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The Niah National Park forest fire is now fully extinguished after a three-day operation involving air and ground teams. [image: 1784109951034-niah-fire.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily Bomba Sarawak confirmed that the fire was put out at 12pm on July 15, after 20 helicopter water bombing runs released 26,000 litres of water over the affected area. Location: Niah National Park, Miri Division Details: The affected area covered 1.62 hectares. The final stage of the operation began at 9.45am and lasted three hours and 36 minutes, using one Bomba Air Unit MI-171 helicopter with 11 personnel. Ground support came from Bomba Batu Niah Station, with help from the Royal Malaysia Police and Sarawak Forestry Corporation. Authorities said the fire is now 100 per cent extinguished, with monitoring to make sure the area stays safe. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

BCCK now has Sarawak's first live indoor 5G coverage, aimed at keeping large events online without the usual crowd-network slowdown. [image: 1784109896030-bcck-5g.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) has upgraded its digital infrastructure with an in-building 5G coverage system at BCCK 1. The system covers more than 3,740 square metres and is meant to support high-density use during conferences, exhibitions and major gatherings. Location: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) Details: Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said 5G speeds can reach more than 1,100Mbps, compared with about 200Mbps on 4G. The upgrade is also seen as a base for future connectivity at BCCK 2 once the expansion is ready. For visitors, exhibitors and event crews, this should mean smoother digital registration, livestreaming and online services when the hall is packed. 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?

[image: 1784088233017-miri-cleanliness.jpeg] Miri's city cleanliness is back in the spotlight after some residents questioned whether the Asean Clean Tourist City award matches the situation on the ground. The Borneo Post checked several public and commercial areas in Miri and found a mixed picture. Some spaces are well kept, but other areas still have overflowing bins, overgrown grass, clogged drains and stagnant water. What the council said Miri City Council councillor Kelvin Chia said cleanliness problems involve contractors, businesses, residents and the council. He said three residential maintenance contractors were recently terminated after poor performance. Food waste is another major issue. The city generates about 80,000 tonnes of waste a year, with food waste making up around 40%. MCC has also identified 13 illegal dumping hotspots, with four already cleared. Councillor Leslie Lau Ik Chie said ageing drains in older commercial areas need upgrades because current development and heavier rainfall have pushed old systems beyond their limits. Location: Miri, Sarawak Details: Cleanliness, waste, drains and illegal dumping remain key city-management issues. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784077612633-jalan-petanak-robbery-police.jpg] Police have arrested four locals over a gang robbery causing hurt at a carpark in Jalan Petanak, Kuching. Four suspects detained Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspects are aged between 22 and 27. They include three men and one woman. Police also seized a motorcycle and three mobile phones believed to be linked to the case. Remanded for investigation According to police, all four suspects tested positive for drugs and had previous records under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the Penal Code and the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. One of them was also wanted by police. The suspects have been remanded for four days to assist investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt while committing or attempting robbery. Hot Score: 22/30 — Kuching city crime case, fresh July 14 update, public safety angle, clear police action. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784077445053-tabuan-workers-quarters-fire.jpg] A fire broke out at workers’ quarters near Tropic City Condominium, Tabuan Heights, Kuching on Tuesday evening, destroying two blocks of temporary accommodation. What happened Bomba said the emergency call came in at 6.52pm on July 14. Firefighters from Tabuan Jaya rushed to the scene, with help from Batu Lintang and Padungan stations. Two blocks, each about 10 feet by 100 feet, were destroyed. A third block was about 30% damaged. Fire stopped from spreading Firefighters used several hose lines to put out the blaze. The Batu Lintang team also created a firebreak from the opposite side, helping stop the flames from reaching nearby homes. No injuries were reported. Overhaul work was still being carried out as of 8.40pm. Hot Score: 26/30 — local Kuching incident, same-day news, clear public safety angle, strong image. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak and Indonesia discussed stronger air links to Jakarta, Balikpapan and Pontianak, together with better road connectivity through border checkpoints. [image: 1784023513243-sarawak-indonesia-airlinks.jpg] Photo: Ministry of Transport Sarawak via DayakDaily The discussion took place during a courtesy visit by Indonesian Consul General in Kuching Dr Abdullah Zulkifli to Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Both sides said growing movement between Sarawak and Kalimantan makes easier transport links increasingly important for tourism, trade, investment and family travel. Discussion is not the same as a confirmed route Jakarta, Balikpapan and Pontianak were named as existing or potential connections under discussion. The July 14 statement did not announce an airline, flight frequency, launch date or fare for any new service. That distinction matters. A route only becomes useful to travellers after an airline receives the necessary approvals and publishes a bookable schedule. Until then, residents should not plan a trip around an unconfirmed service. Land links were also part of the meeting. The two sides discussed Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security checkpoints along the Sarawak–Kalimantan border as cross-border movement and economic activity increase. For Kuching travellers, the next facts worth watching are which airline applies for the route, whether it will be direct, how often it will fly and whether timings allow useful onward connections. Official updates should come from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, the airline concerned and airport or aviation authorities. Status on July 14: Connectivity options discussed; no new launch date announced Sources: DayakDaily · Ministry of Transport Sarawak

