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[image: 1781312721319-repair-scam.jpg] If a Facebook ad offers cheap home repairs with free inspection — think twice. Victims across Sarawak are losing thousands. The Sarawak Consumers Association (PPS) has sounded the alarm after receiving complaints from Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu about a suspected scam syndicate operating through Facebook ads. The modus operandi? Ads offering free inspection and home repairs. Workers show up, do substandard or irrelevant work, pressure victims into paying via personal bank accounts — then disappear. The original problem remains unfixed. Reported losses: Kuching: RM3,000 – RM4,200 Sibu: RM5,400 Miri: RM2,700 Bintulu: RM5,600 The workers are reportedly Chinese nationals. PPS has raised concerns over possible immigration law violations and public safety risks. "We are not talking about isolated incidents anymore. Victims from several divisions — even Peninsular Malaysia — have come forward with nearly identical stories," said PPS president Dr Wynson Ong. Some victims have filed police reports, but the cases were not classified as fraud since the workers physically showed up and did some work. Tips to stay safe: Verify the company's business address and license Never pay via personal bank accounts Get a written quote before any work starts If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is If you have been a victim, file a police report and contact PPS at 017-710 9299. Source: DayakDaily | Borneo Post Share this with your family and friends!

Sarawak is building its first-ever road tunnel — a 2.24km underground passage through Bukit Pagon in Lawas, cutting travel distance from 22.4km to just 7km. The tunnel is part of the Sarawak–Sabah Link Road (SSLR) Phase 2, a 335.54km road alignment connecting Sarawak and Sabah. As of June 11, Phase 2 has reached 11.39% physical progress, with full completion targeted for 2029. Location: Bukit Pagon, Bakun Range (Lawas–Limbang border) Details: 2.24km tunnel under Package 4 of SSLR Phase 2 Cuts travel distance from 22.4km to 7km — saving over 15km 2% longitudinal gradient, 321m max overburden depth Emergency widening sections every 500m for safety Expected to significantly improve connectivity between Sarawak and Sabah JKR Sarawak director Datu Dr Ir Cassidy Morris visited the tunnel site on June 11 to inspect progress. Meanwhile, SSLR Phase 1 has reached 71.16% completion and is on track for March 16, 2027. It features the MyArch Bridge, a modern arch bridge design that will serve as a landmark along the route. Phase 2 Package 3 (62.9km road built to JKR R3 standards) is also progressing at 16.25%, targeting completion by June 2029. [image: 1781244246800-tunnel-proposal-map.jpg] The proposed tunnel location at Bukit Pagon, Lawas [image: 1781244247304-myarch-bridge.jpg] MyArch Bridge — a landmark design feature of SSLR Phase 1 Source: DayakDaily What do you think of Sarawak's first tunnel?

[image: 1781226902998-bintulu-customs.jpg] Customs officers in Bintulu have smashed a major smuggling syndicate, seizing contraband worth RM7.39 million — including over 4.3kg of suspected cannabis. The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Sarawak carried out a series of raids between April and May, uncovering: 7.2 million sticks of illicit cigarettes 8,100 litres of untaxed liquor 4.3kg of compressed cannabis 2 vehicles linked to the smuggling ring The biggest haul came on May 19 when officers raided an empty warehouse along Jalan Bintulu-Miri. Inside: 5.42 million cigarette sticks and 2,788 litres of liquor, worth RM5.44 million in total — including unpaid duties. Three other raids at abandoned houses in Taman Seaview and a vacant unit at Plaza Li Hua uncovered another 1.79 million cigarettes and 5,300 litres of liquor. Location: Bintulu, Sarawak Details: The syndicate used empty houses and warehouses as temporary storage before distributing to local markets. All four cases are being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 — offenders face fines of up to 20x the value of the goods or RM500,000, imprisonment of 6 months to 5 years, or both. On the drug front, Customs intercepted four cannabis trafficking attempts through courier parcels addressed to Bintulu. Two local men were arrested. The cannabis cases fall under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 — which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. Sarawak Customs director Datuk Norizan Yahya urged the public to report smuggling via the toll-free hotline: 1-800-88-8855. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/customs-seizes-contraband-cigarettes-liquor-and-cannabis-worth-rm7-39-mln-in-bintulu/ What do you think about this bust?

