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?

[image: 1783829054194-airborneo-pwd.jpg] A Kuching person with disabilities has urged AirBorneo Airways to introduce special fares and stronger accessibility support for passengers with disabilities. What was requested Tan Chun Sheng said concessionary fares could reduce the extra financial burden faced by PwDs, especially those who need more assistance when travelling. He also suggested priority seating near aircraft doors or exits, so boarding and disembarkation can be easier and safer. Why it matters Tan said affordable fares should go together with accessible facilities and passenger-friendly policies, so PwDs can travel safely, comfortably and with dignity. His call comes as AirBorneo prepares to open ticket sales for its Kuching-Singapore route on July 13 at 10am. The route is scheduled to start flights on July 22, in conjunction with Sarawak Day. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783828978522-sma-kpa.jpg] Kuching Port Authority says congestion at Senari Terminal has been resolved, while expansion works are moving ahead to support heavier cargo movement. What changed The Sarawak Manufacturers Association and Kuching Port Authority met in a recent dialogue to discuss logistics issues affecting manufacturers and exporters. KPA said vessel calls rose sharply in April and May 2026 compared with the same period last year. Container throughput also climbed, with April and May recording 27,461 TEUs and 31,686 TEUs respectively. Why it matters Manufacturers rely on smoother cargo clearance, stable vessel turnaround times and better shipping information to plan production and exports. KPA is now working on an additional 250-metre berth, targeted for completion by the end of 2028. It also plans to raise container yard capacity by another 200,000 TEUs per year by the end of 2027. SMA also proposed direct access to KPA's cargo e-tracking system and monthly import-export statistics so members can plan shipments faster. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[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?

Two drainage upgrade projects worth over RM800,000 are now underway in Batu Kawa to reduce flash flood problems. [image: 1783742601204-drainage.jpg] Source: DayakDaily What is being upgraded The works cover RPR Batu Kawa Lorong 6 and Jalan Field Force, with completion targeted for August and October 2026 respectively. According to DayakDaily, the RPR Batu Kawa project will upgrade front and rear drains in phases. Roads along the affected lanes will be resurfaced after the drainage work is completed. Why residents should care Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the upgrades are needed because rapid development, heavier rainfall and older drainage systems have made flash flood issues harder to manage. He also warned contractors to keep to schedule, saying action including blacklisting can be taken if obligations are not met. Location: RPR Batu Kawa Lorong 6 and Jalan Field Force, Batu Kawa Details: Over RM800,000 drainage upgrade, targeted completion in August and October 2026 Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783731853726-civic_centre.jpg] Kuching Civic Centre will reopen to the public on July 13 after RM5 million in upgrading and restoration works. The Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development announced that the landmark will again welcome the public for community activities, recreation and food stalls from Monday. The upgrade included re-roofing works on the main tower and other improvements to safety, accessibility and overall usability. The project began in 2025. A familiar city landmark The Civic Centre is known for its umbrella-shaped observation tower and views of Kuching city. It has long been used for exhibitions, cultural performances, community programmes and public activities. The building first opened in 1988 as a social, cultural, educational and recreational venue for Kuching. Location: Kuching Civic Centre Details: Reopens July 13 after RM5 million upgrade and restoration works Hot Score: 24/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783731821510-pantai_damai.jpg] Several road projects are moving in Pantai Damai, with the Bako-Buntal link expected to shorten travel along the Coastal Ring Road. The 7.2km road linking Kampung Bako and Kampung Buntal is now under construction. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year or early next year. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the link will help people travelling from Sematan, Lundu and Telaga Air towards Samarahan and northern Sarawak. More links planned Two more Telaga Air road projects are expected to start by the end of the year, pending final technical checks by JKR. One is a 4.2km link from the Federal Administrative Centre Road to Telaga Air. Another will connect FAC Road through the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Highway to the new i-CATS University College campus in Kampung Trombol. Village roads and drainage in Kampung Pasir Pandak, Kampung Pasir Panjang, Kampung Sungai Batu and Kampung Buntal will also continue to be upgraded to reduce monsoon flooding risk. Location: Pantai Damai, Kuching Details: Road links, drainage upgrades and better access to coastal, tourism and education areas Hot Score: 25/30 Source: The Borneo Post 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?

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?

A 40-year-old man alleged to be a senior Geng 24 Hung Hung member has claimed trial in Kuching over firearm and ammunition charges. [image: 1783591399959-geng.jpg] Source: DayakDaily What happened The accused pleaded not guilty today before the Sessions Court and two Magistrates' Courts in Kuching. The main charge involves alleged possession of a black Stoeger automatic shotgun without a valid licence or permit. If convicted under the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, he could face up to 14 years in jail and up to six strokes of the cane. He also faces six separate charges involving 120 rounds of ammunition under the Arms Act 1960. Location: Kuching Court Complex / Lorong Durian Burung, Taman Daya Details: The alleged offences were said to have happened at about 2.30am on April 15. Case management dates were fixed for July 23 and Aug 6. The court granted RM9,000 bail with two local sureties for each set of ammunition charges, but the accused remains in custody because of an earlier remand linked to a separate organised crime charge. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783577293136-kch-lorrydriver-cannabis.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Police photo A lorry driver was arrested in Kuching after police found packets believed to contain cannabis during a commercial vehicle operation. Kuching police said the case happened along Jalan Setia Raja on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, during an integrated operation involving traffic police and the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division. What police found Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said officers found three transparent packets containing compressed dried leaves believed to be cannabis in a brown sling bag carried by the 20-year-old driver. The items weighed about 17.50g in total. Police said the driver also tested positive for THC in a urine screening. Investigation ongoing The man was arrested under Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The Magistrates' Court granted a four-day remand from July 8 to July 11. Police said 60 people and 55 vehicles were checked in the operation. A total of 16 summonses were also issued for traffic offences. Location: Jalan Setia Raja, Kuching Details: Commercial vehicle operation, suspected cannabis seizure, 16 traffic summonses Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/07/09/lorry-driver-arrested-with-suspected-cannabis-during-kuching-traffic-operation/ What do you think?

[image: 1783559031764-airborneo-fare-resized.jpg] AirBorneo says its RM375 Kuching-Kuala Lumpur fare is all-in, after some travellers said the price still feels high. AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Aminuddin said the fare was set after comparing the lowest average fares offered on the Kuala Lumpur-Kuching route over the past six months, plus last year's average lowest fares. He said the RM375 price includes airport tax, 23kg checked baggage, 10kg cabin baggage, meals and seat selection. What passengers get The airline said some cheaper-looking fares from other carriers may only show the base fare first, before add-ons such as baggage or meals. Megat Ardian said AirBorneo wants to help keep fares between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia more stable, because high ticket prices were one of the biggest public concerns before the airline launched. The fare is available for travel until March 27, 2027. AirBorneo will watch booking demand and competitor pricing before deciding how long to keep it. Rural flights also being reviewed AirBorneo is also working on reliability for its Rural Air Services network after recent disruptions. The airline currently uses 14 turboprop aircraft for RAS flights: eight ATR 72-500s and six Twin Otters. It carries about 60,000 to 70,000 passengers a month on the network. Megat Ardian said lower-demand rural routes may be consolidated to give aircraft more maintenance time, but he said this does not mean routes will be closed. Location: Kuching / Sarawak air routes Details: RM375 all-in Kuching-Kuala Lumpur fare; RAS schedule review expected after talks with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/07/08/airborneo-defends-rm375-kuching-kl-promo-fare-following-public-feedback/ What do you think?