[image: 1784023457577-gof-seizure-sarawak.jpg] Sarawak GOF seized RM19.96 million worth of illicit goods in a two-week statewide crackdown. The Sarawak Brigade of the General Operations Force recorded 18 successful operations from July 1 to July 13. The seizures involved unlicensed frozen products, subsidised diesel, illegal timber and wildlife-related items. What was seized More than 60 tonnes of frozen products without permits were found in Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, Sri Aman and Kuching. GOF also seized nearly 16,000 litres of diesel in Sri Aman and Kota Samarahan, together with tanks, heavy machinery and other equipment. Other cases involved logs, processed timber, agarwood, swiftlet nests, rice, frozen meat and undocumented migrants. Location: Sarawak, including Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu and Sri Aman Details: 18 operations, RM19.96 million in seized goods, several arrests involving locals and foreigners Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784001908911-serian-road.jpg] A RM32.87 million rural road project in Serian is expected to make travel between Kampung Mayang Kawan and Kampung Mentung Mubuk much faster. The new road will link the two villages in the Kedup constituency and benefit 3,653 residents from seven villages. Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the project is being carried out under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), with construction handled by JKR Serian Division. Once completed, the route between Kampung Mayang Kawan and Kampung Mentung Mubuk is expected to drop from 28.4km to 8.7km. Travel time should also fall from around 35 minutes to about 10 minutes. The road is also expected to improve access to three primary schools, agricultural areas and basic services, while reducing transport costs for rural communities. Location: Kampung Mentung Mubuk / Kampung Mayang Kawan, Serian Details: RM32.87 million road project; 3,653 residents from seven villages to benefit Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784001875087-open-burning-sarawak.jpg] Kuching Division recorded the highest number of open-burning cases in Sarawak this July, with 15 cases reported as of July 13. Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Jamri Masran said Sarawak recorded 49 open-burning cases statewide from July 1 to 13. Miri came second with 11 cases, followed by Mukah with six, Bintulu with five and Sibu with four. Samarahan, Sri Aman and Betong each recorded two cases, while Kapit and Limbang recorded one each. The spike happened over the weekend: daily cases rose from 3 on July 10 to 10 on July 11, then 11 on July 12, before dropping to five on July 13. Jamri said Bomba Sarawak is preparing land and air assets as the country faces the Super El Nino threat. The department is also working with the Department of Environment and the Natural Resources and Environment Board on enforcement against open burning that harms the environment. Location: Kuching Division / Sarawak Details: 49 statewide cases from July 1-13; Kuching recorded the most with 15 cases Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783991097438-drugs-samarahan.jpg] Police arrested a 22-year-old local man after seizing about 5.46kg of suspected cannabis in Kota Samarahan. The operation took place in the Taman Samarindah area on Sunday, July 12. Police estimated the seized drugs at RM16,367.97. Case under investigation According to Kota Samarahan District Police Headquarters, the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Police said they will continue operations against drug trafficking, and asked the public to share information on drug abuse or trafficking activities. Location: Taman Samarindah, Kota Samarahan Details: 22-year-old local man arrested; 5.46kg suspected cannabis seized; estimated value RM16,367.97. Photo: PDRM via DayakDaily Source: https://dayakdaily.com/police-seize-over-rm16k-worth-of-suspected-cannabis-arrest-22yo-in-kota-samarahan-ops/ What do you think?

[image: 1783991063677-gardenia-samarahan.png] Gardenia bread will soon be made in Sarawak, with a RM30 million plant planned for Kota Samarahan. Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC) is working with Yayasan Sarawak through Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd to set up Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd. The new factory is expected to start operations in 2027. What changes for Sarawak The plant will sit on a 7.56-acre site in Kota Samarahan and use advanced manufacturing technology. KTC said it will also focus on halal certification, food safety and quality control before production begins. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the project shows investors are looking at Sarawak not only for electricity, but also for workforce quality and liveability. For regular shoppers, the biggest change is simple: Sarawak will no longer depend so much on Gardenia bread shipped in from outside the state. Location: Kota Samarahan Details: RM30 million plant, expected to operate in 2027, with local supply chain benefits and Sarawak Edition packaging planned. Photo: Madeline Dugat/TVS via DayakDaily Source: https://dayakdaily.com/gardenia-to-bake-sarawak-made-bread-by-2027-with-rm30-million-plant-in-kota-samarahan/ What do you think?

Kuching Festival Fair 2026 is getting a nationwide push this year through a limited-edition Pepsi can. [image: 1783988825831-kuching-fest-pepsi-2026.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune The collaboration between MBKS and Pepsi puts Kuching Festival branding on a special can that will be distributed across Malaysia. Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the can is more than a drink promotion. He described it as a way to carry Kuching's food culture and city identity to people outside Sarawak. The move also fits Kuching's status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, especially with the festival being one of the city's biggest food and community events. What to expect this year Kuching Festival Fair 2026 will run from July 22 to August 16. The fair is expected to feature: More than 300 food stalls 97 indoor trade exhibition booths 29 amusement and game stalls Nightly stage performances The Garden Show Pepsi is also returning as the festival's main sponsor for the second year, with RM60,000 cash sponsorship and support such as festival tents, limited-edition cans, co-branded materials, KOL marketing and products for festival activities. Location: Kuching South / MBKS area Hot Score: 29/30 - strong Kuching interest, nationwide exposure, timely, good visual angle Source: Sarawak Tribune Will you be going to Kuching Fest this year?

