Kuching’s planned Autonomous Rapid Transit service is being envisaged at 15-minute intervals, but that proposed frequency is not yet a passenger timetable. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he had been briefed on the intended service frequency when speaking at the Sarawak Urban Forum in Kuching on Oct 26, according to DayakDaily. For commuters, the distinction matters: an interval describes the intended gap between services. It does not by itself establish operating hours, the first and last departures, fares or a date when passengers can begin using the system. His remarks did not announce those details. Abang Johari also linked the planned central station to Sarawak’s former railway heritage, saying the site had been the state’s first railway station. He presented that historical connection as part of integrating modern transport with the city’s identity. The speech took place at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre. That is the forum venue, not a station address established by the report. The new information concerns service planning and the central station’s heritage rationale, rather than the start of public operations.

Sarawak has asked airlines and express bus operators to prepare additional services around the coming state election, but travellers still need to check operators’ confirmed schedules before booking. The Ministry of Transport Sarawak said in an Oct 27 statement that it had written to operators to explore extra capacity for people returning to their registered constituencies. Bernama reported the statement on Wednesday morning. For flights, the requested increase covers the week before polling day and the week after it, allowing for both the journey home and the return trip. For express buses within Sarawak, the ministry encouraged more departures from three days before polling until three days afterwards. The two windows are different: the broader air-travel request is intended to help Sarawakians working in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Sabah, while the bus request concerns onward and inter-town travel within Sarawak. These are requests to operators, not an announced package of guaranteed extra seats or fixed fares. The ministry urged travellers to plan early and use operators’ official channels for schedules, prices and reservations. Anyone arranging a journey involving both a flight and a bus should check each leg against the services actually offered, rather than treating the proposed increase as a confirmed timetable.

Kuching's ART fleet is targeted to reach six vehicles by the end of 2026, including the two already delivered to Sarawak. The next steps are pre-delivery inspections and shipment, not the start of passenger services. Mobilus told Sarawak's Transport Ministry that the vehicles had completed their required type tests at a specialised automotive testing facility in Chongqing, China. The programme covered braking and other technical and safety requirements; the relevant reports were received this week, according to an October 16 report by DayakDaily. The third and fourth vehicles are expected to undergo pre-delivery inspections in December. Arrangements are also being made to ship the four outstanding vehicles before year-end. These remain production and delivery targets, rather than four more vehicles already on the ground in Kuching. For people waiting for the city's new transport option, the useful distinction is between passing vehicle tests, arriving in Sarawak and carrying passengers. This update establishes progress on the first and sets targets for the second; it does not announce a public-service opening date or timetable. Local completely knocked down assembly preparations were also discussed, but no assembly start date was given in the report.

Two separate road projects launched in Sarikei on Oct 2 aim to ease traffic around Jalan Repok and provide better links into town. The larger job is a 3.6km upgrade of Nyelong By-Pass to a four-lane, two-way road. Its RM86 million cost falls under the Sarawak Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development, with JKR implementing the project. A separate link of about 2km will join Nyelong By-Pass to Kwong Ming Minah. This RM12 million project is under the Rajang Delta Development Agency and is intended to relieve peak-hour congestion, including traffic near SMK Tinggi Sarikei. The figures refer to two different projects, not two estimates for the same road. At the groundbreaking, RM5.32 million in land compensation had been paid for 28 of 29 titled parcels involved in acquisition. No completion dates or detailed diversions were given, so road users should follow current on-site traffic controls rather than treat the new links as already available.

Three transport projects in Miri are expected to move into construction in 2027, after their designs and Public Works Department approvals are completed. The routes are Jalan Cahaya, Jalan Padang Kerbau and Canada Hill. The Jalan Cahaya stretch between Borneo Medical Centre and Miri Hospital and Jalan Padang Kerbau were identified as busy links serving the hospital; the minister said the Cahaya section is proposed as a two-lane one-way road. The Canada Hill work is intended to address erosion that could affect road users and the route’s condition. Preliminary designs for Jalan Padang Kerbau and Canada Hill are still being prepared, so the 2027 start remains conditional. A separate proposal for traffic lights at the Jalan Miri Bypass–Jalan Eastwood junction is also awaiting design approval.

