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Serian is getting a major power upgrade, with a RM223.5 million substation now under construction. [image: 1785287138361-serian_substation_20260729.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post The new 275/132/33kV Serian Substation is meant to strengthen electricity supply reliability in Serian Division as demand grows. Utility and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the project started on Dec 1 last year and is scheduled for completion on June 30, 2028. What it covers The substation will add more injection capacity into the state grid and help reduce the risk of future power disruptions. According to Julaihi, the upgraded network will benefit Serian town, Tebedu, Gedong, Lundu and parts of Samarahan Division up to Simunjan. Physical construction is now at 12 per cent and still on schedule. Location: Serian Division Details: RM223.5 million Serian Substation, funded by the Sarawak government through Sarawak Energy and implemented by Sesco. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

More US companies are looking at Sarawak for green energy, technology and high-impact industrial projects. [image: 1785233094122-us_green_energy_20260728.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily United States Embassy in Malaysia Chargé d’Affaires ad interim David Gamble said Sarawak's location in Asean, renewable energy strength, natural resources and skilled workforce are drawing investor interest. He said American companies are especially watching renewable energy projects, where US technology could support hydroelectric systems, power-grid monitoring and other high-tech solutions. Why it matters Sarawak wants to grow its green energy and industrial base. US firms are looking beyond capital investment, with training and technology transfer also part of the pitch. Sarawak's energy capacity could also support the wider Asean Power Grid plan. Gamble said the first visit is usually the hardest step for investors. Once companies have operated in Sarawak, many choose to keep expanding here. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What kind of investment should Sarawak focus on next?

Kuching's old General Post Office may get a new life as a restored heritage building. [image: 1785233057924-old_post_office_20260728-resized.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post / Roystein Emmor The Sarawak government is in talks with the federal government to acquire the old General Post Office building opposite Plaza Merdeka. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plan is to renovate the building while keeping its heritage character intact. What was mentioned The building is still under federal ownership, so talks must be completed first. The state wants to preserve the original structure, not rebuild it from scratch. Other heritage areas mentioned include Darul Kurnia along Jalan Haji Taha and Ban Hock Road. Private owners can also revive old buildings, but heritage rules still apply. Abang Johari pointed to Singapore's Fullerton Hotel and Kuala Lumpur's Sultan Abdul Samad Building as examples of old buildings being reused while keeping their historical value. Location: Old General Post Office, opposite Plaza Merdeka, Kuching Hot Score: 26/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think Kuching's old Post Office should become?

