Court of Appeal unanimously dismisses Chong Chieng Jen's appeal over 2013 'RM11 billion black hole' remarks — damages bumped from RM150,000 to RM300,000. The three-judge panel also allowed the Sarawak government's cross-appeal, bringing the total payable in damages and costs to RM500,000. The case stems from a 2013 statement where Chong claimed RM11 billion from the Sarawak Treasury had "disappeared into a black hole." The High Court found him liable for defamation in 2022, ruling the remarks suggested lack of transparency in state financial management. Chong's lawyer Michael Kong had argued for a retrial, saying the original judge wrongly blocked a subpoena for former second finance minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. But the appeal court rejected that argument. Breakdown of costs: RM300,000 in damages (doubled from RM150,000) RM50,000 for original costs RM100,000 for dismissed appeal costs RM50,000 for cross-appeal costs [image: 1783058785489-chong-bhole-appeal.jpg] Location: Court of Appeal, Putrajaya Details: Chong Chieng Jen (DAP Sarawak chairman / Stampin MP) v Sarawak Government & Sarawak Financial Authority Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching police bust a major drug operation — 1,192 cannabis vape cartridges worth over half a million ringgit seized, 14 suspects arrested. [image: 1783040552356-kuching-cannabis-vape.jpg] Date: June 30, 2026 (announced July 2) Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed the Sarawak NCID conducted two raids on the same day. First raid (11.30am): House along Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim 14 suspects arrested — 12 men, 2 women, aged 24-48 95g of syabu (methamphetamine) seized, valued at RM10,487 Second raid (6.45pm): Lorong Setia Raja — follow-up based on intel from first raid 1,192 vape cartridges containing liquid cannabis uncovered Cartridges were hidden inside plastic bags labelled with fruit names Street value: RM531,113 Total weight: 2,980 grammes Suspects: 13 tested positive for amphetamine-type substances 12 have prior drug-related offences All remanded under Section 39B of Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 Conviction carries mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment + minimum 12 strokes ACP Alexson praised public cooperation and urged anyone with information to contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222 or Sarawak NCID at 017-592 9211. Big numbers, bigger message — police aren't messing around with drug trafficking in Kuching. What do you think? Should the penalties be tougher? Source: DayakDaily

Hey Kuching! Here's what's happening around town this weekend (July 3-5): [image: 1783038647217-kuching-weekend-july-2026.jpg] 1. Move For Gold 2026 — Fitness & Charity Weekend The Hills & Pullman Kuching Fri 3 Jul - Sun 5 Jul A three-day fitness, wellness and fundraising event for Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS)! Packed with activities: Fri: Fitness & Wellness Festival @ Pullman Kuching Sat: GoBald 2026 (head shave for charity) + CrossFit Challenge Sun: Mini Jungle Warrior Challenge, Golden Loop 5KM Charity Run & SCCS 25th Anniversary Dinner Come show your support for children and families affected by childhood cancer 2. Busy Goose Market 3.0 The Hills Fri 3 - Sun 5 Jul, all day Great food, local crafts, artisanal goods — happening as part of Move For Gold. Perfect for a weekend family outing! 3. Hoan Gallery — 'Under Sarawak Skies' Preview Exhibition La Promenade Mall (Hoan Gallery) Ongoing (preview) Artworks by 16 artists from Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand, capturing Sarawak's landscapes and culture. Free entry! 4. Satok Weekend Market Jalan Satok Sat 4 Jul & Sun 5 Jul (early morning till noon) Classic Kuching weekend ritual! Fresh local produce, exotic fruits, traditional snacks, and a true taste of Sarawak life. Don't miss the fresh laksa and kolo mee noodles 5. Kuching Waterfront Evening Stroll Kuching Waterfront Every evening Grab some street food, enjoy the river breeze and watch the sunset over the Sarawak River. The perfect way to wind down your weekend. Which one are you checking out this weekend? Let us know in the comments! #kuching #sarawak #weekend #events #thingstodo #kuchingweekend #moveforgold2026 #sccs #charity