Scheduled flights between Betong Division’s Bebuling Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) and Kuching are planned once the facility begins operating. The operating date has not been set because several matters are still being finalised, so this is not a start-date or ticket-sales announcement. A second flight trial took place on Sept 26 as part of readiness checks. A separate report said the test flight from Kuching took about 15 minutes, compared with roughly three hours by road to Betong. That trial time is not a published passenger timetable. The project is expected to improve access for Betong and Spaoh, but residents will need to wait for an operational date and confirmed service details.

Bebuling Short Take-Off and Landing Airport in Spaoh, Betong has completed its first trial landing, bringing the rural facility closer to service while leaving the commercial launch date open. A Super King 300 aircraft landed at the newly completed STOLport on Friday after departing Kuching at 10am. The trial was described as smooth, but further discussions on safety, operations and maintenance must be completed before licensing and commercial operations are finalised. The RM248.03 million facility has a runway of about 1.19km and is designed to support passenger flights as well as cargo linked to agriculture and other local industries. A Kuching-Bebuling flight is expected to take about 15 minutes, compared with roughly three hours by road to Betong. The trial is therefore a readiness milestone, not an announcement of scheduled flights. The next public detail to watch is the licensing and safety approval process.

A new operational guidebook is being introduced to make cross-border transport procedures between Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah clearer for operators. The guidebook sets out key documents, permits, regulatory authorities and travel conditions for commercial buses, tour buses and freight vehicles. It was launched in Kuching alongside a two-day review of two BIMP-EAGA land-transport memoranda of understanding. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the review is intended to improve coordination and understanding between jurisdictions, not to impose identical laws. Industry participants are contributing practical problems from the border and transport process, while future work is expected to include regular guide updates and digitisation. For businesses and travellers moving through Borneo, the immediate value is a clearer checklist of documents and permits; the workshop itself does not announce a new single border rule or promise an instant end to delays.

Batik Air has agreed to resume Miri–Kuala Lumpur services, according to the Miri MP’s office, but no start date, frequency or timetable has been released. The announcement followed an appeal for the airline to reassess the route after residents reported difficulty finding seats, especially on weekends, public holidays and other peak periods. Until Batik Air publishes a schedule or opens the flights for sale, passengers should not treat the route as already operating. A return would add capacity on a corridor used by Miri and northern Sarawak residents, as well as some travellers from Brunei. It could also give passengers another option when seats are tight. For now, existing travel plans should be based on flights that are actually available in the booking system. The next firm update must come with the airline’s launch date and operating schedule.

