Temporary Sarawak Energy billing help desks are next headed to Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, with the rollout expected to run through October. The utility began with a counter at Wisma SESCO in Kuching from Sept 2 to 4. The travelling service is for customers who want staff to go through account records, bill amounts or meter readings face to face. Sarawak Energy said it traced 22 billing concerns raised on Facebook. Staff have contacted 20 users; one case is still being followed up, while another user could not be identified from the post. If a bill looks wrong, bring the account and bill details, plus the relevant meter information, when lodging an appeal. The company may discuss a payment arrangement after reviewing the case. Exact dates, hours and venues for the three cities have not yet been announced.

A 243-home affordable housing scheme at Teku, Sibu is moving into implementation, with the project site now handed to the Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The Teku Village Expansion Scheme is estimated at about RM117 million and is planned for completion within 36 months. An initial RM350,000 has been allocated for site clearing and earthworks under the 13th Malaysia Plan. The 40.2-acre site is planned for detached homes built on stilts, with each lot measuring about 8.3 points. Newly married couples have been proposed as a priority group, but applications remain open to other members of the public who meet the eligibility requirements. No application deadline or final selection details have been announced. Priority for newlyweds should not be read as automatic approval; applicants will still have to meet the scheme’s requirements.

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.

A direct Sibu–Dalat road could cut travel time, but the project is still at the planning stage. Dalat assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the proposed 13.1km route should be prioritised to improve connectivity for residents and businesses. It would connect Kampung Kekan Seberang, Kut Muara, Sungai Pinang, Bungan Besar and Rassau, and be built to R3 road standards. The Sarawak government-funded component is estimated at RM140 million and is expected to be tendered in the first quarter of 2027. A separate 9km federal component, estimated at RM131 million, is undergoing detailed design and land-related works, with tender targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to approvals. At present, travellers between Sibu and Dalat use longer routes via Selangau, Mukah and Oya, or Tanjung Manis, Daro, Matu, Igan and Oya. Fatimah said the direct link would make travel easier and support local development. [image: 1787447273446-dalat-sibu-road.jpg] A target date or project announcement is not the same as an open road or operating facility. Until an official opening or traffic notice is issued, residents should keep using the current arrangements and watch for the next construction or approval milestone.

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

A Sarawak police officer who was counting down the days to reunite with his family later this month has died in a tragic electrocution incident in Sabah. [image: 1786161793700-sibu-policeman.jpg] Corporal Chiu Teck Siong, 41, was among three policemen killed while picking coconuts in front of Weston Police Station in Beaufort on Thursday (Aug 6). The others were Lance Corporal Mohamad Nur Hafiz Ibrahim, 29, and Lance Corporal Muhammad Raimi Ismarubee, 26. Chiu's wife, Tang Wei Wei, 39, said their five children — aged four to 11 — had not seen their father since Chinese New Year. "He had wanted to transfer back to Sibu for a long time, but his request was unsuccessful. This month, he finally applied for leave to return home on Aug 27. The children have been waiting for him," she said at Sibu Mortuary Hall. Tang, who works in the private sector, appealed for financial assistance, saying her income alone isn't enough to support the children's education. Four of the children study at SJK(C) Tiong Hin while the youngest attends Tadika Sing Ang Tong. Chiu had served in Beaufort for more than 11 years since his first posting. Location: Sibu (family) / Beaufort, Sabah (incident) Source: DayakDaily A heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices our frontliners make. What do you think?

The Sarawak government will help owners rebuild the eight-unit shophouse row that collapsed on Jalan Pahlawan, Sibu in February — and use the case as a study for future reference. State Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang said the collapse was highly unusual — the first of its kind in Sibu's 100-year history. He committed to funding infrastructure works around the site, including drainage and car park, while the owners handle demolition. He's also approached banks about soft loan packages for the owners. [image: 1786097238173-sibu-shophouse.jpg] Key points: Eight-unit row collapsed on Feb 13, caught everyone by surprise Owners hired experts to investigate the cause Govt will fund public infrastructure (drainage, car park) Banks approached for soft loan packages with lower interest Sibu Resident Office coordinating demolition approvals Demolition expected to be completed by October Source: Borneo Post What do you think? Should the government do more to help?

A 64-year-old man died in Sibu after a tree branch fell while he was cleaning a durian orchard. [image: 1785578716181-sibu_branch_20260801.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / police photo What happened The Borneo Post reported that the incident happened near Citizen Middle School, Sungai Spau, Jalan Stabau at about 11am today. Sibu district police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the man was working in the orchard with his son when a tree branch broke and struck him. Police update The victim suffered injuries to his head and shoulder. Medical personnel from Sibu Hospital pronounced him dead at the scene. Police said early findings classified the case as an accident. The weather at the time was reported to be good. Location: Sungai Spau, Jalan Stabau, Sibu Details: Fatal orchard accident, Aug 1, about 11am Source: The Borneo Post Stay careful when clearing orchard areas, especially around old or heavy branches.

