[image: 1783492441386-batu-kawa-parks.jpeg] Batu Kawa is getting 10 neighbourhood park projects, with RM3.82 million set aside for new and upgraded recreational spaces. The projects started in April and are expected to be completed by February next year. They are being carried out under the Sarawak government's Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), through Padawan Municipal Council (MPP). What is being built The works include new parks, upgrades and maintenance at existing facilities. The areas listed are Taman Genesis, Taman Moyan, Taman Highfield, Taman Desa Wira, Jalan Carina Estate, Jalan Batu Kawa Lorong 3, Taman Phoenix Batu Kawa, Jalan RPR Batu Kawa, Taman San Chin and Taman Vision Land. Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the projects are moving according to schedule. Another park planned at GOF Batu Kawa Dr Sim also said a new community recreational park is planned at the General Operations Force (GOF) Batu Kawa along Jalan Field Force. That project has a ceiling allocation of RM900,000. MPP is now finalising the paperwork before it goes to public tender. Location: Batu Kawa, Kuching Details: 10 neighbourhood park projects, RM3.82 million allocation, expected completion by February 2027 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/10-park-projects-worth-rm3-82-mln-to-enhance-recreation-in-batu-kawa/ What do you think?

[image: 1783472671494-sejingkat-bridge.jpg] Sejingkat Bridge is now 94% complete and could open earlier than planned this October. The 1.2km bridge is being positioned as a major new link for Kuching and Sarawak's Second Trunk Road network. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said the project is about one per cent ahead of schedule. The original completion date was October 22, but the remaining works are now mainly focused on road approaches at Sejingkat and Tanjung Bako. Why it matters Once completed, the bridge is expected to handle about 15,000 vehicles a day. It will connect Sejingkat, Kuching to the wider Second Trunk Road network, giving travellers from coastal and interior areas a stronger route into Kuching. The project is also tied to future plans around Tanjung Embang, including the proposed new Kuching airport and deep-sea port. Location: Sejingkat, Kuching / Tanjung Bako Details: 1.2km bridge, 94% complete, early October 2026 target, estimated 15,000 vehicles daily Source: https://dayakdaily.com/sejingkat-bridge-nears-completion-at-94-pct-expected-to-open-ahead-of-schedule-this-oct/ What do you think?

A brand new Type 2 health clinic in Tabuan Jaya is set to open on July 20, offering services to up to 1,000 patients daily. [image: 1783404176163-tabuan-jaya-clinic.jpg] The RM24 million facility, announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, will serve patients from Tabuan Jaya, Samarahan (up to Unimas), and Stutong areas. Services Available Outpatient & emergency care Maternal & child health Dental, pharmacy, radiology, lab Physiotherapy & occupational therapy Psychology, nutrition & dietetics Parking Concerns Dr Sim noted the clinic only has about 100 parking spaces despite serving up to 1,000 patients and employing 179 staff — something to keep in mind when visiting. The clinic (Lot 19351, Block 11, Muara Tebas Land District) is the second Type 2 clinic in Sarawak after Petra Jaya. It was originally supposed to be completed in June 2024 but was delayed due to additional Fire Department requirements. Location: Tabuan Jaya, Kuching Details: 179 personnel, 800-1,000 patients daily Source: DayakDaily Kuching folks — will you be using this clinic?

GPS says no candidates have been decided for the upcoming Sarawak election yet — social media posts naming possible candidates are not official. KUCHING, July 6 — Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has come out to clarify that no potential candidates have been decided for the upcoming Sarawak State Election, following social media posts circulating names of purported candidates. GPS spokesman and PBB information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the posts have caused confusion among party leadership and supporters. He stressed that the individuals named have not been endorsed by the coalition. "Recently, there have been a few postings on social media on personalities purportedly proposed as GPS candidates for the upcoming Sarawak State Elections. "In this regard, GPS wishes to clarify that no potential candidates have been decided by the coalition of Sarawak governing party," he said in a statement. However, GPS expressed appreciation for the public attention, viewing it as a sign of support. [image: 1783386121022-gps-logo.jpeg] Details: GPS clarifies no candidates decided for upcoming state election after unverified social media claims Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Federal police dismantle an RM81.8 million bird's nest syndicate after 10 raids across Sarawak, with Kuching identified as a major hub for the illegal trade. Federal Department of Internal Security and Public Order (JKDNKA) director CP Dato Sri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the raids under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) from June 1 to 16 led to the arrest of six suspects — both locals and foreign nationals. The syndicate was involved in the illegal collection, possession and trade of edible bird's nests without valid licences. Investigations revealed the nests were processed at commercial premises rather than harvested from natural sites like caves or forests, with products mainly intended for export. Suspects have been handed over to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for action under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. [image: 1783317790872-birdsnest1.jpg] [image: 1783317790955-birdsnest2.jpg] Nationwide, the OBK operation produced 70 investigation papers, 62 arrests, and seized RM98.4 million in wildlife and environmental crimes. Items seized included 16,367kg of edible bird's nests, 223 birds, 8 eagles, 2 pangolins, 790 turtle eggs, 4,238 turtles, 218 axolotls, 116 exotic fish, 959 fighting cocks and 1,673 logs. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: RM81.8 million seizures, 6 arrested, 10 raids coordinated by JKDNKA under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