A Korean Netflix star is coming to Kuching — and he's bringing a full film crew with him. Cha Ji-hyuk, the actor from Netflix's hit action series Bloodhounds 2, will star in a brand-new Korean-Malaysian romantic comedy called "Distinct: Becoming Sarawak" — and the entire film will be shot right here in Kuching and across Sarawak. Filming kicks off June 15. [image: 1781157840077-cha-ji-hyuk.jpeg] What's the movie about? It's a romance story built around the idea that differences can bring people together. The film explores love, healing and identity — set against Sarawak's city life, culture and landscapes. The message? Sarawak's multicultural society, where people of different backgrounds live side by side while keeping their own identity, is the perfect backdrop for this kind of story. Who's involved? Cha will star alongside Malaysian actresses Siti Nur Aishah Bee Md Nor and Shelyn Poh. The film is directed by Shin Ji-hwan, with costume design by Lee Chung Chung — the creative director of global fashion brand LIE, whose work has walked Seoul, New York, Paris and London fashion weeks. The Korean crew has already been in Kuching since June 1 for pre-production, and local casting sessions were held earlier this year to recruit Sarawakian talent. Why it matters This is more than just a movie. Producer Lee Sang Chan says the project is about building a bridge between Sarawak and international audiences — and his company plans to bring more Korean productions to Malaysia after this. For Kuching's creative scene, this means jobs, exposure and the chance to put local talent on a global stage. Location: Kuching & across Sarawak Filming starts: June 15, 2026 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/korean-actor-cha-ji-hyuk-to-spotlight-sarawak-in-new-international-feature-film/ Would you watch a K-drama filmed in Kuching?

[image: 1781140099831-airborneo.jpeg] AirBorneo CEO Megat Ardian has publicly apologised for the recent wave of flight delays and cancellations affecting passengers across Sarawak and Sabah, while announcing that new ATR 72-600 aircraft are on the way. In a statement, Megat Ardian said the disruptions were caused by several aircraft being unavailable at the same time due to maintenance requirements and technical rectification works. "I would like to sincerely apologise for the disruption, inconvenience and uncertainty this has caused," he said. What Happened Multiple AirBorneo flights were delayed or cancelled in recent days, leaving passengers stranded across Sarawak and Sabah. The airline confirmed the root cause was overlapping maintenance schedules that took more planes out of service than expected. What is Being Done AirBorneo teams are working around the clock to restore normal operations Additional resources have been mobilised to speed up repairs New ATR 72-600 aircraft will be progressively introduced as part of the fleet renewal programme Affected passengers are being offered rebooking, refunds, meals, and accommodation Contact for Affected Passengers Local: 1 300 22 1388 International: +60-8253 7555 Location: Kuching / Sarawak-wide Details: CEO Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin apologises, promises fleet improvement with new ATR 72-600 series Source: https://dayakdaily.com/airborneo-ceo-apologises-for-flight-disruptions-says-new-atr-fleet-on-the-way/ Have you been affected by the recent AirBorneo delays?

[image: 1781071314796-cement-price.jpg] Miri and Kuching now lead the nation in cement price increases, with annual hikes of 7.5% and 7.4% respectively — the highest in Malaysia, according to the latest DOSM data. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) released its Special Release for Building and Structural Works for May 2026, showing average cement prices across Malaysia rose from RM23.04 per 50kg bag in May 2024 to RM25.95 in May 2026. But Sarawaks two largest cities saw the biggest jumps. Miri recorded the highest year-on-year increase at 7.5%, with Kuching close behind at 7.4%. Nationwide, the year-on-year range was just 1.0% to 7.5%. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that cement prices also rose month-on-month across all regions, increasing between 0.2% and 2.1% in May alone. Other construction materials are not spared either: Steel prices rose 0.1% to 1.3% month-on-month nationwide, with Sibu and Miri among the higher increases Sand prices increased up to 9.7% in some areas, with Sibu recording a 3.7% jump Aggregate prices climbed 0.3% to 4.7% nationwide The Building Cost Index (BCI) confirmed the broader trend, with Sarawak recording month-on-month increases of 0.1% to 1.1% across all building categories. At the national level, Ordinary Portland cement now averages RM25.95 per 50kg bag, while steel bars sit at RM3,517.50 per metric tonne. For homeowners planning renovations and developers with ongoing projects, these numbers mean real cost pressure ahead. Location: Kuching & Miri, Sarawak Source: DayakDaily / DOSM - https://dayakdaily.com/construction-costs-rise-as-miri-kuching-record-nations-steepest-cement-price-hikes/ What do you think?