MBKS says it's had enough — critics keep recycling false claims about the council's finances despite repeated clarifications. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng today warned that the council will not hesitate to pursue legal action against individuals or organisations that continue spreading false or defamatory allegations about MBKS's financial management. [image: 1782972171737-mbks-sue.jpg] He accused certain political figures of deliberately using selective financial data to tarnish MBKS's image and create public distrust. Wee stressed that critics had failed to distinguish between operational revenue and restricted funds such as government grants, which are legally earmarked for specific purposes. The council continues investing in roads, drainage, flood mitigation, public health, waste management, parks, and Smart City initiatives. Major drainage and road projects requiring millions are implemented in phases under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Wee said criticism could be constructive if presented fairly, but rejected repeated attempts to distort facts after the council had already provided public explanations via Facebook Live and newspaper reports. Location: MBKS Building, Kuching Details: Wee Hong Seng — Mayor of Kuching South (MBKS) Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called for the immediate termination of the Sansols foreign worker platform, claiming a single private company has collected an estimated RM200 million annually from Sarawak employers. Speaking today, the DAP Sarawak chairman said the Sarawak government's Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) via the Sansols platform has created unnecessary costs and red tape for businesses. Chong revealed that the Ministry of Human Resources confirmed Sansols was made compulsory by the Sarawak government in January 2025 for all foreign worker applications in the state. Other states in Malaysia do not require a similar system. "The modus operandi was kept very secretive until it was finally exposed by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong in the recent DUN Sitting in May that all payments go to one private company," he said. With an estimated 130,000 foreign workers in Sarawak, Chong calculated that at RM1,800 per worker, the company could have collected about RM200 million in a single year. Describing it as "an abuse of our immigration autonomy", he urged the state government to disclose the identity of the company operating Sansols and explain how it was selected. He called for Sansols to be abolished and the previous free-of-charge MSEN system to be reinstated. [image: 1782954437699-stampin-fwta.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Sansols platform mandated for all foreign worker applications since Jan 2025; Chong claims RM200m/year flows to one secretive private company Source: The Borneo Post What do you think — should Sansols be scrapped?

