Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong says Sarawak needs a stronger opposition to keep the GPS government in check. Speaking at DAP Sarawak's 60th anniversary fundraising dinner in Kuching, Yong said the opposition should question government decisions, scrutinise public spending and speak up when policies affect residents. She compared GPS to a football team acting as both player and referee, and said opposition lawmakers are needed to provide checks and balances in the State Legislative Assembly. Yong also questioned the use of a Switzerland-based VistaJet for official flights and raised concerns about the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project. She linked construction work around Pending to reports of low water pressure and murky water, while the claims remained part of her criticism of government decisions. This is a politician's or party's position, not an election result or an official finding. The useful follow-up is the relevant assembly record, election notice, project document or published spending information.

Sarawak will revisit five earlier dam proposals, but no construction approval has been announced. Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said on Aug. 22 that his ministry, the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd had agreed in principle to review previous feasibility studies for the Tebia, Batang Layar, Sungai Ulu Mukah, Sungai Pesu and Sungai Suhu projects. The announcement puts the proposals back on Sarawak’s water-planning agenda. It does not mean that any of the five dams has been approved for construction. No project budget, storage capacity, start date, completion date or confirmed service area has been announced. Some reports use names such as Ulu Mukah River Dam, Pesu River Dam and Suhu River Dam; these refer to the same group of locations rather than additional projects. Julaihi said the review was needed as Sarawak upgrades existing water treatment plants, develops new facilities and extends transmission pipelines. Those investments still depend on a reliable supply of raw water — water taken from a river, reservoir or other source before treatment. A treatment plant can only produce treated water if enough suitable raw water reaches its intake. The minister also linked the review to dry weather, haze and rising demand towards 2030. During a prolonged dry period, an intake may receive less water or become difficult to operate. A storage dam could help regulate raw-water availability, but it would not automatically increase a treatment plant’s processing capacity or connect a particular town to the treated-water network. The dam, treatment plant, transmission main and local distribution system would all need to be planned as one supply chain. That distinction matters when looking at recent water disruptions in Kuching and Samarahan. The report said piling works along major roads had damaged underground water pipes and cables, contributing to murky water, low pressure and temporary water, power and telecommunication interruptions. Those incidents involve damage to existing utility infrastructure, while the five dam proposals concern longer-term raw-water storage. A new dam would not prevent a separate construction project from damaging a pipeline, so water security also depends on protecting the network already in the ground. The next meaningful update will be the information produced by the renewed feasibility studies. Residents and businesses will need to see how much water each location can reliably provide during the dry season, what storage capacity is being considered, which treatment plants and transmission routes would be connected, and how much the projects would cost. Environmental assessments, formal approvals, funding decisions, tender notices and construction schedules would then show whether any proposal has moved beyond the review stage. Until those details are published, the five locations remain proposals under reconsideration. They should not be treated as approved dams, confirmed construction sites or guaranteed future water sources for Kuching, Samarahan, Mukah or any other specific area.

29 landowners and claimants have received RM1,423,550.90 in compensation for land acquired for the Sungai Sadong Bridge project in Serian. A total of 37 compensation cheques were handed to recipients from Kampung Sorak Sumpung, Kampung Sorak Dayak, Kampung Sorak Mawang and Kampung Sorak Melayu. Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus said the bridge is important for connectivity, especially during flood season. The project is also expected to support development and economic opportunities around the villages. The Land and Survey Department said four titled lots and three untitled lots were acquired. The provisions under Sections 5(3), 5(4) and 48 of the Land Code were approved on Feb 16, 2025, while survey work was completed on July 17, 2026. [image: 1787306967653-sadong-bridge-compensation-2108-resized.jpg] A target date or project announcement is not the same as an open road or operating facility. Until an official opening or traffic notice is issued, residents should keep using the current arrangements and watch for the next construction or approval milestone.