Sarawak TVET students brought home a runner-up finish at an international robotics championship in Taiwan — proving Malaysian technical talent can shine on the world stage. Students from Matang Vocational College (KVM) competed in the STVE x MARC Open Championship 2026 at the National Taiwan Science Education Centre in Taipei from May 30-31. They won the Finalist Alliance Award in the League of Mecha-Clash (LOM) category. The championship drew top robotics teams from multiple countries, challenging participants in robot design, programming, engineering, and strategic problem-solving. KVM's team advanced all the way to the final round before securing second place. The League of Mecha-Clash requires teams to build robots capable of completing tasks through both autonomous operation and manual control. Success depends not just on technical skill but on teamwork and real-time coordination with alliance partners. KVM said the achievement reflects the dedication and perseverance of both students and mentors throughout the preparation period. It also highlights the ability of Malaysia's TVET students to compete internationally in robotics and emerging tech. [image: 1781053387272-robotics-team.jpg] KVM's robotics team with their award in Taiwan. The college hopes this international recognition will inspire more students to pursue excellence in TVET — especially in robotics, automation, and AI. Location: Matang Vocational College (KVM), Kuching / Taipei, Taiwan Details: Runner-up (Finalist Alliance Award), STVE x MARC Open Championship 2026, League of Mecha-Clash category Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/06/10/sarawak-tvet-students-earn-global-accolade-for-robotics-excellence-in-taiwan/ What do you think?

Former soldier Umar Sidee, 66, dashed into a blazing two-storey house in Sibu to rescue eight grandchildren and his son — a split-second decision that saved nine lives. The fire tore through Kampung Jeriah Abang Ramli along Jalan Oya Lama around 11am on Sunday (June 7). Umar and his wife were at a nearby orchard when they heard explosions from the house. "My wife suddenly shouted that our house was on fire. I heard several explosions," Umar told Bernama. He ran inside, grabbed all his grandchildren aged 4 to 14 who were watching TV on the ground floor, then rushed upstairs to wake his son. "I was in the armed forces before. I couldn't just watch my family die," he said. Villagers tried to help put out the fire with buckets, but the flames spread too fast. Bomba firefighters arrived and ordered everyone back as conditions became dangerous. The family of 19 from three households survived. But the house — built by Umar over nearly 40 years after he retired from military service in 1995 — was completely destroyed. [image: 1780985601017-sibu-fire-house.jpeg] Location: Kampung Jeriah Abang Ramli, Jalan Oya Lama, Sibu Details: 19 family members from 3 households lost their home; all safe thanks to Umar's quick action Source: https://dayakdaily.com/66yo-man-risks-life-to-save-grandchildren-son-from-sibu-house-fire/ What do you think?

Matang Vocational College robotics team wins Finalist Alliance Award at Taipei international championship. Sarawak TVET students have proven they can compete with the best in the world. A team from Matang Vocational College took second place (Finalist Alliance Award) at the STVE x MARC Open Championship 2026 in Taipei, Taiwan. The competition, held May 30-31 at the National Taiwan Science Education Centre, brought together top robotics teams from multiple countries. The League of Mecha-Clash (LOM) category required teams to build high-performance robots capable of both autonomous and manual operation. Strategic alliance-building and real-time teamwork were key factors in advancing through rounds. This achievement puts Sarawak vocational education on the global map, showing that TVET students here have the skills and innovation to match international standards in robotics, AI, and engineering. [image: 1780985127813-robotics-team.jpg] Source: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) What do you think? Should Sarawak invest more in TVET and robotics education?

Sarawak is spending RM4.53 billion on 76 school construction and upgrade projects across the state — with 25 currently under construction and 27 already completed. Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced the update after handing over new classroom blocks at SMK Dalat and SMK Semop today. Of the 76 projects: 25 are actively under construction 24 are in planning and preparatory stages 27 have been fully completed Seven more school projects worth RM223.64 million are expected to be completed between June and December this year. For SMK Dalat, the RM27.2 million 18-classroom block was completed in December 2025, while SMK Semop's RM10.56 million 12-classroom block finished in January this year. Nanta also mentioned that preliminary work for the SMK Bukit Goram project in Kapit has started, with a Letter of Acceptance expected before the end of 2026. [image: 1780966886005-school-p1-resized.jpg] Nanta visiting a new classroom at SMK Dalat. He also announced RM20,000 contributions each to the Parent-Teacher Associations of SMK Dalat and SMK Semop. "This demonstrates the government's continued commitment to ensuring schools in Sarawak are provided with more comfortable, safe and conducive facilities," said Nanta. Source: Borneo Post What do you think — are schools in your area improving?