A large RASCOM land handover could unlock long-delayed development plans in parts of Sibu Division. [image: 1785470790916-rascom_land_20260731.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune The federal Cabinet has agreed to give up federal rights over 3,655.60 hectares of Rajang Security Command (RASCOM) land to the Sarawak government. The areas named are Nanga Tada, Nanga Jagau, Nanga Ngungun and Nanga Sekuau. Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana said three of the four affected resettlement areas are in Ngemah, and the handover should make planning easier for local needs. Why it matters Once the land comes under the Sarawak government, the focus can move to basic development that residents have been waiting for: roads, clean water, electricity, telco coverage, education, healthcare, housing and local economic opportunities. Anyi called it a historic decision, saying the issue had been raised repeatedly in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly. Location: Ngemah / Sibu Division Details: 3,655.60 hectares of RASCOM land to be transferred to Sarawak government Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Sarawak Teachers' Union says the school meal programme should cover secondary students too, especially those from low-income families. [image: 1784952263224-stu-rmt-secondary.jpg] The Sarawak Teachers' Union (STU) has urged the government to extend the Rancangan Makanan Tambahan (RMT) from primary schools to secondary schools. Deputy president Yong Sie Hing said some secondary students still come to school without breakfast because of family financial hardship. He said this affects their health, focus, motivation and academic performance. STU said student welfare in rural and interior areas needs closer attention, including poverty, learning facilities, transport, internet access, teacher quarters, utilities and teaching resources. The union said it is ready to help gather verified data for the government, and will also look at cooperation with companies, NGOs and welfare groups to support students who need help. Location: Sibu / Sarawak schools Details: STU wants RMT expanded to secondary schools, with focus on low-income and rural students Photo: Utusan Borneo Source: https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2026/07/25/stu-gesa-pelaksanaan-rmt-ke-peringkat-sekolah-menengah What do you think?

Thick fog over Sibu this morning forced a Kuching-Sibu flight to turn back after two landing attempts. [image: 1784952230128-sibu-fog-flight-resized.jpg] Sibu woke up to heavy fog on Saturday morning, with visibility dropping across parts of town and the Rajang River almost covered by mist. The Borneo Post reported that Sibu's air quality was still at a moderate level, with an API reading of 57 at 8am. Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said his flight from Kuching could not land at Sibu Airport because of low cloud cover and fog. After two attempts, the aircraft returned to Kuching Airport. Location: Sibu / Kuching-Sibu flight route Details: Heavy fog, reduced visibility, one reported flight unable to land after two attempts Photo: The Borneo Post / Peter Boon Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/07/25/thick-fog-blankets-sibu-disrupts-flights/ What do you think?

Ten crocodile hook lines are now active along Batang Igan after safety checks by SFC. [image: 1784801116235-batang-igan-crocodile.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily / Vicky from Pixabay The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Regional Office Sibu has deployed 10 hook line sets in Batang Igan as part of a crocodile population removal operation. The operation began on July 21 and is scheduled to continue until Aug 2. The hook lines were placed from the mouth of Sungai Lubuk Kabang to SK Sungai Pinang after field assessments. Why it matters SFC said the operation is meant to reduce human-crocodile conflict in high-risk areas and improve public safety for nearby communities. The active hook lines will be monitored throughout the operation. Location: Batang Igan, Sibu division Details: 10 hook lines, July 21 to Aug 2, SFC public safety operation Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784088236065-sibu-drugs.jpg] Sibu's drug problem is showing a sharp rise, with reported drug and substance abuse cases increasing by 40.6% in one year. Sibu MP Oscar Ling said Home Ministry data tabled in Parliament showed the number of people involved in drug and substance abuse in Sibu rose from 903 in 2024 to 1,270 in 2025. That increase is higher than Sarawak's overall rise of 17.6%, where statewide cases went from 10,705 to 12,590 over the same period. Main concern Ling said amphetamine-type stimulants were the most commonly abused drugs in Sibu, making up about 82.7% of cases in 2025. ATS-related cases rose from 639 to 1,050. He urged police, the National Anti-Drug Agency and schools to strengthen enforcement, prevention programmes and community education, especially for youths. Location: Sibu, Sarawak Details: Drug and substance abuse cases rose sharply, with synthetic drugs named as the main threat. Source: The Borneo Post 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?

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?

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?

Sarawak is just one step away from bringing China's prestigious Fudan University to Sibu — only final approval from Beijing remains. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian announced he will travel to Beijing next week to secure the green light from Chinese authorities. The proposal has already been approved by the Shanghai government, the Sarawak government, and the Malaysian government. The planned campus will include a medical school — a critical move to address Sarawak's shortage of around 2,000 doctors. Dr Sim made the announcement at a dinner in Sibu hosted by the United Chinese Association (UCA) for Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Ouyang Yujing. “Talent development and education remain key priorities for the Sarawak government in our efforts to strengthen human capital and drive long-term development,” Dr Sim said. If approved, this would be Fudan University's first overseas campus — a significant milestone for Sarawak's education landscape. [image: 1780536754195-fudan-sibu.jpg] Location: Sibu, Sarawak Details: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian heading to Beijing next week; only China govt approval pending; medical school planned to address doctor shortage Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sibu is just RM3 million away from becoming Sarawak’s next city — its council reserves have more than doubled since 2019. Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting announced today that the town’s financial reserves have grown to RM47 million, up sharply from RM19 million when he took office in 2019. The threshold for city status is RM50 million. [image: 1779861795348-sibu-city-status.jpg] SMC chairman Clarence Ting speaking at a press conference after launching the WAK Sibu Festival 2026 calendar at Wisma Sanyan on May 26. The second requirement — a population of 300,000 — is also being gradually met as Sibu sees demographic shifts and steady growth. “When I became chairman in 2019, people often asked why Miri could be upgraded to a city but not Sibu. After reviewing the criteria, we were only short of two main requirements,” Ting said. Sibu, long seen as a predominantly Chinese-majority town, is now becoming increasingly diverse, with a growing Iban population and broader ethnic representation. Location: Sibu, Sarawak Reserves: RM47M (up from RM19M in 2019) Target: RM50M reserves + 300,000 population Source: DayakDaily What do you think — will Sibu finally get city status this year?