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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?

[image: 1780448535566-ruby-orangutan-baby.jpg] Heartwarming news from Kuching's Semenggoh Wildlife Centre — Ruby the orangutan has given birth to her first baby, and it's a historic milestone for Sarawak's conservation efforts. Rangers at the centre made the joyful discovery on May 19, spotting Ruby carrying her newborn around 5.50pm. The moment was confirmed via a social media post on May 31. What makes this birth special? The newborn is the first recorded fourth-generation orangutan birth at Semenggoh — meaning Ruby, her mother, grandmother, and now her baby all represent four generations of successful rehabilitation and conservation. The centre hailed the birth as a strong sign that Sarawak's ongoing efforts to protect and rehabilitate the Bornean Orangutan population are working. Ruby and her baby are said to be in good health, with staff continuing to monitor them closely. Location: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Kuching Details: Ruby's first baby, 4th-gen birth, historic conservation milestone Source: https://dayakdaily.com/joy-at-semenggoh-wildlife-centre-as-ruby-the-orangutan-cradles-her-first-baby/ What do you think?

An 80-year-old Kuching man lost RM103,850 after falling for an online investment scam promising big profits. The victim was contacted on WhatsApp by a woman claiming to run a business in Pattaya, Thailand. She offered him a partnership in a "Wholesale International Business Online" scheme through a website she managed. From September 2025 to February 2026, the man made eight bank transfers totalling RM103,850 to six different accounts. He was promised that both capital and returns would be deposited back into his account. Reality hit when he could no longer reach the suspect to ask for his money back. "The victim was directed to carry out a series of payment transactions as part of an alleged investment scheme, with assurances that the capital and returns would be deposited into the victim's account," said Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. [image: 80yo-scam-rm103850.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: RM103,850 lost to online investment scam, 8 transactions to 6 bank accounts, victim aged 80 Source: DayakDaily Reminder: If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify before transferring money. What do you think?

[image: 1780102952038-nkia-airfares.jpg] Federal govt open to Sarawak taking bigger role in new Kuching airport — plus talks on cheaper domestic flights Sarawak's Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin met with his federal counterpart Anthony Loke in Putrajaya on May 26, and two big topics came up that affect every Sarawakian who travels. First, the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA). The federal government is now open to exploring a decentralised development model, meaning Sarawak would have a bigger say in planning and building the airport. "Allowing the Sarawak government to play a greater role in the planning and implementation of the project while supporting Sarawak's long-term aviation and economic aspirations," Lee said in a statement. The meeting also covered the submission of the Aerodrome Development Request for NKIA. Domestic airfares — still a pain point for Sarawakians Lee proposed reviving three key routes under the Rural Air Services Public Service Obligation (PSO) framework: Kuching–Sibu Kuching–Bintulu Kuching–Miri This could make domestic flights more affordable for people travelling within Sarawak. Airfare caps were also discussed, with Loke suggesting AirBorneo could operate these routes commercially using its ATR72 aircraft. Also on the table: extra Miri–Bario flights for the upcoming Bario Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta Nukenen Bario) in July, and the long-term Bintulu–Samalaju rail link under the Trans-Borneo Railway initiative. Location: Putrajaya / Kuching Details: Courtesy call between Sarawak Ministry of Transport and federal Transport Minister, May 26 Source: DayakDaily Have you flown between Kuching and Sibu/Bintulu/Miri recently? How much did it cost?

A massive fire tore through a 21-door longhouse in Bekenu in the early hours of this morning, leaving 136 residents without a home. The Fire and Rescue Department received the distress call at 1:17am. Firefighters from Batu Niah and Miri Central stations rushed to Rumah Nelson Ningkan, Jalan Sungai Saeh, Kampung Labau Bekenu to battle the blaze. The longhouse — a non-permanent wooden structure with individual homes measuring 16×100 square feet — was completely destroyed. It took crews seven hours to contain the fire. Firefighters used four water streams to tackle flames from the front, back, and sides of the building. The operation wrapped up at 8:18am. No injuries or deaths were reported, but all 136 residents have been displaced. Location: Kampung Labau Bekenu, near Miri Details: Non-permanent 21-door longhouse razed; 7-hour firefighting operation; no casualties [image: download] Source: Bomba Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A kopitiam that has survived nearly six decades — and still serves its char siew, steamed chicken and Hainanese coffee the old-school way. Just five days before Christmas in 1968, Ann Loke Hui Cafe was officially registered on Jalan Sekama. Almost 60 years later, it is still going strong under the Hua family. [image: 1780016782710-ann-loke-hui-01.jpg] John Hua (right) and his 83-year-old mother Chai Lan Jin at their coffee station. Today, 56-year-old John Hua runs the business, taking over from his father Hua Kia Jin in 2001. His father ran the cafe for 33 years before passing away at 64. His mother, now 83, still helps in the kitchen. What makes this place special? The cafe was at its busiest during the Lido Theatre era — cinema-goers would flood in before and after shows. Many regulars still come in today, reminiscing about those days. Signature dishes: steamed chicken, char siew, three-layer pork with savoury rice, meat curry rice, kueh teow in tomato sauce, and traditional Hainan coffee served in vintage kopitiam cups. [image: 1780016787269-ann-loke-hui-02.jpg] Meat curry rice and pork with savoury rice — Hainanese staples. Old habits die hard here. They still use old newspapers as takeaway wrappers — a tradition dating back decades. [image: 1780016787451-ann-loke-hui-03.jpg] Coffee served in vintage cups and newspaper wrappers — unchanged through the years. "It would otherwise go to waste," John explains about the newspaper practice. The Hua family hopes to pass the cafe to the next generation. John's children already help out, and the memorabilia on the walls tells the story of a kitchen that hasn't changed its ways for six decades. Location: Jalan Sekama, Kuching Hours: 10.30am - 2pm daily, closed Sundays Contact: 019-889 6101 Source: DayakDaily Ever been to Ann Loke Hui? What old-school kopitiam in Kuching do you still visit?