One of Sarawak's biggest smuggling busts — police seize RM26.6 million worth of contraband beer and heavy equipment in a Kuching warehouse raid. [image: 1783299790565-contraband-beer-1.jpg] Bukit Aman's elite Wildlife Crime Bureau led 'Op Taring Alpha 2' on July 3, hitting a premises that was stockpiling tens of thousands of uncustomed beer cartons — mostly from local craft brand 1602. Here's what they found: 39,196 cartons of 1602 Smooth Lager (330ml) 20,788 cartons of Pure Lager (330ml) 3,210 cartons of Pale Ale, plus hundreds more of Golden Lager & Lager Fresh Three shipping containers loaded with contraband Two Toyota forklifts Three Indonesian men, all aged around 35, were arrested during the operation. The 1602 brand hits back In a press conference on July 5, 1602's executive director Dato Sri Vicent Lee Kee Lung insisted the company is "fully licensed" and tax-compliant, saying all permits — brewery licence, wholesale licence and liquor sales licence — are in order. [image: 1783299790635-1602-press-conf.jpg] Lee claimed his company suspects the rapid growth of 1602 has hurt the illegal alcohol market, and that enforcement may have been influenced by outside parties. He said 1602 will submit evidence of suspected smuggling activities to police, Customs and MACC. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. Nationwide, Bukit Aman's enforcement unit has conducted 199 raids between Jan 1 and July 4 this year, arresting 374 individuals and seizing goods worth RM258.5 million. Location: Kuching Details: Op Taring Alpha 2, July 3 raid Sources: DayakDaily (Raid) · DayakDaily (1602 Response) What do you think — is 1602 being unfairly targeted, or is there more to this story?

A major milestone for Sarawak's infrastructure — the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge is almost ready. The final stitching of the bridge's main structure was completed on July 2, marking a key step before its public opening in August 2026. [image: 1783144929988-batang-lupar-2-bridge.jpg] What you need to know Length: 870 metres, built to JKR R5 standards Design: Cable-stayed bridge with two towers rising 145.5m above the river Navigational channel: 200m wide with 23m clearance Access roads: 2.08km of connecting roads with drainage & safety features The impact The bridge will slash travel distance between Sri Aman and Betong from 73km to just 37km — cutting travel time by nearly half compared to the existing Pan Borneo Highway route. It's part of the Sarawak Second Trunk Road (SSLR) initiative, expected to boost trade, agriculture, and tourism along the Sri Aman-Betong corridor. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas officiated the final stitching ceremony, calling it a testament to the Sarawak government's commitment to strategic infrastructure. Location: Sri Aman-Betong corridor (Sarawak Second Trunk Road) ️ Project: Batang Lupar 2 Bridge Expected opening: August 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think about Sarawak's infrastructure push?

