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.

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

A two-hectare forest fire at Samunsam Forest Reserve in Lundu was extinguished after a five-day operation. The blaze was detected on Aug 20. Firefighters from Lundu station used a forest-fire pump, a 500-foot hose line and water from a nearby river to put out the remaining 0.1 hectare, with the operation ending at 4.09pm on Aug 24. Drone monitoring by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation had estimated the affected area at about two hectares. The operation also involved the Forestry Corporation, the Department of Environment and the Natural Resources and Environment Board. The fire is now reported as extinguished, but the public updates did not state its cause or mention injuries or evacuations. That distinction matters while Sarawak is dealing with poor air quality: residents should check the latest APIMS reading instead of assuming that every haze reading is linked to this site. Do not enter a restricted or remote forest area to investigate smoke; call 999 if an active fire is spotted. The next point to watch is whether agency monitoring detects any re-ignition.

A RM2.34 million project will widen the traffic-light junction linking Jalan Ling Kai Cheng and Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah in Sibu. The work covers about 200 metres and is expected to begin in September, taking roughly four months. The existing two-lane junction will be reconfigured to handle through traffic, right turns and U-turns, with the aim of reducing queues heading towards Jalan Teku and vehicles turning into Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah. A separate RM350,000 upgrade will also cover 500 metres of Jalan Lilin and is expected to take one to two months if weather conditions hold. For Sibu commuters, the likely trade-off is short-term disruption before the junction becomes easier to use. Most work is planned for the afternoon and night, when traffic is lighter, but the exact start date and temporary lane arrangements have not yet been announced. Motorists should slow down near the work area and allow extra time once construction signs appear. The next useful update will be the local authority's traffic arrangement for the September start.

500km of Kakus logging roads earmarked for upgrades About 500km of logging roads in interior Kakus has been identified for phased upgrading, with the aim of improving access for communities that still lack reliable road connectivity. The roads named in the latest update include Jalan Penyarai, Jalan Sungai Muput, the route to Ulu Kakus, Jalan Sangan–Nanga Merit and Jalan Nanga Takan. The figure is part of roughly 5,700km of logging roads across Sarawak identified for upgrading. This is an identification and planning update, not a promise that all 500km will be rebuilt at once. The works are expected to be phased because of cost and difficult interior terrain; no start dates, tender packages or completion targets for the five routes were announced in the update. For people travelling in Kakus, the practical point is to expect uneven conditions to remain while each phase is prepared. Smaller repairs are already being supported through Rural Transformation Project allocations, but residents and transport operators should check JKR Sarawak’s tender and road notices and allow extra time on rural routes until work notices are issued. The eventual test will be which route enters construction first and whether access remains passable during the works. Location: Kakus interior, Tatau Division

Padawan’s Biya villages may get a new treated-water system A treated-water system has been proposed for the Biya area in Padawan after recurring dry-season shortages hit villages that still rely on gravity-fed supplies. The proposed intake and treatment setup would be based in Kampung Sapit, which was identified as having a more reliable water source during dry periods. The plan could serve Kampung Nusa Raya, Kamas, Kiding, Kakas, Parang, Assum, Jaber and Sapit, with possible extension to a nearby PGA camp, SK Kambug and other villages. This is a proposal, not a live project yet. The larger treated-water project for the Biya area was reported as approved in 2017 with RM270 million, but its implementation has been delayed; the latest update did not confirm a contractor, construction start date or final connection list. For residents, that distinction matters: the plan may offer a backup while waiting for the long-delayed project, but it does not mean treated water is arriving immediately. JBALB handles rural water supply in Sarawak, so households should follow its Bau/Padawan notices for current interruptions and wait for a formal tender or construction update before making plans around the proposed system. Location: Biya area, Padawan

Kuching's Air Pollutant Index (API) reading reached 175 at 8am on Aug 24, putting the city in the unhealthy range. Five Sarawak locations recorded unhealthy readings at 8am: Serian (189), Kuching (175), Samarahan (170), Sri Aman (158) and Bintulu (108). Kuching's reading was 175, down slightly from 177 at 4pm on Sunday. An API reading of 101–200 is classed as unhealthy, while 201–300 is very unhealthy. These are 8am readings, not a live noon update, so check the latest official reading before planning outdoor activities. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) distributed face masks at Kenyalang Market and Sungai Apong Market on Aug 23. Children, senior citizens and people sensitive to poor air quality should cut down unnecessary outdoor activity, wear a suitable mask, stay hydrated and seek medical attention if they have breathing difficulty. For people who must go outdoors, the useful detail is fit: a well-sealed N95, KN95 or KF94 offers better particle protection than a loose face covering. Children, older people and anyone with asthma or heart or lung conditions should keep outdoor exertion down while the reading remains unhealthy. [image: 1787544504900-20260824-haze.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / MBKS