Sarawak GOF seizes RM17.5 million in assets, busts massive diesel smuggling ring KUCHING (May 28) — The Sarawak Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) has cracked down on a large-scale diesel smuggling syndicate, seizing over 342,000 litres of subsidised diesel worth approximately RM1.8 million. [image: gof-diesel-bust.jpg] GOF commander SAC Lim Bak Phai The operation, code-named Op Tiris, ran from March 16 to Tuesday across 11 districts including Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu, Kapit, Bintulu, Miri, Lawas, Bau, Serian and Lundu. Sarawak GOF Brigade commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said 820 inspections were conducted, resulting in 58 cases and 69 arrests. Breakdown of seizures: 342,000 litres of subsidised diesel — worth ~RM1.8 million Tanker lorries, heavy machinery and skid tanks valued at nearly RM17.5 million Over 5 tonnes of subsidised cooking oil (~RM40,000) More than 7 tonnes of coarse sugar (~RM31,000) One major find: a tugboat in Bintulu used to illegally store 20,000 litres of diesel without a valid permit. All cases have been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Location: Multiple districts across Sarawak Details: 820 inspections, 69 arrests, RM20.3M total seizures Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/28/sarawak-gof-busts-diesel-ring-seizes-rm17-5-mln-in-assets-342000-litres-of-fuel/ What do you think?

Miri's iconic crocodile farm at Kuala Baram is getting a fresh identity — and a bigger family-friendly focus. Starting June 1, the Miri Crocodile Farm Wildlife Park cum Mini Zoo will officially be renamed Miri Animal Wonderland, with new interactive experiences and educational features. [image: download] The 22-acre park, located about 30 minutes from Miri city centre along the coastal highway, houses over 1,000 crocodiles including Saltwater Crocodiles and the rare Malayan Gharial. It's the first and largest crocodile farm in northern Sarawak. Beyond the crocs, the mini zoo features sun bears, southern cassowaries, Javan deer, reticulated pythons, pig-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, owls, eagles, civets, and binturong. Visitors can feed selected animals (goats, snakes, even crocodiles), enjoy pony rides, and watch daily crocodile and snake feeding sessions at 11am, 11.30am, 3pm and 3.30pm. Prices: RM30 Malaysian adults, RM15 children (under 11) | Foreign: RM45 adults, RM25 children Hours: 9am–5pm daily (ticket sales close 4pm) Guided info is available in English, BM, and Mandarin. Location: Kuala Baram, Miri (30-min drive from city) Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/28/miri-animal-wonderland-promises-close-encounters-with-exotic-wildlife/ What do you think — would you take the family for a visit?

Sibu is just RM3 million away from becoming Sarawak’s next city — its council reserves have more than doubled since 2019. Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting announced today that the town’s financial reserves have grown to RM47 million, up sharply from RM19 million when he took office in 2019. The threshold for city status is RM50 million. [image: 1779861795348-sibu-city-status.jpg] SMC chairman Clarence Ting speaking at a press conference after launching the WAK Sibu Festival 2026 calendar at Wisma Sanyan on May 26. The second requirement — a population of 300,000 — is also being gradually met as Sibu sees demographic shifts and steady growth. “When I became chairman in 2019, people often asked why Miri could be upgraded to a city but not Sibu. After reviewing the criteria, we were only short of two main requirements,” Ting said. Sibu, long seen as a predominantly Chinese-majority town, is now becoming increasingly diverse, with a growing Iban population and broader ethnic representation. Location: Sibu, Sarawak Reserves: RM47M (up from RM19M in 2019) Target: RM50M reserves + 300,000 population Source: DayakDaily What do you think — will Sibu finally get city status this year?

The White Cat statue in Padungan is now wearing a printed songket-inspired red and green vest — a vibrant symbol of Gawai Dayak and Sarawak's cultural harmony. [image: N7CZ25RmCjRDHts] The special attire was unveiled during a lighting ceremony at the iconic statue on May 26, officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said the annual lighting tradition reflects Sarawak's inclusive spirit and the harmony among its people. "I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Selamat Hari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai," Dr Sim said. As people are travelling back for Gawai, Dr Sim reminded motorists to drive carefully. "Road conditions are improving, but please drive safely. If you drink, don't drive. If you drive, don't drink." Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng explained that a printed songket-inspired material was chosen instead of Pua Kumbu textile out of respect for Dayak cultural sensitivities. "When dressing the statue, it is important for us to consult and respect the cultures of others," he said. The mayor also drew a parallel between the open-door tradition of longhouse culture and Sarawak's unity: "If you have been to a longhouse, all the pintu are 'buka' (open). This openness is the heartbeat of our Sarawak unity." Location: Padungan, Kuching Details: White Cat statue in songket-inspired Gawai Dayak vest; lighting ceremony officiated by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian and MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng Source: DayakDaily What do you think?