A 19-year-old woman in Kuching pleaded guilty to extorting RM18,000 from her own mother by staging a fake kidnapping. The unemployed teenager sent WhatsApp messages to her mother using a man's profile, claiming she had been abducted and would be killed unless the ransom was paid. The alleged 'kidnapping' took place at a residence in Taman Perniagaan Setia, Johor Bahru on June 18. [image: 1783127036643-fake-kidnapping.jpg] Her mother, terrified for her daughter's life, lodged a police report. But investigators quickly discovered the whole thing was orchestrated by the teen herself. Details: Charged under Section 387 of the Penal Code (max 10 years + whipping) Sentencing postponed to Aug 4 for a social report Judge Iris Awen Jon dismissed her excuse that she 'needed money to buy something for her mother' No prior criminal record, currently in remand Location: Sessions Court, Kuching Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Court of Appeal unanimously dismisses Chong Chieng Jen's appeal over 2013 'RM11 billion black hole' remarks — damages bumped from RM150,000 to RM300,000. The three-judge panel also allowed the Sarawak government's cross-appeal, bringing the total payable in damages and costs to RM500,000. The case stems from a 2013 statement where Chong claimed RM11 billion from the Sarawak Treasury had "disappeared into a black hole." The High Court found him liable for defamation in 2022, ruling the remarks suggested lack of transparency in state financial management. Chong's lawyer Michael Kong had argued for a retrial, saying the original judge wrongly blocked a subpoena for former second finance minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. But the appeal court rejected that argument. Breakdown of costs: RM300,000 in damages (doubled from RM150,000) RM50,000 for original costs RM100,000 for dismissed appeal costs RM50,000 for cross-appeal costs [image: 1783058785489-chong-bhole-appeal.jpg] Location: Court of Appeal, Putrajaya Details: Chong Chieng Jen (DAP Sarawak chairman / Stampin MP) v Sarawak Government & Sarawak Financial Authority Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching police bust a major drug operation — 1,192 cannabis vape cartridges worth over half a million ringgit seized, 14 suspects arrested. [image: 1783040552356-kuching-cannabis-vape.jpg] Date: June 30, 2026 (announced July 2) Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed the Sarawak NCID conducted two raids on the same day. First raid (11.30am): House along Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim 14 suspects arrested — 12 men, 2 women, aged 24-48 95g of syabu (methamphetamine) seized, valued at RM10,487 Second raid (6.45pm): Lorong Setia Raja — follow-up based on intel from first raid 1,192 vape cartridges containing liquid cannabis uncovered Cartridges were hidden inside plastic bags labelled with fruit names Street value: RM531,113 Total weight: 2,980 grammes Suspects: 13 tested positive for amphetamine-type substances 12 have prior drug-related offences All remanded under Section 39B of Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 Conviction carries mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment + minimum 12 strokes ACP Alexson praised public cooperation and urged anyone with information to contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222 or Sarawak NCID at 017-592 9211. Big numbers, bigger message — police aren't messing around with drug trafficking in Kuching. What do you think? Should the penalties be tougher? Source: DayakDaily

MBKS says it's had enough — critics keep recycling false claims about the council's finances despite repeated clarifications. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng today warned that the council will not hesitate to pursue legal action against individuals or organisations that continue spreading false or defamatory allegations about MBKS's financial management. [image: 1782972171737-mbks-sue.jpg] He accused certain political figures of deliberately using selective financial data to tarnish MBKS's image and create public distrust. Wee stressed that critics had failed to distinguish between operational revenue and restricted funds such as government grants, which are legally earmarked for specific purposes. The council continues investing in roads, drainage, flood mitigation, public health, waste management, parks, and Smart City initiatives. Major drainage and road projects requiring millions are implemented in phases under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Wee said criticism could be constructive if presented fairly, but rejected repeated attempts to distort facts after the council had already provided public explanations via Facebook Live and newspaper reports. Location: MBKS Building, Kuching Details: Wee Hong Seng — Mayor of Kuching South (MBKS) Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called for the immediate termination of the Sansols foreign worker platform, claiming a single private company has collected an estimated RM200 million annually from Sarawak employers. Speaking today, the DAP Sarawak chairman said the Sarawak government's Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) via the Sansols platform has created unnecessary costs and red tape for businesses. Chong revealed that the Ministry of Human Resources confirmed Sansols was made compulsory by the Sarawak government in January 2025 for all foreign worker applications in the state. Other states in Malaysia do not require a similar system. "The modus operandi was kept very secretive until it was finally exposed by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong in the recent DUN Sitting in May that all payments go to one private company," he said. With an estimated 130,000 foreign workers in Sarawak, Chong calculated that at RM1,800 per worker, the company could have collected about RM200 million in a single year. Describing it as "an abuse of our immigration autonomy", he urged the state government to disclose the identity of the company operating Sansols and explain how it was selected. He called for Sansols to be abolished and the previous free-of-charge MSEN system to be reinstated. [image: 1782954437699-stampin-fwta.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Sansols platform mandated for all foreign worker applications since Jan 2025; Chong claims RM200m/year flows to one secretive private company Source: The Borneo Post What do you think — should Sansols be scrapped?