Termite-damaged and declared unsafe by JKR — yet SMK Dalat's girls' hostel continues to house students, prompting an urgent call from Minister Fatimah Abdullah. [image: 1780899349010-smk-dalat-1-resized.jpg] DALAT: The girls' hostel at SMK Dalat has been declared unsafe by the Public Works Department (JKR), but students are still living there due to a lack of alternative accommodation. Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who is also Dalat assemblywoman, raised the issue during a visit to the school on Monday. "The first thing is safety. What we are concerned about is the safety of our students," she said. [image: 1780899350235-smk-dalat-2-resized.jpg] The nearly 48-year-old school comprises several ageing wooden structures, with termite infestation weakening parts of the buildings. The girls' hostel — located next to one of the old school blocks — remains occupied despite JKR's safety assessment. Fatimah noted that while the hostel is clean and well maintained by its occupants, visible signs of deterioration, including termite-damaged window frames, underscore the need for immediate action. The hostel was reportedly not included in the approved scope of renovation works for the school. Location: SMK Dalat, Dalat, Sarawak Details: Girls' hostel declared unsafe by JKR but still in use; Minister calls for urgent action; 48-year-old school with termite damage; renovation project did not cover hostel Source: The Borneo Post What do you think? Should student safety be prioritised faster?

Sarawak recorded the highest temperatures in Malaysia again this weekend, with Kapit hitting 35.5°C and Sibu close behind at 35.4°C. According to METMalaysia, the heat is being felt across the state — from Mulu (35.1°C) and Limbang (34.8°C) to Kuching and Sri Aman (both 34.5°C), Bintulu (34.4°C), Miri (33.8°C), and Mukah (33°C). This isn't the first time Sarawak has topped the national heat chart. On May 21, Sibu recorded the highest nationwide at 35.9°C. On June 4, Limbang (35.8°C) and Sri Aman (35.5°C) took the top spots. [image: 1780898757622-heatwave-sarawak.jpg] Region: Statewide Sarawak Details: Sarawak has consistently recorded the highest maximum temperatures nationwide, with multiple cities topping the national chart in recent weeks. Kapit and Sibu currently lead, with Kuching experiencing 34.5°C. Source: DayakDaily Stay cool out there, folks. How's the heat treating your area?

Kuching residents report discoloured tap water as Sarawak Water rushes to fix pipeline issues Residents across several areas in Kuching Division have been complaining about murky, discoloured water coming from their taps over the past days. Sarawak Water confirmed it has mobilised its operations and technical teams to carry out intensive flushing works (water pipe cleaning) at affected locations. According to the agency, the issue is believed to be caused by muddy water and sediment disturbances within the distribution pipeline system — triggered by changes in water flow and ongoing stabilisation of the water supply system. "Sarawak Water is treating this matter seriously, and continuous field monitoring is being conducted to ensure that conditions return to normal as quickly as possible," the agency said in a Facebook post. Affected areas: Kuching Division (multiple locations) Status: Ongoing — flushing works underway, monitoring continues [image: 1780880739940-kuching-water.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Has your area been affected?

[image: 1780812153192-ssciex-aerial.jpeg] Sarawak's first interactive science centre opens Phase 1 on July 29, featuring animatronic dinosaurs, a mirror maze, water play zone and more. Located at Jalan Stadium on a 10.97-acre site, the Sarawak Science Centre Interactive Experience (SSCiEX) will welcome visitors starting July 29. Phase 1 covers the Ground Floor and Level 1 galleries, while Level 2 and 3 will follow later. What's Inside Visitors can explore galleries covering physics, engineering, earth science, biology and technology. Key attractions include: Animatronic dinosaur gallery 🦕 Water play zone Mirror maze Forces, light and sound exhibits The centre also offers daily science theatre shows, live demonstrations, lab sessions for schools, a Maker's Space, community farming zones and an on-site hostel for visiting school groups. Background The project was approved by the Sarawak government in 2019. Planning started in 2022 with Singapore Science Centre helping develop the Strategic Master Plan, incorporating Sarawak's natural environment and cultural identity into the visitor experience. Construction progressed in 2024, with exhibit fabrication and installation in 2025. This is a Sarawak government initiative under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aimed at nurturing STEM interest through interactive learning. Location: Jalan Stadium, Kuching Opening: July 29, 2026 (Phase 1) Source: DayakDaily Who's planning to visit?