A fishing trip in Bau turned fatal after a 29-year-old man fell into Sungai Taman Limbang late Thursday night. Nailson Phillip was fishing with several friends when he suddenly fell face-first into the river at about 11.30pm. A friend pulled him out and they took him to Bau Hospital. He was pronounced dead at about 12.23am Friday. Police said initial checks found no suspicious injuries or signs of criminal elements. The case is being investigated as sudden death, with a post-mortem to determine the cause. The cause and legal classification should be left to the police, medical team or rescue authorities. Drivers and bystanders should keep clear of the scene, avoid sharing distressing images and pass genuine information directly to investigators. [image: 1787306951160-bau-river-2108.jpg]

A forest fire covering an estimated two hectares has been detected at the Samunsan Forest Reserve in Lundu. Bomba Lundu responded at about 2.40pm on Aug 20 after the fire was spotted through drone monitoring by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation. Firefighters entered the forest with fire beaters, but operations were suspended around 5pm when darkness reduced visibility. Residents near the affected area should keep away from smoke, unstable structures and emergency operations. The cause, total loss and final clearance should be treated as pending until the responding authority confirms them. [image: 1787276052662-fire.jpeg]

Police are asking the public for help to locate 19-year-old Melvin Dhillon Muluk. Padawan district police said Melvin was last seen at Block V 202, Courtyard Santury Apartment, Bandar Baru Batu Kawa, at about 6.30pm on Aug 13. A missing-person report was lodged at Batu Kawa Police Station at about 11.53pm on Aug 15. Police said the clothing Melvin was wearing when he disappeared is unknown. Anyone with information can contact Batu Kawa police station chief SM Joelesley Enggat at 011-15336535 , Batu Kawa Police Station at 082-463411 , the Padawan district police headquarters operations room at 082-862233 , or any nearby police station. This is a police information appeal, not confirmation of the person's current whereabouts. Share only the verified details and send any useful sighting directly to the police instead of adding guesses to social media. [image: 1787101543484-melvin-dhillon-muluk.jpg] Source: DayakDaily

New Sarawak party Wawasan says it will contest the coming state election. Parti Wawasan Rakyat (Wawasan) president Affendi Jeman confirmed that the party plans to field candidates in the next Sarawak state election. Affendi also said he intends to contest the Pantai Damai constituency under the Wawasan banner. The party, formerly known as Parti Sedar Rakyat (Sedar), was officially registered with the Registrar of Societies on Aug 11, 2026. It says candidates will be assessed based on integrity, capability, grassroots support and commitment to their communities. Wawasan is also studying the wider electoral picture, including the proposed 17 additional state seats. No final commitment has been made because the boundaries and implementation are not settled yet. This is a politician's or party's position, not an election result or an official finding. The useful follow-up is the relevant assembly record, election notice, project document or published spending information. [image: 1787101532947-wawasan-affendi.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post

Sarawak's Senior Citizen Health Benefit had 233,389 active recipients by July 31, with RM99.5 million spent since the programme began in July 2024. The state-funded, cashless scheme gives eligible senior citizens up to RM500 a year for outpatient medical and dental services at appointed panel clinics. As of July 2026, 270 active clinics statewide were participating. Coverage is broader than a basic GP visit. The scheme includes treatment for common illnesses, tooth extraction, fillings, dentures and scaling, plus selected vision, hearing, blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney, liver, thyroid, prostate and cervical screening services. The key words are eligible , active recipient and panel clinic . Seniors or family members should verify the recipient's status, confirm that the clinic is currently on the panel and ask whether the planned treatment is covered before registration. The annual benefit is capped at RM500, so it is also worth checking the remaining balance. Of the active recipients, 67,487 were already receiving monthly assistance from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department. The programme's reach is significant, but the next useful public data would be district-level clinic coverage, waiting times and the share of the RM500 benefit actually used. The announcement gives scale, but residents still need the official eligibility, intake and participating-location details before assuming they can claim a service or benefit. [image: 1787047706087-schb-seniors.jpg] The recipient figure does not announce a new automatic payment. Older residents and their families should confirm eligibility, participating clinics and the remaining annual balance with the responsible welfare or health office before treatment.

