"How can a ticket to go back to my hometown for Gawai cost up to RM1,000? Isn't Borneo also part of Malaysia?" Sarawakian singer and influencer Miss Alvy took to Threads today to call out what she describes as "unreasonable" flight prices ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration. She highlighted that a return ticket from Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo can cost up to RM1,000 — enough, she said, to travel overseas. Many netizens from Sabah and Sarawak chimed in, sharing their own horror stories of festive season airfares, with some saying return tickets can hit RM1,900. According to Miss Alvy, many East Malaysians have been forced to delay returning home for years because of the high ticket prices. Some families can only reunite during major holidays, while others simply cannot afford it at all. The post has reignited the long-standing debate about the high cost of air connectivity between Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia, especially during festive seasons like Gawai and Hari Raya. Location: Kuching / Sarawak When: May 26, 2026 [image: 1779775360441-miss-alvy-airfare.jpg] Miss Alvy. Photo credit: Facebook / DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

13 people including two children and a local man have been detained at the Lubok Antu-Badau border area after police busted a migrant smuggling operation early Monday morning. [image: 1779757422939-lubok-antu-border.jpg] The General Operations Force (PGA) Battalion 10 Sibu Intelligence Unit conducted the raid around 3:30am along an ungazetted route in Ensawang, Lubok Antu. Among those held were 12 foreign nationals — including two children — and a 27-year-old local man believed to be acting as a 'land skipper' (tekong darat). Police tracked two vehicles used to transport the foreign nationals. The local man was driving a four-wheel-drive, while a second sedan was driven by a foreign national carrying others without valid travel documents. Authorities seized two vehicles, an outboard boat engine, and two mobile phones linked to the smuggling operation. The case is being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. This latest operation highlights ongoing issues along Sarawak's border routes, where smugglers continue to use ungazetted pathways to bypass checkpoints. Location: Lubok Antu-Badau border, Sarawak Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching City FC may have fallen 2-0 to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup final last Saturday night — but their run to Bukit Jalil is being celebrated as the club's greatest achievement to date. Under head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak, the Cats stunned Malaysian football by reaching the final for the first time ever. Their campaign was built on grit: Round of 16: Beat Penang FC 2-1 on aggregate after losing the first leg away Quarter-finals: Dominated DPMM FC 6-2 on aggregate Semi-finals: Edged Selangor FC 2-1, winning the home leg 1-0 They played 7 matches, won 4, drew 1, lost 2 — scoring 10 goals and conceding just 6. They won all three home matches at the State Stadium. Beyond the Malaysia Cup, their Super League performance also secured qualification for next season's AFC Champions League Two as Malaysia's No.2 — another historic first for the club. More than 50,000 supporters packed the National Stadium, including Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and several state and federal ministers. JDT's goals came from Marcos Guilherme (80') and Arif Aiman Hanapi (90'). Kuching City had a golden chance from the penalty spot in the 60th minute but couldn't convert.   " alt="" /> Location: Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur " alt="" /> Details: Kuching City FC first-ever Malaysia Cup final appearance + AFC Champions League Two qualification " alt="" /> Sources: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/25/cats-lose-final-but-celebrate-historic-season/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/25/cats-lose-final-but-celebrate-historic-season/ https://dayakdaily.com/shoot-for-the-moon-land-among-stars-kuching-city-fc-fall-to-jdt-in-msia-cup-final-but-achieve-historic-milestones/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://dayakdaily.com/shoot-for-the-moon-land-among-stars-kuching-city-fc-fall-to-jdt-in-msia-cup-final-but-achieve-historic-milestones/ What do you think? Did Kuching City exceed expectations this season? " alt="" />

Four students from St Joseph’s International School (SJIS) in Kuching have earned Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards — including three “Top in the World” titles — in the November 2025 examination series. This is reportedly the first time SJIS has achieved three worldwide top honours in a single exam sitting. The winners Eunice Ooi Jia Yi — Top in the World, Business Studies (A-Level) Carmen Lee Zi Shuen — Top in the World, English as a Second Language (IGCSE) Giselle Chen Yan Xin — Top in the World, English as a Second Language (IGCSE) Jameela Khayrin Mohamad Bolhair — Top in Malaysia, Business Studies (AS-Level) “This is truly exceptional for the school to achieve three ‘Top in the World’ awards in a single examination series,” said SJIS Principal Brother Robert Teoh. St Joseph’s Private Schools CEO Christopher Chua added that being recognised at the international level places these students among the very best globally. [image: 1779691939811-nc_kcfc-final-1.jpg] Location: St Joseph’s International School, Kuching Details: 3 x Top in the World + 1 x Top in Malaysia (November 2025 Cambridge exams) Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi is calling for the revival of weekly farmers markets in Kuching to give residents better access to fresh, affordable produce. The Pantai Damai assemblyman made the proposal at the Jualan Agro Sarawakku Sayang (JASS) programme held at Esplanade Gersik on Sunday (May 24). According to him, Esplanade Gersik was once home to a weekly farmers market organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) around seven to eight years ago. He hopes FAMA, together with the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, along with DBKU (Kuching North City Commission), can bring it back. "Reviving such programmes would help residents obtain fresh food products at reasonable prices," he said. Details: Discussions will be held with FAMA to explore regular monthly or quarterly programmes Also proposing the JASS programme be reintroduced on a regular basis in Kuching Dr Abdul Rahman urged residents to take up urban farming initiatives organised by DBKU to reduce household food expenses Growing vegetables at home can promote self-sufficiency and contribute to food security Location: Esplanade Gersik, Kuching Source: https://dayakdaily.com/pantai-damai-rep-pushes-revival-of-weekly-farmers-market-in-kuching-for-affordable-fresh-food/ What do you think — would you visit a weekly farmers market in Kuching?