Kuching is finally set to get its own velodrome, with construction targeted to begin in 2027. Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state has identified a site for the proposed Sarawak Velodrome Centre. The project has also been briefed to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The update came after Sarawak cyclist Adib Andhar Andan won the men’s keirin at SUKMA XXII in Nilai on Aug 22. Afif Darwysh Mohamad had earlier won Sarawak’s individual time-trial gold, giving the state a historic cycling double. Sarawak’s cyclists currently have to travel to Peninsular Malaysia and wait for available training slots. A home velodrome would give the state a permanent base for track-cycling programmes and athlete development. For now, this is still a planned project. The current update confirms the site has been identified and construction is targeted for next year, but no project cost, exact location or tender timeline has been announced. A site and construction target are important first steps, but the cost, tender and exact location still need to be made public before athletes can plan around a working venue. [image: 1787479751313-velodrome-kuching.jpg] Source: UKAS via DayakDaily

Schools in 10 Sarawak education districts will reopen as usual on Aug 24 after API readings improved. The Sarawak State Education Department said the districts are Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong. The decision was based on readings recorded at 10am on Aug 23 through the Department of Environment’s APIMS system. Schools were reminded to keep monitoring local conditions. Outdoor student activities must be suspended when the API reading goes above 100. Schools in affected areas must close immediately if the reading exceeds 200, while teachers and staff do not need to report if it goes above 500. The reopening remains subject to readings staying below 200. Temporary closures can still be ordered based on recommendations from the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee. Students are advised to wear masks, drink enough water and avoid prolonged exposure to hot or hazy conditions. Schools can check the official APIMS portal and the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak for updates. Because these readings are tied to 2026-08-23, parents should check the latest APIMS update and their school's notice before making plans for attendance or outdoor activities. A reopening is not a permanent all-clear if the API rises again. [image: 1787458078641-sarawak-schools-reopen-haze.jpg]

Kuching is set for its biggest private healthcare expansion in more than a decade, with at least RM1.45 billion in committed investment. Three new hospitals are moving ahead: Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching by Singapore-based HMI Medical, Gleneagles Hospital Kuching by IHH Healthcare, and Gardens Medical Centre by local developer Timber Land Group. Existing operators are expanding too. Borneo Medical Centre is adding 250 beds to its current 80, with the expansion expected to receive patients in the first quarter of 2028. Gleneagles will have 200 beds and an investment of about RM400 million. Regency will have 300 beds, with more than RM400 million for the hospital and RM50 million set aside for workforce development over five years. It is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs when it opens in 2029. By 2030, Kuching is projected to have more than 2,000 hospital beds across the public and private sectors. The growth is being driven by local demand, an ageing population and medical tourism — Sarawak received 104,106 medical tourists in 2025, including 91,688 in Kuching. The update is still developing; residents should rely on the next confirmed notice rather than treat an early announcement as final. [image: 1787458066048-kuching-healthcare-2026.png]

Kuching’s private healthcare map is about to change — with at least RM1.45 billion committed to new hospitals and major expansions. Kuching has gone more than a decade without a new private hospital. That is set to change with three projects: Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching at The Northbank, Gleneagles Hospital Kuching at Batu Lintang, and Gardens Medical Centre at Kota Sentosa. Existing operators are also expanding. Borneo Medical Centre is adding 250 beds to its existing 80, while Normah Medical Specialist Centre and KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital are increasing capacity. By 2030, Kuching is expected to have more than 2,000 hospital beds, roughly split between private and public facilities. BMC’s RM350 million extension is expected to start receiving patients in the first quarter of 2028. Gleneagles’ 200-bed hospital carries about RM400 million in investment. Regency’s 300-bed hospital is expected to open in 2029 and create more than 1,000 jobs. Gardens Medical Centre has an initial construction budget of RM300 million. The push is being driven by local demand, an ageing population and medical tourism. Sarawak recorded 104,106 medical tourists in 2025, with 91,688 visiting Kuching. The investment and future bed count indicate a change in capacity, not that every new service is open today. Patients should continue checking each hospital's official opening, specialist and appointment information instead of assuming a project announcement changes current treatment options. [image: 1787447261289-kuching-private-healthcare.png]

One man died after a car and lorry collided along the Bintulu–Samalaju Coastal Road this morning. A team from the Kidurong Fire and Rescue Station was called to the crash at about 8.41am. Firefighters found the driver trapped in the Proton Preve. He was extricated using rescue tools and handed to Ministry of Health personnel, who confirmed his death at the scene. The operation ended at 10am after Bomba secured the area. 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: 1787393638309-20260822-bintulu-crash-borneo.jpg] Source: Bomba photo via The Borneo Post

Kuching pharmacists are urging the public to use well-fitting, high-filtration masks as haze worsens. SHiNE Pharmacy chief pharmacist Christina Wong said N95 and KN95 respirators offer better protection from fine particles than loose-fitting surgical masks. Song Plaza Caring Pharmacy pharmacist Wendy Tsai also recommended KF94 masks, which are available in adult and children’s sizes. Both pharmacists stressed that fit matters. Parents were advised to keep young children indoors when air quality is poor, while older people and those with asthma or chronic lung conditions should take extra care outdoors. For people who must go outdoors, the useful detail is fit: a well-sealed N95, KN95 or KF94 offers better particle protection than a loose face covering. Children, older people and anyone with asthma or heart or lung conditions should keep outdoor exertion down while the reading remains unhealthy. [image: 1787360697074-kuching-haze-mask.jpg]