Sarawak has clocked a GDP per capita of RM73,757 in 2025, comfortably above the national average of RM59,167. The latest numbers from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) show Sarawak is punching above its weight economically — joining KL, Putrajaya, Labuan, Penang and Selangor as states that beat the national average. [image: 1782885725943-sarawak-gdp-2025.jpg] By the numbers Sarawak's total GDP hit RM153.5 billion, growing 3.6% from 2024 Services sector led the charge, up 5.4% — driven by wholesale & retail trade, F&B, accommodation, utilities, transport, storage and ICT Agriculture grew 4.3%, thanks to higher oil palm production Mining & quarrying rose 2.7%, supported by natural gas output Manufacturing was flat at 0.1% National GDP expanded 5.2% to RM1.74 trillion, with Construction being the fastest-growing sector nationwide at 12.2%. Where Sarawak stands Despite growing at a more moderate 3.6%, Sarawak remains one of Malaysia's most economically significant states. Alongside KL, Johor and Penang, Sarawak accounted for a big chunk of the country's total economic output. Chief Statistician Dato' Sri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that all states recorded positive growth in 2025, reflecting a resilient economic environment despite global uncertainties. DOSM added that Malaysia's 2026 outlook stays positive — Q1 2026 already shows 5.4% GDP growth and a record-high 70.8% labour force participation. Location: Sarawak Details: DOSM State GDP Report 2025, released July 1, 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Batu Kitang water treatment plant getting a massive RM138.9 million upgrade — capacity to double from 100MLD to 200MLD by end of this year. The project, which has reached 67% completion, will significantly boost water supply for Kuching Division, Samarahan Division, and surrounding areas. Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the upgrade will also help fix recurring low water pressure issues in fast-growing areas like Stakan and Samarindah. [image: 1782867814687-batu-kitang-plant.jpg] Scope of works includes: Upgrading treatment processes (flocculation, sedimentation, filtration) SCADA automation system upgrade New treated water storage tank and pumping station Enhanced raw water intake system at Sarawak River The upgraded facility will also benefit parts of Samarahan including Sungai Mata and Tanjung Parang, plus areas under JBALB's rural water distribution system. Location: Batu Kitang, Kuching Details: RM138.9 million upgrade, 67% complete, targets completion by end of 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Released prisoner re-offends within months — 24-year-old Muhamad Syafik jailed 17 years plus 30 months, 14 strokes for gang robbery, snatch theft and vandalism across Kuching. Muhamad Syafik, who was out under the Prisoners' Licensed Release (PBSL) programme, pleaded guilty to four charges in separate Sessions and Magistrates' Courts yesterday (June 29). [image: 1782799567373-prison-cell.jpg] His most serious offence: robbing a 64-year-old woman outside a pharmacy at Taman BDC, Jalan Stampin on June 11. He and his accomplice Nik Farris, 28, took her smartphone, IC and two ATM cards. Both got 10 years + 7 strokes under Section 395 of the Penal Code. In a separate case, Syafik snatched a handbag from a 43-year-old woman along Jalan Green Hill on May 6 — sentenced to 7 years + 7 strokes. He also faced two mischief charges: splashing petrol on a victim's house at Jalan Menggeris on March 16, and splashing red paint on the same gate on April 4. He got 18 months and 12 months respectively. All sentences run consecutively. Syafik was unrepresented. Location: Taman BDC (Jalan Stampin), Jalan Green Hill, Jalan Menggeris — Kuching Details: 24-year-old PBSL prisoner re-offends — gang robbery, snatch theft, vandalism — total 17 years + 30 months + 14 strokes Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching High Court has sentenced a 16-year-old boy to six years in prison after overturning an earlier order that sent him to Henry Gurney School for a crash that claimed five lives. The teenager, who was unlicensed, was behind the wheel of a Proton Saga when it collided with another vehicle along Jalan Stutong Baru on January 14, 2026. Five people aged between 16 and 42 were killed. [image: 1782781445352-kuching-court-teen-crash.jpg] The Magistrates' Court had initially ordered the boy to be detained at Henry Gurney School until age 21, but the prosecution appealed — arguing the sentence was too lenient given the gravity of the offence and the rising number of fatal crashes involving underage drivers. Judicial Commissioner Datuk Faridz Gohim Abdullah agreed, setting aside the Henry Gurney order and imposing a six-year prison sentence from June 16, 2025. The court also ordered that the teen be segregated from adult inmates. The boy had pleaded guilty to reckless driving causing death and driving without a valid licence. On top of the criminal case, his father was fined RM15,000 and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service for failing to supervise his son properly. Location: Jalan Stutong Baru, Kuching ️ Outcome: 6 years' imprisonment (overturned from Henry Gurney School detention) Father's penalty: RM15,000 fine + 100 hours community service Source: DayakDaily What do you think — was the High Court right to overturn the lighter sentence?

A pre-dawn fire in Tabuan Hilir destroyed six homes and damaged a seventh on June 28, leaving 44 residents from six families without a place to stay. The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department received the call at 3.41am and reached the scene four minutes later. Twenty-eight firefighters from Tabuan Jaya, Padungan and Batu Lintang stations responded with five vehicles. The fire was brought under control at 4.44am and the operation ended at 7.08am. [image: 1782626507371-tabuan-hilir-fire-1.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily Six non-permanent houses were completely destroyed, while another was about 30 per cent damaged. Three motorcycles were also lost. Everyone escaped safely and no injuries or deaths were reported. [image: 1782626507482-tabuan-hilir-fire-2.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily What was confirmed — and what was not The 44 affected residents included children, but the published reports did not provide a public list of the families or an official donation account. The cause of the fire and estimated losses were still under investigation when the reports were published. Anyone wanting to help should verify requests through the village or community leadership, the Welfare Department or another clearly identified organiser before transferring money. Photos and account numbers forwarded without a named coordinator should not be treated as verified appeals. This article records the June 28 incident; it is not a live emergency alert. Location: Tabuan Hilir, Kuching Impact: Six houses destroyed, one damaged; 44 residents affected Casualties: None reported Sources: DayakDaily · The Borneo Post