Bau Gawai Parade nearly triples in size — 2,000 participants, 91 contingents march through town in vibrant cultural showcase The biennial Bau Gawai Parade drew close to 2,000 participants from 91 contingents on May 23, nearly three times its 2024 turnout of 800. Chinese and Malay groups marched alongside the Bidayuh community along a 2.8km route under sunny weather. Location: Bau, Kuching Division, Sarawak Key highlights: 2,000 participants — up from 800 in 2024 91 contingents including Chinese, Malay & Bidayuh groups 2.8km procession from Bidayuh Cultural Centre completed in under 2 hours New RM9 million Bidayuh Cultural Centre now completed — official opening June 22 by Sarawak Premier Centre features 1,000-capacity hall, galleries, meeting rooms, and traditional Baruk Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) and Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the parade marked the completion of the Bidayuh Cultural Centre, which he described as a "living space for cultural activities." The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) has expressed satisfaction with the centre's quality. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/bau-gawai-parade-nearly-triples-in-size-2000-participants-91-contingents-march-2-8km-under-sunny-weather-in-traditional-attire/ Are you heading to Bau for Gawai celebrations this year? Share your plans below!

Kuching (23rd) — A petrol bomb was thrown at a car in the early hours of today, but the homeowner managed to extinguish the fire before it caused major damage, with only 10% of the vehicle burned. The incident occurred around 5am at Lorong 7, Stapok Selatan. The Batu Lintang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 4:58am and rushed to the scene. By the time they arrived, the homeowner had already brought the fire under control, and firefighters proceeded to fully extinguish the remaining flames. CCTV footage from the homeowner's residence captured a suspect throwing a petrol bomb from outside the house into the car porch, setting the rear of the vehicle ablaze. The case has been handed over to the police for investigation. [image: 1779691940607-nc_bomb-car-1.jpeg] [image: 1779691941093-nc_bomb-car-2.jpeg] [image: 1779691941648-nc_bomb-car-3.jpeg] Source: See Hua Daily News

The Kuching Waterfront came alive today as the thunder of motorcycle engines filled the air — 600 big bike riders from across Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia gathered for the Borneo Island International Big Bike Festival (BIBBF) 2026. The convoy, flagged off from Kuching Waterfront, made its way to Kampung Lot Bako for a community engagement programme. Organised by the Borneo Island Big Bikers (BIBB) Sarawak, the event is now in its 24th edition with 1,225 registered participants. Location: Kuching Waterfront → Kampung Bako, Sarawak Details: 600 big bikes in convoy Participants from Sarawak, Sabah, FT Labuan, Brunei and Indonesia Community activities: traditional sports, village lunch at Bako (fresh seafood!) Day 1 highlights: Battle of the Bands competition Gala dinner featuring local and Peninsular Malaysia singers Idol BIBBF singing talent event continues tomorrow BIBB Sarawak president Ramlee Tuah said participants were especially impressed with Sarawak's well-maintained roads, giving satisfaction to bikers from neighbouring countries. The festival rotates among 5 Borneo clubs: PEMODA (Brunei), BIBB (Sarawak), IMBI (Indonesia), SBBA (Sabah), and LA RIDERS (Labuan). Next year's edition will be hosted by LA Riders Labuan. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/600-riders-from-msia-brunei-indonesia-roar-through-kuching-for-borneo-island-intl-big-bike-festival/ Catch the convoy or the gala dinner? Drop by Kampung Bako and join the fun!

Young working adults in Sarawak are scaling back Gawai celebrations this year, choosing meaningful family time over lavish gatherings as living costs continue to rise. With Gawai Dayak just around the corner, many young Sarawakians are rethinking how they celebrate. Interviews with working adults in their 20s reveal a common theme — budgets are tighter, priorities have shifted, but the spirit of togetherness remains strong. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Junior civil engineer Valentine Mapan Jalan, 25, said his family’s celebration will be quieter this year as they prioritise elderly relatives’ well-being. “We don’t need extravagance to show our hospitality,” he said. Executive Irvina Joan, 24, noted rising fuel and daily expenses have limited her travel plans to visit relatives in other areas. She credited government aid like STR, SARA, and SKAS for helping ease some financial pressure. Administrative assistant Lydia Hyginus, 25, said she cut her Gawai budget this year, skipping new family outfits. “Every moment during Gawai feels precious because it is one of the few times when my whole family can gather,” she said. Despite the tighter budgets, all three emphasised that the essence of Gawai — family reunions, shared meals, and cultural traditions — remains unchanged. Source: The Borneo Post Is your family planning a simpler Gawai this year? Share your thoughts below

Sarawak's longest river bridge is now open to the public! The Batang Lupar Bridge (Jambatan Batang Lupar) officially opened on 21 May 2026, replacing the long-serving ferry service connecting Sebuyau and Sri Aman across the Batang Lupar river. Location: Sebuyau, Sarawak (Kuching Division) Length: 4.8km — Sarawak's longest river crossing Travel time saved: Ferry took ~30 minutes, bridge takes just 5 minutes. This bridge is part of Sarawak's massive infrastructure transformation under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Out of 21 major bridges planned, 10 have already opened, with 8 more expected in the coming months. The opening comes just in time for Hari Raya Haji and Gawai Dayak festivities — making balik kampung much easier for thousands of Sarawakians. Sources: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/22/batang-lupar-bridge-officially-opens/ https://dayakdaily.com/batang-lupar-bridge-sarawak-longest-river-crossing/ What do you think — will this bridge boost economic activity in the area? Share your thoughts below!