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?

Drivers using the Bintulu Airport Junction-Sungai Sibiu No.1 route will face night-time half-road closures from today until Aug 13. [image: 1783904717278-bintulu-road-closure.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak JKR Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) says the closure is for road resurfacing works along Route 1/61A and Route 1/62A. The works will run daily from 7pm to 5am at several points, including KM711, KM715, KM716 and KM718. What drivers should know JKR says the resurfacing works are meant to improve road safety, driving comfort and traffic flow. Road users are advised to slow down, follow traffic signs, and listen to traffic management personnel at the work areas. Location: Bintulu Airport Junction-Sungai Sibiu No.1 route Details: Temporary half-road closure from July 13 to Aug 13, 2026, nightly from 7pm to 5am. Source: DayakDaily If you use this stretch at night, better plan a bit of extra time. 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?

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 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?