A 69-year-old retiree in Miri lost RM367,000 after joining an online investment scheme that promised fast returns. [image: 1785211547300-miri_scam_20260728.jpg] Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the man saw a social media advertisement earlier this year and contacted a person claiming to be an investment agent. Between June 9 and July 26, 2026, the victim made 48 transfers into three bank accounts. The total came up to RM367,000. He realised something was wrong when he tried to withdraw the supposed profits, but kept getting excuses. Police advice The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Police advised the public to be careful with investment ads promising unusually high returns in a short time. Check with Bank Negara Malaysia's Financial Consumer Alert List and the Securities Commission Malaysia Investor Alert List before putting in money. Location: Miri, Sarawak Details: Report lodged with Miri Commercial Crime Investigation Department on Monday. Photo: Max Pixel via The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Schools have been reminded not to hide bullying or abuse cases just to protect their image. [image: 1785211512313-school_bullying_20260728.jpg] Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said bullying and violence must be dealt with early, whether the case looks big or small at first. He said principals and headmasters should be open when handling bullying cases. Reporting a case does not mean the whole school has failed. It means the school is taking the problem seriously. Parents send their children to school expecting a safe place to study. That safety has to come first. Why it matters Bullying cases can grow worse when schools keep quiet. Anwar said early action is needed before small problems become bigger injustices. Location: Malaysia Details: Reminder issued during a meeting with Ministry of Education staff in Putrajaya on July 28, 2026. Photo: Bernama via The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Kuching is testing Sarawak's first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot, starting today at two major conference venues. [image: 1785202606837-review_food.jpg] Image source: Sarawak Tribune Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) is launching the four-day pilot from July 28 to 31 during the 51st IUPAC World Polymer Congress (MACRO 2026). The project covers more than 800 international delegates at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching. What will be tracked Organisers will work on menu planning, portion control and recovery of surplus ingredients where food safety rules allow it. The whole process will be documented through a compliance platform before independent assessment. Certification results are expected after the congress ends. BESarawak said it is pursuing The Pledge on Food Waste Certification, an internationally recognised standard for measuring food waste prevention and diversion. Why it matters If this pilot works, future conferences in Kuching could have a clearer model to cut food waste instead of sending everything to landfill. It also gives Sarawak's business events sector a practical way to show sustainability, not just talk about it. Location: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching Details: Sarawak's first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot runs from July 28 to 31 with over 800 delegates. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Five SMART tower sites in Sarawak now have security walls after repeated theft and vandalism hit public utility infrastructure. [image: 1785202545637-review_smart.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) has built perimeter walls at five SMART tower locations, including Sungai Rayah in Sarikei. The problem is not small. Each SMART telecommunications tower costs about RM2.5 million to build, while one protective wall costs more than RM100,000. Julaihi said the vandalism involves public assets such as electricity cables, fibre optic networks and utility infrastructure. Copper cable theft can disrupt electricity supply, telecommunications service and even water distribution. Why it matters Sarawak has been building SMART towers to improve connectivity, especially outside city areas. When these sites get damaged, the cost does not stop at repairs. It can also affect internet access and basic services for nearby communities. Julaihi said enforcement is still needed, but public awareness is just as important because the State cannot build expensive walls around every tower. Location: Sarawak, including Sungai Rayah, Sarikei Details: Five SMART tower sites fortified after repeated theft and vandalism; each tower costs around RM2.5 million, while one wall costs over RM100,000. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A temporary drainage fix is coming to the KUTS project site along Jalan Tun Jugah after nearby residents raised flash-flood concerns. [image: 1785146712862-kuts_tun_jugah_20260727.jpg] The Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project engineer and contractor have agreed to widen the drainage outlet along Jalan Tun Jugah as an interim measure. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said the issue came from residents around Jalan Durian Burung, near the Federal Staff Quarters. They were worried that an existing roadside open drain had been buried and replaced with metal pipes that were too small, possibly worsening flash floods in an area already known to flood. Yap said the contractor agreed to further widen the outlet while waiting for the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which is expected to arrive in early August. Once TBM works begin, the underground crossing below Jalan Tun Jugah is expected to be completed by October, allowing a more permanent drainage solution after that. Location: Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching Details: Residents had asked for larger temporary culverts and proper drainage while waiting for the long-term flood mitigation works. Yap said he will continue monitoring the agreed improvements. Photo credit: DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Serian has entered the unhealthy API range, and Sarawak may see more haze over the next few days. [image: 1785146672063-haze_map_20260727.jpg] NREB Sarawak said the Southwest Monsoon is now carrying a higher risk of transboundary haze, especially if biomass burning outside Sarawak intensifies. The board said ASMC recorded 1,081 hotspots in Kalimantan from July 1 to 26. Of these, 442 were detected in the last five days. Sarawak recorded 16 hotspots during the same period. As of noon on July 27, Serian recorded an API reading of 151, which falls under the unhealthy category. Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Samalaju, Lundu, Tebedu and Lubok Antu were in the moderate range. NREB said it has activated its haze operations room, increased patrols, revoked earlier controlled-burning permits and suspended new controlled-burning permits for now. Location: Sarawak, including Serian and Kuching Details: NREB advised the public to drink enough water, reduce outdoor activity during hot and dry spells, and use N95 masks outdoors, especially for high-risk groups. Open burning can lead to a fine of up to RM100,000, jail up to five years, or both. Photo credit: DayakDaily / NREB Sarawak Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A landfill fire in Lingga has affected about three hectares, with smoke still reported even after firefighters brought the blaze under control. The Fire and Rescue Department said the fire broke out on Sunday, July 26. No casualties were reported. [image: 1785125161458-lingga_landfill_fire.jpg] Source: Bomba / DayakDaily What Bomba reported Firefighters from the Sri Aman station were sent to the scene after receiving the call. The affected area was estimated at about three hectares. By Monday morning, the fire had been brought under control, but it had not been fully extinguished because of the size of the site. Bomba said about two hectares had been extinguished, while smoke was still coming from another area roughly 300 feet away. What made it harder The team had to work with limited open water sources at the scene. They also faced poor mobile network coverage and access challenges linked to ongoing main road construction towards Lingga. Location: Lingga, Sri Aman division Details: About three hectares affected; two hectares extinguished; no casualties reported Source: DayakDaily Landfill fires can drag on because of buried waste and smoke, so nearby residents will probably be watching the clean-up closely. What do you think?