A factory along Semaba Road in Mile 5 was destroyed by fire on Friday evening, while nearby houses were damaged. The Fire and Rescue Department received the emergency call at 5.22pm and reached the scene at 5.35pm. Firefighters from Kota Sentosa, Batu Lintang, Tabuan Jaya and Siburan worked to stop the flames from spreading to a neighbouring factory. The two-storey semi-permanent factory was completely destroyed. Several nearby houses, including workers' quarters, were damaged. The fire was brought under control at 6.40pm. A total of 34 firefighters and officers were deployed. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still being investigated. 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: 1787360685976-semaba-factory-fire.jpeg]

The RM150 million remedial project for the Sungai Sarawak barrage had still not received final implementation approval as of Aug 20, despite the federal allocation being announced in March. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin raised the delay after a site briefing on riverbed scouring near the barrage. The federal government announced RM150 million on March 13, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) was named implementing agency, and DID Sarawak later submitted the latest proposal to DID Malaysia for consideration and approval. Allocation, approval and construction are three different stages. A budget announcement does not mean a contractor has started work. At that point, the proposal was still moving through the approval process, which is why the minister called for it to be accelerated. The barrage has operated since Dec 1, 1997 as part of the Sungai Sarawak Regulation Scheme. Its five radial gates, navigation shiplock and bridge support flood mitigation, river-level management and navigation around Kuching. No closure or immediate public emergency was announced. The issue is planned remedial work for continued safe and reliable operation. The next facts worth watching are final approval, tender or contractor appointment, scope of works and the construction timetable. 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: 1787276043889-barrage.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily

A 22-year-old Kuching man has been fined RM10,000 after his bank account was used to receive scam money. The Magistrates' Court fined Dominic Unya Dunggat RM10,000, or three months' jail in default, after he pleaded guilty under Section 424C(1) of the Penal Code. The court heard that a victim transferred RM10,000 in three payments after receiving a WhatsApp call from someone claiming to be a relative from China who asked for a loan. Investigators later found that Dominic had handed his bank card to a longtime friend. The three transfers, made on July 25, 2025, were RM4,950, RM4,950 and RM100. The safest response is to stop, verify through an independent number and keep the evidence. Do not lend out a bank account or move money to a so-called safe account.

Haze is keeping 591 Sarawak schools closed on Aug 21. The Sarawak Education Department said the temporary closure took effect on Aug 20 and will continue tomorrow, Aug 21, after unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings were recorded at 3pm. The order affects 509 primary schools with 107,590 pupils and 82 secondary schools with 89,733 students. The 10 affected district education offices cover Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong. Schools have been told to monitor readings through the Department of Environment's APIMS system and follow Ministry of Health advice. Any further update will be announced by the department. Because these readings are tied to 2026-08-20, parents should check the latest APIMS update and their school's notice before making plans for attendance or outdoor activities. A reopening is not a permanent all-clear if the API rises again. [image: 1787220315028-haze-chimon-20260820.jpg]

Pending Port handled about 217,500 tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2026, down from about 764,800 tonnes during the same period last year, figures cited by DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen show. Chong, who is also Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman, said the drop raised questions about restrictions on ships with an air draft exceeding 26 metres after the Sejingkat Bridge came into operation. Roll-on/roll-off cargo, mainly vehicles, fell from about 380,000 tonnes involving 27,347 vehicles in the first half of 2025 to 2,435 tonnes involving 15 vehicles this year. He said cargo had shifted to Senari Port, where throughput rose from about 3.46 million tonnes to 4.12 million tonnes. Chong claimed the shift had caused congestion, longer vessel waiting times and cargo deliveries into Kuching taking one to two weeks longer. Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas said Pending Port remained fully operational. Kuching Port Authority general manager Robert Lau said Pending Terminal was being repositioned to handle suitable domestic cargo, while Senari handles vessels requiring greater clearance. KPA recorded 179 ship calls and about 217,600 tonnes at Pending between January and June 2026. Changes in port handling can affect vessel waiting times and delivery schedules even when a terminal remains operational. Businesses moving cargo into Kuching should confirm the latest arrangement with the port authority rather than rely on a single political claim or an old estimate. [image: 1787198909240-pending-port-20260820.gif]

Urgent excavation has been ordered at Kuching’s Sg Apong Fishery Wharf to improve access for fishing boats. Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin directed the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) to speed up excavation works after visiting the wharf with Ministry of Transport Sarawak officers on Aug 19. The works will remove sedimentation near the wharf and clear a wreck that is affecting river access. Fishermen had also asked for the river channel to be deepened and trees near the wharf to be cleared. The Sungai Apong fishing association submitted its official application on Aug 5. Fishermen said shallow water and poor access have made it harder for boats to reach and berth at the wharf. Lee said the works are needed to make daily operations smoother for the fishing community. Changes in port handling can affect vessel waiting times and delivery schedules even when a terminal remains operational. Businesses moving cargo into Kuching should confirm the latest arrangement with the port authority rather than rely on a single political claim or an old estimate. [image: 1787187933338-sg-apong-wharf.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily