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Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in Sibu is set to be gazetted as Malaysia's largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve. [image: 1783850680098-bukit-lima.jpg] Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the protected area will cover about 1,045 hectares, made up of the existing 301 hectares and another 744 hectares. He said major development will not be allowed inside the reserve. Only small-scale facilities for recreation and basic amenities are planned. The reserve has also been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the country's largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve. Why it matters For Sibu, this is a big green lung right inside an urban area. It also gives Sarawak another conservation asset that can support education, recreation and environmental protection at the same time. Location: Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, Sibu Details: The announcement was made after the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Sibu on July 11. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Sarawak says it is moving closer to producing a new semiconductor chip that can split light without generating heat. [image: 1783850638039-sarawak-chip.jpg] Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the chip is part of Sarawak's push into the new economy and advanced semiconductor work. He said Sarawak is developing a gallium nitride-based chip, a material he described as better than silicon for this purpose. The design work, he added, is being handled by Sarawakian talent. Abang Johari also said Sarawak is working on the world's first storage disk using a glass substrate instead of silicon. Why it matters This is not just another factory announcement. If the plan moves as described, Sarawak wants to be known for designing high-value tech products, not only hosting industrial projects. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Abang Johari spoke at the Tanjong Lobang College Alumni Association Charity Dinner in Kuching on July 11. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

You know that one building across the Sarawak River that every Kuching visitor ends up photographing? Yep, the big umbrella-shaped one. The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building, or DUN Sarawak, is not really a "walk inside and explore every room" kind of attraction. It is more like Kuching's postcard background: best enjoyed from the Waterfront, Darul Hana Bridge, the river taxi, or the opposite bank when the light hits nicely. [image: 1783822106313-dun-kuching-sign.jpg] Source: Pixnio / Maysam Yabandeh [image: 1783822106443-dun-river-day.jpg] Source: Pixnio / Maysam Yabandeh [image: 1783822106561-dun-flag-river.jpg] Source: Pixnio / Maysam Yabandeh [image: 1783822106703-dun-bridge-night.jpg] Source: Pixnio / Maysam Yabandeh What I like about it is the timing game. Daytime gives you the full shape, the Sarawak flag, and the river view. Sunset is when the roof starts to look warmer. At night, with the lights and reflection, it suddenly feels like the whole riverfront changed mood. A few visitor notes line up with that. Trip.com reviewers rate it 4.9/5 from 15 reviews and one visitor said it is visible from much of the city centre, beautiful in both day and night, but not open for casual public entry. Wanderlog also lists it as a 4.7/5 Google-rated spot from 245 reviews, with people highlighting the riverside setting, sunset view, Darul Hana Bridge connection, and the fact that it is more for admiring and photographing than wandering inside. DBKU's own page confirms it sits in Petra Jaya between The Astana and Fort Margherita, opened on 27 July 2009, and that the umbrella-like roof is one of Sarawak's iconic monuments. Small reality check: do not come expecting a museum visit. This is an active government building. The better plan is simple: walk the Waterfront, cross Darul Hana Bridge if you want the closer angle, take photos, then continue to Fort Margherita or Kampung Boyan for food. Quick tips: Best time: late afternoon, sunset, or after dark Best view: Kuching Waterfront, Darul Hana Bridge, or river taxi Entry: the outside view is the main experience; do not assume casual indoor access Nearby: The Astana, Fort Margherita, Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Photo tip: include the river or the bridge, otherwise the building looks a bit too flat in photos Sources checked: DBKU: https://dbku.sarawak.gov.my/page-0-418-413-tid.html Trip.com: https://www.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/kuching/sarawak-state-legislative-assembly-22864927/ Wanderlog: https://wanderlog.com/place/details/556159/sarawak-legislative-assembly-new-building Aki Media: https://akimedia.com.my/portfolio/sarawak-state-legislative-assembly/ Have you taken a better shot of DUN from the Waterfront, Darul Hana Bridge, or boat ride? Drop your angle. Kuching people always know the nicer photo spot.

[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?