Sabah and Sarawak have agreed to formalise cross-regional economic cooperation in Borneo, marking a strategic push to strengthen trade, investment, and overall regional development. Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Ewon Benedick said the agreement was reached after a courtesy call on Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on June 26. The collaboration will be coordinated between Sabah's Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship and Sarawak's Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED). "Sabah needs Sarawak, and Sarawak needs Sabah to ensure this Borneo territory develops more dynamically," Ewon said at the launch of the 17th DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan Exhibition and Business Event in Kuching. He highlighted that Gawai and Kaamatan have grown beyond harvest festivals into economic platforms that link business, culture and community across Borneo. The two-day exhibition features more than 50 exhibitors from Sabah and Sarawak showcasing handicrafts, agro-based products, food, and creative industries. SMEs from both states were also encouraged to tap into cross-regional opportunities, explore digital tech, and strengthen networks through business-matching sessions. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Cross-Borneo economic cooperation formalised between Sabah and Sarawak ministries Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Will closer cooperation between Sabah and Sarawak boost Borneo's economy?

Budi Diesel subsidy now covers company-owned pickup trucks and jeeps — Cabinet approves expansion ahead of July 1 rollout The government has expanded the Budi Madani Diesel programme to include company-owned private pickup trucks and jeeps. This move is expected to benefit small business operators and rural users across Sarawak who rely on diesel vehicles for daily work. [image: 1782540162346-budi-diesel-pickup.jpg] Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Cabinet approved the expansion as part of several enhancements to ensure a smoother transition to the targeted diesel subsidy mechanism. Key Details Company-owned pickup trucks and jeeps can now access subsidised diesel Owners can apply for an additional 100 litres per month via the Budi Madani portal Full subsidised rate at RM2.10 per litre through MyKad verification Early access at RM2.15 per litre begins today (June 27) for eligible private users in Peninsular Malaysia The full nationwide implementation of Budi Diesel is scheduled for July 1, 2026. Location: Nationwide (affects Sarawak directly) Details: Company-owned pickups and jeeps now eligible for diesel subsidy; additional 100L/month allocation available; RM2.10/L subsidised rate Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Will this help small businesses and rural communities in Sarawak?

Sarawak's vast geography and heavy reliance on diesel transport make the federal government's 200-litre monthly subsidy cap unworkable, says social activist Voon Shiak Ni. Speaking on Friday (June 27), Voon said the Budi Madani Diesel programme — which offers subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre up to 200 litres per month — fails to account for Sarawak's unique circumstances as an oil-producing state with enormous logistical challenges. "A one-size-fits-all approach may not reflect the realities of different regions. Sarawak's contribution as an oil-producing state and its unique logistical challenges should be considered," she said. [image: 1782522151104-diesel-subsidy.jpg] Lorry drivers and transport operators would be the hardest hit. One lorry driver told Voon he uses over 2,000 litres of diesel a month just transporting stones from Paku, Bau to Jalan Stephen Yong — ten times the proposed cap. Location: Sarawak Details: Budi Madani Diesel subsidy cap at 200 litres/month — activist calls it unsuitable for Sarawak's geography and logistics needs Source: Borneo Post Online What do you think?

PBB Youth has hit back at DAPSY Sarawak for allegedly editing out Premier Abang Johari from social media posts about the Bintulu Port handover. In a statement today, PBB Youth information chief Royston Valentine said DAPSY's visuals appeared to deliberately obscure the Premier's face from an official cheque handover image between the federal and state governments. He accused DAPSY of replacing or covering the Premier's image with photos of their own leaders, giving the false impression that Sarawak's leadership played no role in the port acquisition. [image: 1782453938630-pbb-youth-royston.jpg] Royston stressed that the Bintulu Port deal cost Sarawak RM1.8 billion — it was not a free transfer from the federal government as might be perceived. GPS leaders worked for years to secure the takeover. "In fact, they are acting as if they were the ones who championed Sarawak's rights under MA63, whereas all this time they remained silent while GPS leaders worked tirelessly to restore Sarawak's rights," he said. He urged all parties to avoid actions that could disrupt Sarawak's unity and harmony. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Key Facts: Bintulu Port acquisition cost RM1.8 billion, fully funded by Sarawak Royston Valentine is also the Tellian state assemblyman PBB Youth says DAP Sarawak has a track record of misleading the public through what they called "political manipulation" Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 67-year-old Kuching man lost over RM111,000 after falling for an online part-time job scam on Facebook. The victim came across a Facebook page called "RWESHOPS" that promised lucrative commission-based earnings. After signing up, he was instructed to complete online tasks — and to make payments to "unlock" commissions. He carried out 24 transactions into 6 different bank accounts. By the time he realised it was a scam, RM111,245 was gone. Location: Kuching Details: Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. He urged the public to: Verify suspicious accounts through Semak Mule portal (semakmule.rmp.gov.my) Contact NSRC hotline at 997 within 24 hours if scammed Report suspicious activities to Sarawak Commercial Crime Department at 011-62890089 Source: DayakDaily Have you or someone you know encountered similar online job scams? Drop a comment to warn others.