Sarawak is being urged to publish regular water-level data for the Bakun and Murum hydroelectric reservoirs. Sarawak is being urged to publish regular water-level data for the Bakun and Murum hydroelectric reservoirs as prolonged dry weather raises questions about future power generation. Senator Abun Sui Anyit said he saw what appeared to be a 300m to 500m exposed stretch along the Bakun reservoir during a visit on June 2. He stressed that this was a field observation, not an official measurement. He wants Sarawak Energy Berhad and the state government to release the current levels, minimum operating levels and a clear contingency plan. He also called for independent studies on the impact of drought, climate change and sedimentation. Sarawak Energy's published figures put Bakun's maximum operating level is EL 228m and its minimum operating level is EL 195m. This update concerns planning, repairs or public data—not an automatic notice that the facility has closed or that a power or water disruption is imminent. The next useful confirmation is the agency's approval, tender, works timetable or published measurement. [image: 1787015299226-bakun-dam-reservoir.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post

Two rural electrification projects worth RM13.1 million are being implemented in Ngemah to connect 147 households. The projects cover Ngemah Tengah and Hulu Ngemah. Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana said the RM9.188 million Phase 3 project in Ngemah Tengah is 66.6% complete and will benefit 114 households in four longhouses and one settlement. Electricity has already reached 65 households. The remaining homes are at Rumah Lau, Rumah Ai and Rumah Reba. Power-line works for the three longhouses are targeted for completion by the end of this year, with documentation expected to be submitted to Recoda on Aug 21. The RM3.909 million Phase 4A project in Hulu Ngemah is 9.4% complete. It will cover two longhouses and 33 households, with completion targeted for December 2027. Rain, difficult access and the use of logging roads remain challenges. The update is still developing; residents should rely on the next confirmed notice rather than treat an early announcement as final. [image: 1786928810225-ngemah-electricity.jpg] Source: Pusat Khidmat Masyarakat Ngemah / The Borneo Post

Five residents escaped unharmed after a two-storey semi-permanent house caught fire near Dewan Dayak Baru in Bau on Friday afternoon. The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) said it received the alert at 12.49pm and firefighters from Bau station arrived five minutes later. The fire involved the upper floor and destroyed about 70 per cent of the structure. Firefighters brought the flames under control by 1.15pm and completed safety checks before ending operations at 1.46pm. All five occupants were safe and no injuries were reported. BOMBA said the cause of the fire and estimated losses are still under investigation. Residents near the affected area should keep away from smoke, unstable structures and emergency operations. The cause, total loss and final clearance should be treated as pending until the responding authority confirms them.

Sarawak plans to begin developing a CubeSat laboratory in 2027, with a state nano-satellite targeted for space by 2030. [image: 1786788255616-sarawak-cubesat-20260815.jpg] Photo: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) via DayakDaily Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the plan after meeting aerospace experts. He said a satellite could support the collection of Earth and resource data, while the programme would create demand for engineers with space-technology and basic astronomy knowledge. What is confirmed — and what is not CubeSats are small satellites built around standardised units, making them useful for education, technology testing and focused observation missions. A local laboratory could therefore be valuable even before a launch by training engineers and letting teams design, assemble and test hardware. The 2030 launch remains a target, not a confirmed mission date. The announcement did not name a launch provider, final satellite specification, budget or exact laboratory site. Those are the details that will show whether the idea has moved from roadmap to funded engineering work. For Sarawak, the strongest case will be practical use: flood and land monitoring, agriculture, mapping or environmental data that local agencies can actually use. The next milestones to watch are the 2027 lab start, technical partners and a published mission plan. Announced in: Kota Samarahan ️ Timeline: Laboratory development targeted for 2027; satellite target 2030 Sources: DayakDaily report · NASA explainer on SmallSats and CubeSats