Kuching's RM2.6 billion flood mitigation project is back in the spotlight, after a call for MBKS to use its RM300 million reserves. Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng questioned whether that reserve fund could realistically cover a project of that size. [image: 1785125110348-mbks_flood_reserve-resized.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post What happened Wee said MBKS has about RM300 million in reserves, while the wider flood mitigation project for Kuching is estimated at RM2.6 billion. His point was simple: even if the council used the reserve, it would still be far short of the amount needed. He also said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof had already announced that major flood mitigation projects in Sarawak would start progressively from 2027. Why people are talking The issue came after Michael Kong, special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman, urged MBKS to review its priorities and consider using part of its reserves for drainage and flood mitigation works. Kong argued that financial prudence should not become an excuse for inaction when long-standing infrastructure problems are affecting residents. Wee pushed back, saying large-scale flood mitigation falls under federal responsibility and should not be turned into another political issue. Location: Kuching South / MBKS area Details: RM2.6 billion flood mitigation project; RM300 million MBKS reserve fund; federal rollout expected from 2027 Source: The Borneo Post For Kuching residents who deal with flash floods, the big question is whether the money and timeline can match the actual problem on the ground. What do you think?

Bukit Saban is being lined up as a modern agriculture hub through a CPPC, Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport. [image: 1785114385186-bukit_saban_agri-resized.jpg] Image source: The Borneo Post Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the plan is meant to build a full agriculture value chain, from production to processing, packaging and marketing. He said the projects could help farmers and smallholders raise their income by linking farm output with better facilities and market access. What is planned The proposed Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC), Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport are being planned under allocations from the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA). Uggah said the state government will also continue supporting rural livelihoods through agriculture and entrepreneurship programmes, including fertiliser aid, pepper and oil palm cultivation, and free-range livestock projects. He also urged parents to support their children in pursuing higher education, saying skilled young people will be needed for Sarawak's future development. Location: Bukit Saban, Betong Division Details: Modern agriculture hub plan; CPPC, Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport; focus on farmers, smallholders and rural income. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

MBKS wants to bring mobile health screening into schools across Kuching South, focusing on staff, teachers and parents. [image: 1785114344953-mbks_health_school-resized.jpg] Image source: The Borneo Post Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the programme is meant to help people detect health problems earlier, especially those who often put work and family ahead of check-ups. The latest Health Screening Programme 4.0 was held at the basement of Song Kheng Hai Food Court, with support from the Lions Club and Diabetes Malaysia. MBKS had earlier carried out similar outreach in Kenyalang and Bintawa. Why Song Kheng Hai Wee said Song Kheng Hai was chosen because it is close to the KMC flats, where many B40 residents live. He said MBKS will continue moving the service around the Kuching South area so more people can access basic screening and consultation. The programme also involves volunteers, including retired medical professionals and younger Leo Club members. Location: Song Kheng Hai Food Court, Kuching South Details: MBKS mobile health screening; schools next; focus on early detection for school staff, teachers and parents. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawakians are being reminded to check first before sharing political videos, images or claims online. [image: 1785060297537-pbb_ai_misinformation.jpg] Source: DayakDaily PBB secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said AI tools and social media have changed how fast false or edited content can spread. Speaking at the PBB Special Convention for the Central Zone in Sibu today, he said a clipped video, edited image or statement taken out of context can now reach many people within minutes. Why it matters Nanta said platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp can become powerful channels for misinformation when used irresponsibly, especially as Sarawak moves closer to its next State election. He urged people to verify information first and avoid becoming part of the chain that spreads false claims. His message PBB members, he said, should help defend facts and stop manipulated content from shaping public opinion through falsehoods. Location: Sibu, Sarawak Details: Warning on AI, social media and misinformation during PBB Central Zone convention Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

East Malaysia is taking up the expanded diesel subsidy scheme fast, with Sarawak alone recording 8,292 registered vehicles. [image: 1785060242687-diesel_skds_east_msia.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Companies in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan have registered 18,538 jeeps and pickup trucks under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) as of July 23. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said East Malaysia now accounts for 67.9% of companies registered in this company-owned jeep and pickup category nationwide. What changed The SKDS expansion for Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan started on July 1. It covers three sectors: public land transport, consumer-goods land transport, and private company-owned jeeps and pickup trucks. Key numbers Sarawak recorded 4,713 companies with 8,292 vehicles. Sabah recorded 5,583 companies with 10,046 vehicles. Labuan recorded 157 companies with 200 vehicles. Nationwide, 190,012 companies involving 493,160 vehicles have registered across the three SKDS sectors. Location: Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan Details: SKDS diesel subsidy registration update as of July 23 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak Immigration checked 117 people across 21 locations and detained 30 foreign nationals over suspected immigration offences. [image: 1785038846558-sarawak_immigration_raids.jpeg] Photo: The Borneo Post KUCHING, July 26: The Sarawak Immigration Department detained 30 foreign nationals after enforcement raids from Thursday to Friday. The checks covered 21 locations, including Kota Sentosa, Tapah, Siburan, Serian, Kota Samarahan, Batu Kawa, Tabuan Jaya and Pending. What officers checked The department said the raids were based on public complaints and surveillance. The operations focused on coffee shops, premises suspected of illegal online gambling, and entertainment centres. Out of 117 people checked, 30 foreign nationals were believed to have committed offences such as overstaying, holding expired passes, having no valid pass, or misusing social visit passes. The alleged offences fall under Section 15(1)(c) and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, plus Regulation 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. All detainees were taken to the immigration office for further action. Source: The Borneo Post Hot Score: 26/30 What do you think?