A 67-year-old man was killed after his car crashed into the back of a stationary four-wheel-drive at the traffic light junction along Jalan Sekama yesterday afternoon. According to Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, the accident happened around 12.20pm on June 23. A Mitsubishi Triton had stopped at a red light when a Proton Saga allegedly lost control from behind and slammed into it. The 70-year-old driver of the Triton was unharmed, but the 67-year-old Proton Saga driver was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical assistant from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). The victim's body has been sent to SGH's Forensic Department for a post-mortem. Both vehicles have been towed to the Kuching Traffic Police Station for inspection. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 — causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. Location: Jalan Sekama traffic light junction, Kuching Details: Fatal rear-end collision at red light, driver pronounced dead on scene Source: DayakDaily Drivers, always stay alert at traffic lights — you never know what's coming from behind. What do you think?

Viral photos of worn-out mattresses and dilapidated hostel rooms at Politeknik Kuching have sparked outrage online — and caught the attention of the state's deputy minister. [image: 1782263902144-polytechnic-hostel.jpg] Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, rushed to the polytechnic on June 22 after social media posts exposed the poor living conditions in the student hostels. What happened: A Facebook group 'Sarawak Awareness Group (No Ads)' posted photos of torn, stained mattresses and run-down beds Kuching Polytechnic admitted 1,600 students this year — up from just 1,200 previously More than 40 hostel rooms are unusable due to safety concerns and inadequate facilities The surge in UPU (Central University Unit) admissions reportedly caught the polytechnic unprepared The response: Dr Annuar said there's no point blaming anyone. "What is important is that all parties take responsibility to ensure what happened at the polytechnic will not happen again, either there or anywhere else in Sarawak." The polytechnic submitted an official request to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) on June 23 to expedite upgrades. Source: DayakDaily Students deserve better. What do you think?

A glass bridge and 3km scenic riverside walkway are coming to Batu Kawa, connecting Kampung Rantau Panjang to Batu Kawa Riverbank Park. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian announced the plan after visiting the site on June 22 with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak team. The proposed walkway will link the predominantly Malay riverside villages with the historic Batu Kawa Chinese old town, creating a continuous promenade along the river. Riverbank Protection The project includes Phase 2 riverbank protection works covering 500 metres (split into 350m and 150m sections). DID will first carry out a temporary RM200,000 solution while designs for the permanent structure are completed. Open tender is expected by end of this year. Cost & History The first phase (450 metres) was initially awarded in 2019 for RM8.7 million but became a sick project during Covid when material costs surged. It was retendered in 2022 at RM11.6 million and completed in late 2023. Dr Sim said the Premier has allocated a RM31 million ceiling for the remaining 500 metres of riverbank works scheduled for 2026. [image: 1782194603298-batu-kawa-glass-bridge-1.jpg] Dr Sim (in yellow shirt) reviewing the riverbank protection plan with DID Sarawak team during a site visit on June 22, 2026. [image: 1782194603385-batu-kawa-glass-bridge-2.jpg] The proposed second phase of riverbank protection works at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Batu Kawa. Rising Construction Costs Dr Sim noted the entire 950-metre project would have cost RM18.6 million if done as a single project in 2019. The remaining 500 metres alone is now projected at RM31 million — a reflection of escalating material prices and global uncertainties. Location: Kampung Rantau Panjang, Batu Kawa, Kuching Details: 3km scenic walkway + glass bridge connecting Malay villages to Batu Kawa town Source: DayakDaily What do you think of this development?