Sarawak wants federal approval sped up for a Kuching-Putussibau cross-border bus route. [image: 1785751410267-kuching_putussibau_bus_20260803.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Ministry of Transport The Sarawak Ministry of Transport will send an official request to the federal side to speed up approval for the proposed Kuching-Putussibau bus service. Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the route is meant to improve links between Sarawak and West Kalimantan through the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau entry point. Why it matters Operators from both sides, Biaramas Express from Sarawak and DAMRI from Indonesia, have indicated they are ready to start. Lee said the route could support tourism, medical tourism, trade and cross-border economic activity. He also said the current Putussibau-Pontianak overland trip takes about 20 hours, while using the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau and Tebedu-Entikong route could cut travel time by more than half. Kuching as a transit hub The ministry also sees Kuching becoming a regional transit point, linking flights through Kuching International Airport with land travel into Kalimantan. Location: Kuching, Lubok Antu and Putussibau Details: Sarawak is asking for faster federal approval for a proposed cross-border bus route. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching's ART project has moved into the next stage after the first two trains arrived for KUTS pilot preparations. [image: 1785632692948-art-first-trains.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) The first two ART trains under the Kuching Urban Transportation System are now in Kuching, bringing the project closer to pilot operations. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the focus is now on system integration, infrastructure readiness and operational checks before the service is opened for pilot use. What is being prepared Lee said work is progressing on the ART alignment, stations, depots and support systems. The Phase 1 Hydrogen Production Plant at Rembus Depot is also moving ahead. Once ready, it is expected to produce up to one tonne of green hydrogen a day to support pilot and early ART operations. For Kuching road users, this is one of the clearest signs yet that KUTS is moving from construction into actual service preparation. Location: Kuching / Rembus Depot Details: First two ART trains arrived; pilot operation preparation now focuses on integration, safety, reliability and hydrogen support facilities. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching residents want growth that fixes daily life first [image: 1785546287138-kuching_growth_20260801.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Edgar Ong Kuching's growth is bringing a clear message from residents: more jobs, better public transport, smarter traffic planning, cleaner neighbourhoods and stronger support for local businesses. The Borneo Post spoke to six residents for Kuching City Day. Their concerns were practical: young Sarawakians need career options at home, road capacity must match new developments, and public facilities must keep up with the city's expansion. What residents raised Location: Kuching Details: Residents pointed to jobs, public transport, road maintenance, cleanliness, CCTV coverage, local business support and environmental care. Business owner Lau Lee Leong said traffic impact should be planned before major projects are approved, especially in areas already facing congestion. Others said Kuching should stay clean, green and safe while creating more opportunities for students and entrepreneurs. Hot Score: 27/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak transport operators have been urged to form a consortium to help manage Rest and Service Areas along the Pan Borneo Highway. [image: 1785405905075-pan-borneo-rsa.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said bus, lorry and other land transport operators know what road users need, so they should look at joining the management and operation of RSAs through a public-private partnership model. He said this after a Ministry of Transport Sarawak dialogue in Kuching today on the planning of RSAs and layby facilities along the highway. What could be added The discussion covered possible locations and facilities such as petrol stations, vehicle servicing and repair workshops, pharmacies, food outlets, clean washrooms and enough parking for heavy vehicles. Feedback from the session will be compiled and studied by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak before proposals are prepared. Location: Kuching / Pan Borneo Highway, Sarawak Details: Proposed consortium model for highway RSAs and laybys Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Four more EV charging points are now available in Kuching city centre. + +Sarawak's EV network has added four 22kW AC charging points at two busy city locations: Sarawak Plaza and Riverside Majestic Hotel. + +[image: 1785298018227-kh_ev_sarawak_plaza_20260729.jpg] + Source: Sarawak Tribune / SDEC Karuna JV + +## Where the new chargers are + +The rollout is handled by SDEC Karuna JV Sdn Bhd (SKJV). + +Two charging units are on the third floor of the Sarawak Plaza multi-storey car park. Another two are on the fourth floor of the Riverside Majestic Hotel multi-storey car park, near the main entrance. + +The chargers are already integrated with the Fast EV mobile app, so users can find the location, start a charging session and pay through the app. + + Location: Sarawak Plaza and Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching + Details: Four 22kW AC charging points, priced at RM0.22 per minute + +SKJV said the expansion supports Sarawak's PCDS 2030 direction and the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy. The company also plans to add two DC fast-charging stations in Kuching, with locations to be announced later. + + Source: Sarawak Tribune + +What do you think?

Kota Samarahan is next in line for ART operational testing under the KUTS project. [image: 1784887499961-art-kota-samarahan-kuts.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS Sarawak Metro told Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) during a briefing that the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) service will go through operational testing at a later stage. The test is meant to check the route, system performance, and how well the service connects with the wider public transport network. Sarawak Metro also updated MPKS on construction progress, including Rembus Station, which sits within Kota Samarahan's administrative area. MPKS reminded the project side to keep traffic disruption under control during construction, while keeping road-user safety and comfort as a priority. Location: Kota Samarahan Details: ART operational testing planned under the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project; Rembus Station progress also briefed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