Sarawak has clocked a GDP per capita of RM73,757 in 2025, comfortably above the national average of RM59,167. The latest numbers from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) show Sarawak is punching above its weight economically — joining KL, Putrajaya, Labuan, Penang and Selangor as states that beat the national average. [image: 1782885725943-sarawak-gdp-2025.jpg] By the numbers Sarawak's total GDP hit RM153.5 billion, growing 3.6% from 2024 Services sector led the charge, up 5.4% — driven by wholesale & retail trade, F&B, accommodation, utilities, transport, storage and ICT Agriculture grew 4.3%, thanks to higher oil palm production Mining & quarrying rose 2.7%, supported by natural gas output Manufacturing was flat at 0.1% National GDP expanded 5.2% to RM1.74 trillion, with Construction being the fastest-growing sector nationwide at 12.2%. Where Sarawak stands Despite growing at a more moderate 3.6%, Sarawak remains one of Malaysia's most economically significant states. Alongside KL, Johor and Penang, Sarawak accounted for a big chunk of the country's total economic output. Chief Statistician Dato' Sri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that all states recorded positive growth in 2025, reflecting a resilient economic environment despite global uncertainties. DOSM added that Malaysia's 2026 outlook stays positive — Q1 2026 already shows 5.4% GDP growth and a record-high 70.8% labour force participation. Location: Sarawak Details: DOSM State GDP Report 2025, released July 1, 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Here's your midweek deal roundup for Kuching — some ongoing promotions you don't want to miss this July! 1️⃣ AEON Member Price — July Promotions AEON Kuching (AEON Mall Kuching & AEON Kota Samarahan) is running multiple July deals: AEON Member Price on electronics, home appliances & clothing AEON Noodle Fiesta — discounted noodle & sauce bundles AEON Rice Fair — bulk rice at special member prices AEON Football Fiesta — food & merchandise specials AEON WOW Jimat Member Prices on selected groceries Thursday is Better than Friday — weekly midweek deals More details: aeonretail.com.my/promotion/ 2️⃣ Vivacity Megamall — Ongoing Store Promotions Vivacity Megamall's individual stores and restaurants continue their daily and weekly deals. Check directly with your favorite brands for current offers. 3️⃣ TGV Cinemas Vivacity Megamall Catch the latest blockbusters with TGV's student/ member discounts. Current screenings include Toy Story 5, Supergirl, and more. 4️⃣ New on the Kuching Food Scene Ah Fook's BBQ at C3 Cafe, BDC — featured in DayakDaily for their family-recipe barbecue Sung Moh Chicken Rice — a Kuching institution, open daily Source: AEON Malaysia, Vivacity Megamall, DayakDaily Note: Promotions may vary by outlet. Always confirm with the merchant before visiting.

Batu Kitang water treatment plant getting a massive RM138.9 million upgrade — capacity to double from 100MLD to 200MLD by end of this year. The project, which has reached 67% completion, will significantly boost water supply for Kuching Division, Samarahan Division, and surrounding areas. Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the upgrade will also help fix recurring low water pressure issues in fast-growing areas like Stakan and Samarindah. [image: 1782867814687-batu-kitang-plant.jpg] Scope of works includes: Upgrading treatment processes (flocculation, sedimentation, filtration) SCADA automation system upgrade New treated water storage tank and pumping station Enhanced raw water intake system at Sarawak River The upgraded facility will also benefit parts of Samarahan including Sungai Mata and Tanjung Parang, plus areas under JBALB's rural water distribution system. Location: Batu Kitang, Kuching Details: RM138.9 million upgrade, 67% complete, targets completion by end of 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Released prisoner re-offends within months — 24-year-old Muhamad Syafik jailed 17 years plus 30 months, 14 strokes for gang robbery, snatch theft and vandalism across Kuching. Muhamad Syafik, who was out under the Prisoners' Licensed Release (PBSL) programme, pleaded guilty to four charges in separate Sessions and Magistrates' Courts yesterday (June 29). [image: 1782799567373-prison-cell.jpg] His most serious offence: robbing a 64-year-old woman outside a pharmacy at Taman BDC, Jalan Stampin on June 11. He and his accomplice Nik Farris, 28, took her smartphone, IC and two ATM cards. Both got 10 years + 7 strokes under Section 395 of the Penal Code. In a separate case, Syafik snatched a handbag from a 43-year-old woman along Jalan Green Hill on May 6 — sentenced to 7 years + 7 strokes. He also faced two mischief charges: splashing petrol on a victim's house at Jalan Menggeris on March 16, and splashing red paint on the same gate on April 4. He got 18 months and 12 months respectively. All sentences run consecutively. Syafik was unrepresented. Location: Taman BDC (Jalan Stampin), Jalan Green Hill, Jalan Menggeris — Kuching Details: 24-year-old PBSL prisoner re-offends — gang robbery, snatch theft, vandalism — total 17 years + 30 months + 14 strokes Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching High Court has sentenced a 16-year-old boy to six years in prison after overturning an earlier order that sent him to Henry Gurney School for a crash that claimed five lives. The teenager, who was unlicensed, was behind the wheel of a Proton Saga when it collided with another vehicle along Jalan Stutong Baru on January 14, 2026. Five people aged between 16 and 42 were killed. [image: 1782781445352-kuching-court-teen-crash.jpg] The Magistrates' Court had initially ordered the boy to be detained at Henry Gurney School until age 21, but the prosecution appealed — arguing the sentence was too lenient given the gravity of the offence and the rising number of fatal crashes involving underage drivers. Judicial Commissioner Datuk Faridz Gohim Abdullah agreed, setting aside the Henry Gurney order and imposing a six-year prison sentence from June 16, 2025. The court also ordered that the teen be segregated from adult inmates. The boy had pleaded guilty to reckless driving causing death and driving without a valid licence. On top of the criminal case, his father was fined RM15,000 and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service for failing to supervise his son properly. Location: Jalan Stutong Baru, Kuching ️ Outcome: 6 years' imprisonment (overturned from Henry Gurney School detention) Father's penalty: RM15,000 fine + 100 hours community service Source: DayakDaily What do you think — was the High Court right to overturn the lighter sentence?