23 men were charged in a Kuching court yesterday over their alleged involvement in an organised criminal syndicate called 'Geng 24 Hung-Hung'. All 23 are accused of taking part in organised criminal activities between December 2021 and April 2026 at an oil palm plantation in Kampung Temaga Cina-Dayak, Sematan. They were charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code — which carries a prison sentence of between 5 and 20 years upon conviction. The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General's Chambers. Counsel representing the accused include Dato Shankar Ram, Ranbir Singh, Ralph Lee, Patrick Voon, Daniel Ling, and Tiong Ing Neng. [image: 1782176582672-geng24-hunghung.jpg] No bail was offered since the charges fall under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA). All 23 have been ordered to remain in remand pending the next mention date on July 23, 2026. According to the prosecution, the arrests were made during police's Ops Pusak Merah conducted between April 19 and 23. Location: Sematan, Kuching Details: 23 charged under SOSMA, organised crime (Geng 24 Hung-Hung), mention set for July 23 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

The first time someone offers to take you up Mount Santubong, listen carefully to how they describe it. If they say it was "tough but worth it" they made the summit. If they smile a rueful smile and change the subject, they probably didn't get past checkpoint F7. At 810 metres, Santubong is Kuching's highest peak and the dark green silhouette visible from almost the entire coastline. The trailhead sits at the Santubong National Park office on the Damai Peninsula, about 35 minutes by car from central Kuching. The park opens at 7 am and enforces a noon cut-off — you need to be past checkpoint F7 by noon or they will turn you back. The climbing window is real. [image: 1782094249824-1_santubong_bridge-resized.jpg] Mt. Santubong seen from Santubong Bridge The summit trail runs roughly 4 km one way and takes an average fit person 3.5 to 4 hours up and 2.5 to 3 hours down. That sounds manageable until you reach the section between checkpoint F7 and the summit (F15) — 1.3 km of near-vertical terrain where you haul yourself up aluminium ladders, grip knotted ropes and use tree roots as footholds. There are 21 ladders total. Most hikers say that final kilometre is where the mountain earns its reputation. A lower loop trail of 2.5 km offers an alternative for anyone who wants the rainforest atmosphere without the lung-busting ascent. It's flat, shaded and takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. Good for families or first-time visitors who just want to say they stood at the foot of Santubong. [image: 1782094250331-2_summit_view-resized.jpg] View from the summit — South China Sea and the Kuching coastline The rock itself is part of a sandstone and shale formation that rises directly from the coast. Geologists describe Santubong as part of the same Cretaceous-to-Eocene sedimentary sequence that underlies much of western Sarawak. But locals have a better explanation. The legend goes that two princesses — Puteri Santubong and Puteri Sejinjang — were sent from heaven to help the villagers. Santubong was a master weaver, Sejinjang a rice-pounding expert. They lived peacefully until a quarrel ended with Sejinjang hurling a rice pestle at her sister. Santubong was struck and turned to stone, becoming the mountain. The broken notch on one side is where the pestle hit. Her head split apart and the fragments became the islands that fringe the coast. [image: 1782094250973-5_ropes_ladders-resized.jpg] Ropes and ladders on the final push The practical side matters a lot here. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person and proper hiking shoes with aggressive grip — the trail gets slippery in minutes after a rain, and afternoon downpours are common. Most rescues happen on the descent when tired legs meet steep mud. Do not hike alone; a partner makes the dangerous sections safer and the summit photo better. A small park entry fee applies (bring cash) and there is a registration desk at the trailhead. Who should go: anyone with reasonable fitness who wants a genuine rainforest summit experience within easy reach of Kuching. Who should reconsider: anyone with weak knees, fear of heights on ladders, or less than four hours of daylight ahead. The summit opens onto the South China Sea and the entire Kuching coastline — that view is the reward, and it doesn't disappoint. [image: 1782094252040-3_wetlands-resized.jpg] Wetlands and coastline visible from the summit You do not need to be a mountaineer. You do need to respect the mountain's timeline, bring the right shoes and start early. Plenty of people turn back at F7 and still count it as a good morning. That is the honest measure of Santubong — it gives you a clear choice, and both options are valid.