AirBorneo has started its Kuching-Singapore service, with Jakarta expected to follow within two months. [image: 1784768721478-airborneo-singapore.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) AirBorneo is now flying the Kuching-Singapore route, marking another step in Sarawak's push to build its own regional air network. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Singapore service started on Sarawak Day, just two days after AirBorneo began commercial jet operations between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur on July 20. Why it matters The State is positioning AirBorneo as part of a wider transport plan, alongside roads, airports and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system. Abang Johari also said Jakarta is expected to be AirBorneo's next international destination within two months. Better links could mean easier travel, stronger tourism and more business movement for Sarawak. Location: Kuching / Singapore Details: Kuching-KL flights started July 20; Kuching-Singapore service launched on Sarawak Day; Jakarta targeted next. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784369164231-pending-jetty.jpeg] The upgraded Pending Jetty is expected to reopen by Aug 24, bringing back a shorter river crossing for nearby residents. The old structure collapsed on Sept 5, 2023, disrupting a daily route used by residents from Kampung Muhibbah, Pinggan Jaya and nearby areas. Women, Family and Community Development Minister and Santubong MP Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the RM600,660 upgrading project is now almost 90 per cent complete. Why it matters The jetty is not just a small facility. For about 200 users, including students, workers, boat operators and nearby residents, the crossing over Sungai Sarawak is a faster and cheaper option than making a longer road detour through Samarahan. Nancy said only about 12 to 13 metres of work remain, including two bays and staircases. Weather is the main challenge, but the project is still expected to finish on schedule. The project is implemented by the Sarawak Rivers Board and includes demolition, piling, jetty works, concrete works, street lighting and a marine lantern. Location: Pending Jetty, Kuching Details: RM600,660 upgrade, almost 90% complete, expected completion Aug 24, 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Santubong’s ART route is moving into early works, with a dedicated second bridge planned across the Santubong River. [image: 1784347505208-santubong-art.jpg] Preliminary work will start with tree relocation before major construction begins next year. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the project will be done in phases. The plan covers the ART corridor from beyond the existing Santubong Bridge towards Damai, plus a new Santubong Bridge for ART use. What changes on the road Sultan Tengah Road is also set to be upgraded from two lanes into a dual carriageway. The ART lane will run in the middle, while the outer lanes are meant for motorcycles and bicycles. Dr Abdul Rahman said the first phase covers the stretch from the Yayasan Sarawak Roundabout to the existing Santubong Bridge. After that comes the new bridge. Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and SEDC will handle the tree relocation work, expected to take six to eight months. Out of 1,720 trees identified, 536 are suitable to be transplanted. Location: Santubong / Damai corridor, Kuching North Details: ART corridor, second Santubong Bridge, Sultan Tengah Road upgrade, tree relocation Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen says red tape is still blocking some eligible commercial vehicle owners from subsidised diesel. [image: 1784336677262-chong-diesel-subsidy.jpg] He urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to simplify and speed up the Budi Diesel application process, especially for eligible commercial vehicle owners. What vehicle owners are facing Chong said applicants are being asked to submit documents from Puspakom and apply to modify their commercial vehicle Body Code. After the modification, the vehicle must go through a mandatory inspection every six months before the owner can apply for a diesel subsidy card. He said the targeted subsidy policy began on July 1, 2026, but many owners who should be receiving subsidised diesel have been rejected because of the extra steps. Chong called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remove requirements he described as unnecessary. He also said he had raised the matter with Transport Minister Anthony Loke so it can be brought up in Cabinet. Source: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post For transport operators, this one really affects daily cost. What do you think?

[image: 1784196307107-airborneo-kia.jpg] AirBorneo Airways' Boeing 737-800 has arrived at Kuching International Airport ahead of its first Kuching-Kuala Lumpur service. The aircraft arrived on Wednesday, July 15, with commercial operations under the AirBorneo brand scheduled to begin on July 20. Why it matters The Kuching-Kuala Lumpur-Kuching route will be the airline's first service under the new brand after the Sarawak government's acquisition and rebranding of MASwings. Photos of the aircraft in AirBorneo livery have been circulating on social media. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian also shared the aircraft's arrival on Facebook, calling it a milestone for Sarawak's state-owned airline. Flight details AirBorneo said the route will operate twice daily between Kuching International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1. The airline earlier announced promotional one-way fares from RM375 all-in for Economy Class and RM736 all-in for Business Class, inclusive of airport taxes and fuel surcharges. Dr Sim also linked the airline's growth to Sarawak's wider air connectivity plans, including the proposed new Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang, expected to be completed after 2030. Location: Kuching International Airport (KIA) Details: Boeing 737-800 arrived before July 20 Kuching-KL launch; route planned twice daily Image: The Borneo Post / Facebook Dr Sim Kui Hian Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?