Sabah and Sarawak may hold 57 parliamentary seats together, but one political analyst says that number is still not enough to shape federal lawmaking on its own. [image: 1785038785726-borneo_bloc_jayum.jpeg] Photo: The Borneo Post KUCHING, July 26: Political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan has poured cold water on the idea that a proposed Borneo Bloc can strongly influence Parliament just by combining Sabah and Sarawak seats. He said the two states hold 57 out of 222 Dewan Rakyat seats, or about 26 per cent of the House. That is still far below the 125 seats held by Peninsular Malaysia. Why the number matters Jayum said Sabah and Sarawak are equal partners in the formation of Malaysia, but their current seat count cannot stop a law from passing if MPs from the peninsula vote together. His comments came after Borneo Dayak Forum International president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan proposed a Sabah-Sarawak parliamentary alliance to push for constitutional rights under MA63. Jeffrey said a united front would give both states a stronger voice, especially as Sarawak has made progress on oil and gas rights through political unity under GPS. Still a bigger conversation Jayum also acknowledged that the call for greater autonomy under MA63 has gained momentum because federal politics no longer revolves around one dominant party. So the debate is not over. But his point is simple: unity helps, numbers still matter. Source: The Borneo Post Hot Score: 27/30 What do you think?

A viral claim says an influencer ate RM76 worth of food at Kuching Food Festival without paying. MBKS says it will check first. [image: 1785027878912-mbks_rm76_claim.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said he will look into the claim before drawing any conclusion. He said during his ShallWeeTalk live session on July 25 that he was not sure if the allegation was true. If it is proven, he said the person involved should step forward and settle the bill. Wee also reminded the public not to spread unverified claims too quickly, especially when images online may point people toward the wrong person. He said vendors work hard for a living, and RM76 is not a small amount for small food operators. Location: Kuching Food Festival, MBKS Community Hall Details: MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng says he will investigate the viral RM76 food bill claim Source: https://dayakdaily.com/mbks-mayor-to-probe-viral-claim-influencer-did-not-pay-rm76-food-bill-at-kuching-festival/ What do you think?

SGH handled 2,975 ventilated patients last year, up from nearly 2,300 in 2020. [image: 1785027843706-sgh_critical_care.png] Source: DayakDaily Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching is seeing heavier pressure in critical care. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the rise shows Sarawak needs to keep building hospital capacity so seriously ill patients can get proper care. The figure came up at the Sarawak Critical Care Conference 2026 in Kuching on July 25. SGH's Medical Critical Care Unit is now a 13-bed facility focused mainly on critically ill medical patients. Conference organising chairperson Dr Rachel Chin Wei Ven said critical care depends on a full team, from doctors and nurses to pharmacists, physiotherapists and support staff. Location: Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching Details: 2,975 ventilated patients in 2025, compared with nearly 2,300 in 2020 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/critical-care-demand-rises-as-sgh-ventilated-patient-numbers-near-3000/ What do you think?

Piping works are now underway in Kenyalang Park after residents and hawkers complained about weak or inconsistent water supply. [image: 1784973906745-kenyalang_water.jpg] Source: DayakDaily KUCHING, July 25 - Kenyalang Park residents may see water pressure return to normal after Sarawak Water completes pipe works now being carried out in the area. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said Sarawak Water had identified the issue and was working on the affected pipeline, including installing and welding a 600mm by 200mm clamp tee. Why people are watching this Some residents had to wake up late at night to store water. Some hawkers also complained that low water pressure at night affected business operations. Wee said the works could be completed by next week if everything goes smoothly. MBKS will continue monitoring the matter and channel updates to residents. Location: Kenyalang Park, Kuching Details: Sarawak Water pipe works underway, MBKS monitoring follow-up Source: https://dayakdaily.com/piping-works-underway-to-resolve-kenyalang-park-water-pressure-issues/ What do you think?