They're back at it again — Spiderman, Batman and Iron Man at Kuching traffic lights, waving buckets for donations. DBKU (Kuching North City Commission) says it's had enough. Despite repeated warnings, people dressed as superheroes keep returning to busy road intersections and roundabouts to collect money from drivers. Mayor of Kuching North, Dato Hilmy Othman, said complaints have been flooding in through the DBKU hotline and from enforcement officers on the ground. [image: 1782712956689-dbku-superheroes.jpg] "Every time we take action, they disappear for two or three days — then they come back again," he said. "We have no issue taking firm action if they remain stubborn." Safety concern Hilmy stressed that the activity is dangerous — not just for the people standing in traffic, but also for motorists who get distracted or have to brake suddenly, especially during peak hours. Street performance not banned DBKU clarified that it's not against street performances per se — but anyone wanting to perform or entertain needs a permit first. Collecting money at hazardous spots without approval won't be tolerated. "Any form of entertainment within DBKU's administrative area requires prior approval," he said. Location: DBKU jurisdiction, Kuching Details: Roadside 'superheroes' collecting donations at traffic lights have ignored repeated warnings; DBKU considering stricter enforcement Source: DayakDaily Has anyone else seen these 'superheroes' at Kuching traffic lights?

Looking for deals in Kuching this week? Here are 3 promotions you can still grab right now! [image: deals-29jun.jpg] Illustration for illustration purposes 1️⃣ Ta Kiong Kuching — Weekly Good Deal Grocery & household essentials at discounted prices 26 June – 2 July 2026 The Spring Shopping Centre, Jalan Simpang Tiga, Kuching Source: Ta Kiong Official 2️⃣ Potato Corner — Payday Promotion Buy any Jumbo Pizza Bites → get 50% OFF Mega Classic Fries! 25 – 30 June 2026 (Last day tomorrow!) Available at all Potato Corner outlets nationwide, including Kuching Source: EverydayOnSales 3️⃣ Lalamove Kuching — 25% Off Delivery Enjoy 25% off Motorcycle, Car, 4×4 and Van deliveries in Kuching Valid until 31 July 2026 ️ Limited to first 10,000 redemptions Source: Lalamove Kuching Know a deal we missed? Tag us or share in the comments!

44 people from six families lost their homes in a pre-dawn fire at Tabuan Hilir, Kuching this morning. Bomba received the emergency call at 3.41am and arrived within 3 minutes. Seven wooden houses were involved — six completely gutted, one 30% damaged. Three motorcycles were also destroyed. The blaze was brought under control by 4.44am, with operations wrapping up at 7.08am. [image: 1782626507371-tabuan-hilir-fire-1.jpg] 28 firefighters from Tabuan Jaya, Padungan & Batu Lintang stations responded with 5 vehicles. All 44 residents escaped safely — no injuries reported. [image: 1782626507482-tabuan-hilir-fire-2.jpg] Location: Tabuan Hilir, Kuching Details: 7 houses destroyed, 44 residents (6 families) displaced. Cause still under investigation. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?