A planned road network linking several Sarawak towns could bring the Kuching-Sibu drive down to about two hours. [image: 1783742633328-roads.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS What the route covers Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the network would link Sebuyau, Sri Aman, Lingga, Betong, Roban, Sarikei and Sibu. According to DayakDaily, he said the route would be around 212km, cutting about 140km from the current journey. Why it matters The Premier said the new links would connect Sibu more closely with Kuching and growth areas in Sri Aman and Betong. He also said Sibu would be connected to Tanjung Embang, where the state plans to develop an international airport and deep sea port, with the journey expected to take about one and a half hours. Location: Kuching-Sibu corridor via Sebuyau, Sri Aman, Lingga, Betong, Roban and Sarikei Details: Proposed new road network, about 212km route, possible 140km reduction Hot Score: 26/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A fire at an ice cream factory in Demak Laut Industrial Park spread to a neighbouring premises on Friday afternoon. [image: 1783677898926-demak-fire.jpg] Source: Bomba via The Borneo Post What happened The Fire and Rescue Department said the blaze involved a storage area for ice-cream powder before spreading to the rear of the factory and into a second nearby premises. Firefighters from the Tabuan Jaya and Petra Jaya fire stations were sent to the scene after Bomba received a distress call at 12.23pm on July 10. No casualties reported According to the report, no casualties were reported. Factory personnel managed to evacuate safely. The operation was still focused on extinguishing the blaze when the initial report was published. Location: Demak Laut Industrial Park, Kuching Details: Factory storage fire spread to a neighbouring premises; no casualties reported Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Police say four raids around Kuching and Padawan broke up a methamphetamine trafficking syndicate. [image: 1783677862593-drugs-raid.jpg] Source: PDRM via DayakDaily What happened Sarawak police said seven people were arrested after four raids were carried out around Kuching and Padawan on July 3 and 4. The seizures totalled 26,965.95 grams of suspected methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of RM1.35 million. Police said the amount could supply about 134,500 users. Where the raids happened The raids covered Jalan Matang, Jalan Batu Kawa, Jalan Setia Raja and Jalan Tabuan Tranquillity. Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspects were aged between 25 and 46. Police also seized a motorcycle and a car under the Dangerous Drugs Act. Investigation The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Location: Kuching and Padawan Details: 7 arrested, RM1.35 million in suspected methamphetamine seized Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783656355307-baram-longhouse-fire.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Bomba A longhouse fire in Baram left 10 residents homeless after five bilik were gutted early this morning. The fire happened at Rumah Hendry Gomes in Kampung Mission, Ulu Teru, Tinjar, Baram. The affected residents included three women and three children. What happened Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the distress call came in at about 2am. Firefighters from Lopeng and Lutong were sent to the scene, around 134km away. Because of hilly terrain, narrow roads and rocky access, the teams took more than four hours to reach the location. By the time they arrived, about 95% of the affected units had already been razed. Nearby residents helped fight the fire first using 36 fire extinguishers and buckets of water. No injuries were reported, and the displaced residents are staying with relatives. Initial findings suggest the fire may have been caused by faulty electrical wiring. Location: Kampung Mission, Ulu Teru, Tinjar, Baram Details: Five bilik razed; 10 residents affected; operation ended at 9.35am. Source: The Borneo Post Scary reminder for rural homes, especially wiring and access road issues. What do you think?

[image: 1783656318539-scsdu-award.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Service Sarawak picked up a regional award in Singapore after serving more than 3.4 million customers. The Sarawak Civil Service Digitalisation Unit, under the Department of the Premier of Sarawak, won the Malaysia Social Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year - Community category at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026. Why it matters The winning initiative, Service Sarawak, puts multiple government services under one access point through counters, digital channels and mobile services. According to SCSDU, it has handled over 5.5 million transactions, served more than 3.4 million customers, and recorded RM6.1 billion in collections across its channels. The unit also said service delivery time has been cut by up to 75%, with customer satisfaction staying above 97% over the past three years. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Award received in Singapore on July 9; report published July 10. Source: The Borneo Post For people who use government counters often, this one actually affects daily life. What do you think?

[image: 1783645490067-tebedu.jpg] Construction has started on the RM5 million Dataran Mutiara Tebedu project, a new public square planned for the border town. The Borneo Post reported that the project is funded by the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) and is scheduled for completion by Oct 10, 2027. What Tebedu will get The project will include an open-air stage with modern facilities, an agricultural produce trading area and retail stalls. Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada said the town had long needed a proper venue for major community programmes and public gatherings. He said the project is expected to support local economic activity and give residents a proper focal point for events. Location: Tebedu, Serian Division Details: Site handover was carried out by the Public Works Department (JKR) Serian to the appointed contractor on Wednesday. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783645436038-taska-baby.jpeg] A three-month-old baby suffered a broken arm at a Kuching childcare centre that had allegedly been told to stop operating last year. The case has raised fresh questions over taska licensing and child safety in Kuching. According to DayakDaily, Michael Kong, special assistant to DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, said the centre was allegedly ordered by the Welfare Department to cease operations after failing to meet licensing requirements, including caregiver-child ratio and premises standards. What happened The baby was reportedly injured while attending the childcare centre. Kong said the person caring for the baby had since been charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act, so he would not comment further on the court process. He said if the taska had continued operating despite the earlier directive, it would raise serious concerns about compliance and enforcement. Location: Kuching Details: The Welfare Department had allegedly ordered the taska to stop operating last year over licensing issues. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