[image: 1780794132383-icats_upgrade_full.jpeg] i-CATS University College has been officially upgraded to a full-fledged university, with the Sarawak government planning a brand new RM400 million campus in Trombol. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the upgrade at the Sarawak Career and Training (SCaT) Fair 2026 on Saturday, saying the Ministry of Higher Education approved the move after i-CATS met all requirements. The upgrade makes i-CATS the second technology-focused state university in Sarawak, alongside University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) in Sibu. The new campus in Trombol will be developed in phases at an estimated RM400 million, complete with student accommodation and supporting facilities. A new faculty building has already been completed. i-CATS is also strengthening international partnerships with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Istanbul Technical University in Türkiye to expand its academic programmes. Location: Trombol, Kuching, Sarawak What: i-CATS upgraded to full university status + new RM400m campus Details: MoHE approval granted, phased development in Trombol with student accommodation Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kota Sentosa family terrorised by loan sharks after son's RM7,000 debt balloons to RM30,000 — arson, threats, and a family living in fear. A Kota Sentosa family has filed five police reports after illegal moneylenders allegedly threatened them and set fire to their house and vehicle over a RM7,000 loan taken out by their son. The son has gone into hiding, leaving his elderly parents to face the consequences alone. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap accompanied the couple to meet Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu today after the family began receiving threats and experienced arson attacks. According to Yap, the lenders are now demanding around RM30,000 in settlement — nearly four times the original amount. [image: 1780726648584-loan-arson.jpg] Yap (left) with the couple at the Kuching District Police Headquarters. Photo: Wilfred Yap's office. Location: Kota Sentosa, Kuching Details: The family's son borrowed RM7,000 from unlicensed moneylenders who now demand RM30,000. The family's house and car were set on fire. The son is in hiding. Five police reports have been lodged. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/illegal-loan-turns-into-nightmare-as-family-faces-threats-arson-over-sons-rm7000-debt/ What do you think?

Malaysians will soon be able to apply for a passport that lasts 10 years instead of the current 5 — and it will cost RM350. [image: 1780640317943-malaysia-passport.jpg] The new 10-year Malaysian passport was officially gazetted on June 3 under the Fees (Passports and Visas) (Amendment) Order 2026. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban confirmed the change is coming this year, adding that the current 5-year option will remain available. Fees at a glance: Category 10-Year Passport Fee General (13-59) RM350 Senior (60+) RM175 OKU (disabled, 18+) Free Immigration staff Free Lost or damaged passport replacement fees: First replacement: RM550 Second: RM850 Third or more: RM1,350 Seniors 60+: RM375 (first), RM675 (second), RM1,175 (subsequent) For comparison, the current 5-year passport costs RM200 (RM100 for seniors). The 10-year option costs RM150 more but saves you the hassle of renewing every five years. Good news for Sarawakians — no more trips to Immigration every half-decade. One application, set for a decade. Source: DayakDaily | Borneo Post Worth switching over when it launches?

Just weeks after opening, Sarawak's RM848 million landmark bridge is already covered in rubbish — and netizens are calling it out. Batang Lupar Bridge 1, the RM848.7 million, 4.844km bridge that opened on May 21, was meant to be a source of pride for Sarawak. Instead, photos of rubbish scattered along the bridge have gone viral. Facebook user Ef Suhaimi shared images of the mess, comparing it to Brunei's much longer sea bridges that remain clean despite heavier traffic. "I feel embarrassed when looking at Brunei. They have sea bridges over 20km long and you don't see rubbish being thrown on the bridge. Here in Sarawak, it is only about 4km and it already looks like this," he wrote. [image: 1780622070152-batang-lupar-litter-resized.jpeg] Source: Ef Suhaimi / DayakDaily JKR Sarawak responded by urging the public to take responsibility: "Batang Lupar Bridge 1 belongs to all of us. Let us work together to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the bridge, which is a source of pride for the people of Sarawak." The bridge replaces the Sebuyau–Triso ferry service, cutting travel time from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes, and is part of Sarawak's Coastal Road Network development programme. Location: Batang Lupar, Sarawak Details: Littering on Sarawak's new landmark bridge sparks public debate Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should there be stricter penalties for littering?

[image: 1780552949479-energy-link.jpg] Sarawak is set to become Borneo's energy powerhouse — with an undersea cable project capable of supplying electricity to four countries including Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today that the federal government and the Sarawak government are jointly pursuing a major cross-border energy initiative. Speaking at the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26) in Kuala Lumpur, he said the plan involves laying undersea cables to transmit Sarawak's surplus energy to regional markets. "This joint proposal with the Sarawak government utilises a very large energy capacity and provides an undersea route to meet energy needs in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, as well as Sabah up to the Philippines and Indonesia," said Anwar. Sarawak currently operates three hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 3.5 GW — enough to power about three million households daily. A fourth plant is under construction as part of the state's target to hit 10 GW generation capacity by 2030. Sarawak Premier Abang Johari had previously revealed the undersea cable linking Sarawak to Singapore would span roughly 720km, mostly through Indonesian waters, and is expected to be commercially operational by 2031. Location: Kuching / Kuala Lumpur Details: Cross-border undersea cable energy initiative covering Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia Source: DayakDaily 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?