CATS University College campus in Kampung Trombol. Village roads and drainage in Kampung Pasir Pandak, Kampung Pasir Panjang, Kampung Sungai Batu and Kampung Buntal will also continue to be upgraded to reduce monsoon flooding risk. Location: Pantai Damai, Kuching Details: Road links, drainage upgrades and better access to coastal, tourism and education areas Hot Score: 25/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?