The Sarawak General Operations Force seized RM40.39 million worth of contraband and illicit goods in 24 raids from Aug 1 to 13. GOF Sarawak Brigade commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said the operations covered 11 districts, including Kuching, Padawan, Kota Samarahan, Lundu, Bau, Serian, Bintulu, Miri, Betong, Sri Aman and Sarikei. The operations led to 31 arrests. The biggest haul came from Op Taring Chiller: 573.85 tonnes of frozen goods, including chicken, beef, fish, mutton, squid and crabs, worth about RM33.9 million. Twelve people were arrested in that operation, with the cases handed to the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services for investigation. Other seizures included 7,500 litres of diesel, untaxed cigarettes and alcohol, timber, subsidised goods and swiftlet nests. The cases were referred to the relevant agencies under the Customs Act, Control of Supplies Act and other state laws. Location: 11 districts across Sarawak, including Kuching and Kota Samarahan Details: The raids ran from Aug 1 to 13 under several enforcement operations. [image: 1786701905005-pga-sarawak-contraband.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post Malay report: Utusan Borneo What do you think?

Sarawak may carry out a third cloud-seeding operation as haze and dry weather put pressure on water supplies. The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said the operation will target critical dam catchments and water catchment areas. It will be carried out with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), but only if suitable clouds and weather conditions are available. MetMalaysia will decide the location and timing after technical checks. At noon on Aug 14, unhealthy API readings included Kuching 171, Samarahan 170, Serian 182 and Sri Aman 162. SDMC warned prolonged dry weather could worsen haze, strain water sources and raise the risk of forest, peatland and open-burning fires. Location: Sarawak, including Kuching and Samarahan Details: This would be Sarawak’s third cloud-seeding operation this year. [image: 1786701893462-sarawak-cloud-seeding.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily (file photo) Source: DayakDaily Cross-check: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Construction of the Sarawak Bioindustrial Park's Central Hub has started in Kota Samarahan, with a 24-month completion target. [image: 1786680414071-sarawak-bioindustrial-hub-20260814.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post The wider development covers 100 acres and is intended to connect research, product development, pilot processing, manufacturing and commercialisation in one location. Its focus areas include bioactives, biohealth, biomaterials, bioenergy and environmental solutions. The Central Hub is expected to provide shared laboratories, pilot-scale processing facilities, collaborative workspaces and support for Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant production. It is managed by BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre. Why this is more than another building announcement Sarawak already has biodiversity research. The difficult part is turning a promising compound or process into a product that can be tested, manufactured consistently and sold. Shared pilot and GMP-oriented facilities could close part of that gap for researchers and smaller companies that cannot build everything themselves. Eight collaboration agreements and memoranda were exchanged at the ceremony, but the report did not publish the construction cost, confirmed tenant list, job numbers or commercial production dates. Those measurable details — together with the 24-month construction milestone — are what Kuching and Samarahan residents should track next. Location: Kota Samarahan ️ Scope: Central Hub within a 100-acre bioindustrial park Sources: The Borneo Post report · Sarawak Biodiversity Centre

Kuching’s API reached 177 on Aug 12 as haze worsened across Sarawak. [image: 1786593856418-kuching-haze-20260812.jpg] At 4pm, data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed 11 areas at unhealthy levels and two at very unhealthy levels. Tebedu recorded an API reading of 214 and IPD Serian 201. Samarahan was at 178, followed by Kuching at 177. Other unhealthy readings were recorded in Lubok Antu (165), Sarikei (160), Sri Aman (157), Bintulu (153), Miri (151), Sibu (124), Lundu (111), Samalaju (110) and Lawas (102). API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, while 201 to 300 are very unhealthy. The readings are updated hourly. Location: Kuching and Sarawak Details: APIMS readings at 4pm on Aug 12 Source: Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak recorded 112 open-burning cases from Aug 1 to 11, with reports rising sharply since Aug 8. JBPM Sarawak director Jamri Masran said 28 cases were logged on Aug 11, after 16 on Aug 8, 25 on Aug 9 and 21 on Aug 10. The cases covered 75 bush fires, 20 rubbish fires, eight forest fires, four farm or plantation fires and five others, affecting a combined 111.64 hectares. Kuching Division recorded the most cases at 27, followed by Samarahan with 16. Two larger forest fires in Sri Aman and Daro involved about 80 and 10 hectares respectively. JBPM Sarawak urged residents to pause open burning, rubbish burning and land-clearing fires while the weather stays hot and dry. Report fires early before they spread and worsen the haze. [image: 1786583428207-open-burning.jpg] Location: Sarawak; Kuching Division recorded the highest count Details: 112 cases, 111.64 hectares affected, 27 cases in Kuching Division Source: TVS Photo: JBPM Sarawak via TVS What do you think?