This weekend in Kuching is quite active, especially if you like runs, family outings, and kampung-style events. Here are a few picks for 10-12 July 2026: [image: 1783641784297-regatta-sejijak.jpg] Source: TVS / Regatta Sejijak 2026 Regatta Sejijak 2026 Time: 10-12 July 2026 Place: Kampung Sejijak, Kuching A nice one if you want something with local flavour. Expect river racing, kampung crowd, and that lively regatta atmosphere by the water. Good for photos and a casual jalan-jalan with family. [image: 1783641784361-kuching-dental-run.jpg] Source: TVS / Kuching Dental 3KM/5KM Fun Run 2026 Kuching Dental 3KM/5KM Fun Run 2026 Time: 11 July 2026, morning Place: MBKS Kuching For those who want to start Saturday with a bit of sweat, this one combines a 3KM/5KM run with health and dental awareness activities. Family-friendly, not too hardcore. [image: 1783641784421-miracle-mile.jpg] Source: Ticket2U / Miracle Mile 2026 Miracle Mile 2026 Time: 11 July 2026, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM Place: LODGE National Secondary School, Tabuan Desa Another Saturday morning run, but with a more school-community feel. If you are around Tabuan side, this is a convenient one to join or support. TPH Open Day 2026 Time: 11 July 2026, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Place: The NorthBank, Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, Tabuan Jaya For parents checking out school options, Tunku Putra-HELP School is having an open day. Good chance to walk around, ask questions, and see the campus setup without pressure. [image: 1783641784669-seal-run.jpg] Source: HeyJom / SEAL RUN Kuching Edition 2026 SEAL RUN 2026 - Kuching Edition Time: 12 July 2026, 6:30 AM onwards Place: Aeroville Mall Kuching Sunday morning plan sorted. There is a 3KM fun walk and 5KM fun run, so it works even if you just want a light activity before breakfast. Quick tip: double-check the organiser page before going, especially for registration, parking, and weather updates. Which one are you going this weekend?

The Kuching-Sibu drive could become much shorter once Sarawak's coastal road network is fully completed. [image: 1783591436761-road.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS What changes Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said eight road projects under the Sarawak Second Trunk Road and Coastal Road Network will cut the Kuching-Sibu distance by 144km. When the full network is ready, motorists would travel about 252km between Kuching and Sibu, compared with 396km via the Pan Borneo Highway. The projects cover major links through Samarahan, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Lingga, Sri Aman, Betong and Roban, with a combined investment of RM3.21 billion. Location: Kuching-Sibu coastal corridor, covering Samarahan, Betong and Sri Aman divisions Details: Several packages have target completion dates between September 2026 and 2030. Batang Lupar 1 Bridge is one key part of the wider network. Uggah said the route is expected to improve connectivity, reduce logistics costs and open more economic opportunities for communities along the coastal corridor. Source: DayakDaily For people who often travel Kuching-Sibu, this one really matters. What do you think?

A 40-year-old man alleged to be a senior Geng 24 Hung Hung member has claimed trial in Kuching over firearm and ammunition charges. [image: 1783591399959-geng.jpg] Source: DayakDaily What happened The accused pleaded not guilty today before the Sessions Court and two Magistrates' Courts in Kuching. The main charge involves alleged possession of a black Stoeger automatic shotgun without a valid licence or permit. If convicted under the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, he could face up to 14 years in jail and up to six strokes of the cane. He also faces six separate charges involving 120 rounds of ammunition under the Arms Act 1960. Location: Kuching Court Complex / Lorong Durian Burung, Taman Daya Details: The alleged offences were said to have happened at about 2.30am on April 15. Case management dates were fixed for July 23 and Aug 6. The court granted RM9,000 bail with two local sureties for each set of ammunition charges, but the accused remains in custody because of an earlier remand linked to a separate organised crime charge. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783559031764-airborneo-fare-resized.jpg] AirBorneo says its RM375 Kuching-Kuala Lumpur fare is all-in, after some travellers said the price still feels high. AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Aminuddin said the fare was set after comparing the lowest average fares offered on the Kuala Lumpur-Kuching route over the past six months, plus last year's average lowest fares. He said the RM375 price includes airport tax, 23kg checked baggage, 10kg cabin baggage, meals and seat selection. What passengers get The airline said some cheaper-looking fares from other carriers may only show the base fare first, before add-ons such as baggage or meals. Megat Ardian said AirBorneo wants to help keep fares between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia more stable, because high ticket prices were one of the biggest public concerns before the airline launched. The fare is available for travel until March 27, 2027. AirBorneo will watch booking demand and competitor pricing before deciding how long to keep it. Rural flights also being reviewed AirBorneo is also working on reliability for its Rural Air Services network after recent disruptions. The airline currently uses 14 turboprop aircraft for RAS flights: eight ATR 72-500s and six Twin Otters. It carries about 60,000 to 70,000 passengers a month on the network. Megat Ardian said lower-demand rural routes may be consolidated to give aircraft more maintenance time, but he said this does not mean routes will be closed. Location: Kuching / Sarawak air routes Details: RM375 all-in Kuching-Kuala Lumpur fare; RAS schedule review expected after talks with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/07/08/airborneo-defends-rm375-kuching-kl-promo-fare-following-public-feedback/ What do you think?