[image: 1783937249183-fake-accounts-resized.jpg] Sarawak wants stronger action on fake social media accounts, especially those used to spread defamatory or harmful content online. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department for Corporate Affairs and UKAS, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission should monitor and act against users operating under false identities or fake names. He said some accounts use another person's photograph while hiding behind a different name, then deactivate or change their account after posting offensive remarks. Media content and AI also raised Abdullah also touched on pages that reuse photos, visuals and news reports from media organisations without proper credit. He said journalists had raised frustration over their work being taken without acknowledgement. He added that AI can make the issue harder to manage when people mix stories from different sources and reprocess them into new content without clear attribution. At the same time, he urged fair treatment for genuine content creators whose accounts may be removed after years of building their audience, especially creators producing positive Sarawak-related content. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Fake accounts, online defamation, media credit, AI-generated content and platform enforcement Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783937203980-gardenia-factory-resized.jpg] Gardenia is planning a RM30 million factory in Sarawak, with the state government saying it reflects stronger investor confidence here. The update came after a memorandum of understanding involving Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad and Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the investment points to Sarawak's skilled workforce, stable governance and improving infrastructure. Dr Sim said KTC had noted that 32.5% of its workforce are Sarawakians, something he linked to the quality of local talent. Why it matters The planned Gardenia factory is not just another commercial project. Dr Sim described it as a strategic investment that can help keep essential supplies from being too dependent on outside sources. He also said the Sarawak government will facilitate the approval process through the State Planning Authority and relevant local authorities once the required submissions are made. Also present at the signing were Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, KTC executive director Datuk Dexter Lau, KTC managing director Datuk Lau Kok Sing, and Sanjung Etika board members Datu Dr Hatta Solhi and Jolly Marikan. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Details: RM30 million Gardenia factory MoU, investor confidence, local workforce and approval process Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783915498213-sarawak-health-clinics.jpg] Sarawak wants more private clinics to join its health screening programmes so access is easier for workers and senior citizens. Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said only 166 out of about 400 private medical facilities in the State are currently registered under the Sarawak Foreigners Health Information System (Safhis). His speech was read by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the Society of Private Medical Practitioners Sarawak 52nd Anniversary Dinner in Kuching. Why it matters Dr Sim said more GP clinics should take part so foreign worker health screening can be done more easily, while also helping Sarawak manage illegal foreign worker issues. He also called for more private clinics to join the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) programme, because fewer than half of Sarawak private clinics are currently participating. He said healthcare providers should also move faster on electronic medical records, telemedicine, secure data sharing and AI tools to improve service delivery. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Hot Score: 25/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783915459573-lorong-peace-fire.jpg] A workers' quarters near Chung Hua Middle School in Kuching was destroyed by fire this morning. The Fire and Rescue Department said the call came in at 7.32am on July 13. Firefighters from Padungan were sent to Lorong Peace 3, with teams from Tabuan Jaya and Batu Lintang helping at the scene. What happened The fire involved a 10-room non-permanent structure, about 50ft by 50ft. The building was razed, and two motorcycles were also destroyed. Bomba used three hose lines and water from a fire engine pump plus a nearby hydrant. The operation ended at 9.29am. No casualties were reported. Location: Lorong Peace 3, Kuching Hot Score: 25/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

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

Kuching CHMS No.4 says scammers are using the school's name to ask people for money. [image: 1783904677263-chms-johnny-kon.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Chung Hua Middle School No.4 in Kuching has warned the public not to trust messages claiming to be from the school or its principal, Johnny Kon. Kon said people had reported receiving text messages and other approaches asking for financial help. What the school said The school will not ask for purchases, bank transfers, or money dealings through mobile messaging apps or social media. Anyone who receives suspicious messages should check directly with the school before doing anything. Location: Chung Hua Middle School No.4, Kuching Details: The school says scammers are impersonating the school and principal Johnny Kon to solicit funds. ️ Check with school: 082-243860 Source: The Borneo Post If this message reaches your family chat, remind them to verify first. What do you think?

Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in Sibu is set to be gazetted as Malaysia's largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve. [image: 1783850680098-bukit-lima.jpg] Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the protected area will cover about 1,045 hectares, made up of the existing 301 hectares and another 744 hectares. He said major development will not be allowed inside the reserve. Only small-scale facilities for recreation and basic amenities are planned. The reserve has also been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the country's largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve. Why it matters For Sibu, this is a big green lung right inside an urban area. It also gives Sarawak another conservation asset that can support education, recreation and environmental protection at the same time. Location: Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, Sibu Details: The announcement was made after the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Sibu on July 11. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?