A 53-year-old accounts clerk in Kuching lost RM622,320 to an online stock investment scam. Padawan District Police Chief Supt Barry William said the woman joined the scheme in mid-June after clicking a link and downloading an app. She then made 15 transactions involving six different bank accounts, all from her personal savings. At first she received a profit of RM1,120. That was the bait — she was then told to pay more to grow her investment. But when she tried to withdraw the profits shown in the app, she couldn't. That's when she realised it was a scam. The transactions happened between June 14 and July 23. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. [image: 1785924267789-scam-investment.jpg] Police advise the public to verify any investment platform before transferring money, and to be wary of apps that promise quick returns. Location: Kuching (Padawan) Case: Section 420 Penal Code — cheating Source: Borneo Post RM622K gone in two months. Have you or someone you know ever been approached by these investment schemes? What do you think?

Five SMART tower sites in Sarawak now have security walls after repeated theft and vandalism hit public utility infrastructure. [image: 1785202545637-review_smart.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) has built perimeter walls at five SMART tower locations, including Sungai Rayah in Sarikei. The problem is not small. Each SMART telecommunications tower costs about RM2.5 million to build, while one protective wall costs more than RM100,000. Julaihi said the vandalism involves public assets such as electricity cables, fibre optic networks and utility infrastructure. Copper cable theft can disrupt electricity supply, telecommunications service and even water distribution. Why it matters Sarawak has been building SMART towers to improve connectivity, especially outside city areas. When these sites get damaged, the cost does not stop at repairs. It can also affect internet access and basic services for nearby communities. Julaihi said enforcement is still needed, but public awareness is just as important because the State cannot build expensive walls around every tower. Location: Sarawak, including Sungai Rayah, Sarikei Details: Five SMART tower sites fortified after repeated theft and vandalism; each tower costs around RM2.5 million, while one wall costs over RM100,000. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak and Indonesia discussed stronger air links to Jakarta, Balikpapan and Pontianak, together with better road connectivity through border checkpoints. [image: 1784023513243-sarawak-indonesia-airlinks.jpg] Photo: Ministry of Transport Sarawak via DayakDaily The discussion took place during a courtesy visit by Indonesian Consul General in Kuching Dr Abdullah Zulkifli to Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Both sides said growing movement between Sarawak and Kalimantan makes easier transport links increasingly important for tourism, trade, investment and family travel. Discussion is not the same as a confirmed route Jakarta, Balikpapan and Pontianak were named as existing or potential connections under discussion. The July 14 statement did not announce an airline, flight frequency, launch date or fare for any new service. That distinction matters. A route only becomes useful to travellers after an airline receives the necessary approvals and publishes a bookable schedule. Until then, residents should not plan a trip around an unconfirmed service. Land links were also part of the meeting. The two sides discussed Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security checkpoints along the Sarawak–Kalimantan border as cross-border movement and economic activity increase. For Kuching travellers, the next facts worth watching are which airline applies for the route, whether it will be direct, how often it will fly and whether timings allow useful onward connections. Official updates should come from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, the airline concerned and airport or aviation authorities. Status on July 14: Connectivity options discussed; no new launch date announced Sources: DayakDaily · Ministry of Transport Sarawak