[image: 1783492441386-batu-kawa-parks.jpeg] Batu Kawa is getting 10 neighbourhood park projects, with RM3.82 million set aside for new and upgraded recreational spaces. The projects started in April and are expected to be completed by February next year. They are being carried out under the Sarawak government's Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), through Padawan Municipal Council (MPP). What is being built The works include new parks, upgrades and maintenance at existing facilities. The areas listed are Taman Genesis, Taman Moyan, Taman Highfield, Taman Desa Wira, Jalan Carina Estate, Jalan Batu Kawa Lorong 3, Taman Phoenix Batu Kawa, Jalan RPR Batu Kawa, Taman San Chin and Taman Vision Land. Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the projects are moving according to schedule. Another park planned at GOF Batu Kawa Dr Sim also said a new community recreational park is planned at the General Operations Force (GOF) Batu Kawa along Jalan Field Force. That project has a ceiling allocation of RM900,000. MPP is now finalising the paperwork before it goes to public tender. Location: Batu Kawa, Kuching Details: 10 neighbourhood park projects, RM3.82 million allocation, expected completion by February 2027 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/10-park-projects-worth-rm3-82-mln-to-enhance-recreation-in-batu-kawa/ What do you think?

[image: 1783472671494-sejingkat-bridge.jpg] Sejingkat Bridge is now 94% complete and could open earlier than planned this October. The 1.2km bridge is being positioned as a major new link for Kuching and Sarawak's Second Trunk Road network. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said the project is about one per cent ahead of schedule. The original completion date was October 22, but the remaining works are now mainly focused on road approaches at Sejingkat and Tanjung Bako. Why it matters Once completed, the bridge is expected to handle about 15,000 vehicles a day. It will connect Sejingkat, Kuching to the wider Second Trunk Road network, giving travellers from coastal and interior areas a stronger route into Kuching. The project is also tied to future plans around Tanjung Embang, including the proposed new Kuching airport and deep-sea port. Location: Sejingkat, Kuching / Tanjung Bako Details: 1.2km bridge, 94% complete, early October 2026 target, estimated 15,000 vehicles daily Source: https://dayakdaily.com/sejingkat-bridge-nears-completion-at-94-pct-expected-to-open-ahead-of-schedule-this-oct/ What do you think?

A brand new Type 2 health clinic in Tabuan Jaya is set to open on July 20, offering services to up to 1,000 patients daily. [image: 1783404176163-tabuan-jaya-clinic.jpg] The RM24 million facility, announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, will serve patients from Tabuan Jaya, Samarahan (up to Unimas), and Stutong areas. Services Available Outpatient & emergency care Maternal & child health Dental, pharmacy, radiology, lab Physiotherapy & occupational therapy Psychology, nutrition & dietetics Parking Concerns Dr Sim noted the clinic only has about 100 parking spaces despite serving up to 1,000 patients and employing 179 staff — something to keep in mind when visiting. The clinic (Lot 19351, Block 11, Muara Tebas Land District) is the second Type 2 clinic in Sarawak after Petra Jaya. It was originally supposed to be completed in June 2024 but was delayed due to additional Fire Department requirements. Location: Tabuan Jaya, Kuching Details: 179 personnel, 800-1,000 patients daily Source: DayakDaily Kuching folks — will you be using this clinic?

GPS says no candidates have been decided for the upcoming Sarawak election yet — social media posts naming possible candidates are not official. KUCHING, July 6 — Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has come out to clarify that no potential candidates have been decided for the upcoming Sarawak State Election, following social media posts circulating names of purported candidates. GPS spokesman and PBB information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the posts have caused confusion among party leadership and supporters. He stressed that the individuals named have not been endorsed by the coalition. "Recently, there have been a few postings on social media on personalities purportedly proposed as GPS candidates for the upcoming Sarawak State Elections. "In this regard, GPS wishes to clarify that no potential candidates have been decided by the coalition of Sarawak governing party," he said in a statement. However, GPS expressed appreciation for the public attention, viewing it as a sign of support. [image: 1783386121022-gps-logo.jpeg] Details: GPS clarifies no candidates decided for upcoming state election after unverified social media claims Source: DayakDaily What do you think?