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Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has proposed regular meetings among UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in Asia to strengthen cultural ties and culinary exchange. The proposal came as delegates from China's Quanzhou, Chaozhou, Chengdu, Macau, Eastern Guangdong, and Iloilo, Philippines, visited the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion at MBKS Jubilee Ground during the Kuching Food Festival 2026. "Food reflects a community's history, culture and identity. Although we come from different countries and cultures, our shared passion for gastronomy has brought us together as one family," Wee said. The mayor said closer cooperation among Asian gastronomy cities would help showcase the richness of Asian culinary traditions while encouraging more visitors to experience each city's unique food culture. Location: Kuching South (MBKS) Details: Kuching is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a City of Gastronomy. The 3rd Annual Meeting of UCCN Gastronomy Cities is currently underway with delegates from six cities. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawakian musician Alena Murang has won a Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards for her Kelabit-language song, Sekunuh Kamih. [image: 1785837902100-alena-murang-silver.jpg] Source: DayakDaily The song, which means "Our Stories" in Kelabit, blends traditional sape' sounds with contemporary production. A unique feature: it includes voices from three generations of the Kelabit community — opening with a recording of Alena's father from a 1980s cassette tape asking his uncle, "Who told you this story?", to which the elder replies, "The elders did, a long time ago." The track also features Alena's grandaunt reciting an ancient epic tale of two warriors. Produced by Melina William, an award-winning Malaysian music director with Orang Ulu heritage, the song is available on major streaming platforms worldwide. Location: Sarawak Details: Alena Murang's Kelabit song Sekunuh Kamih, Silver Medal at Global Music Awards Source: https://dayakdaily.com/alena-murangs-kelabit-song-wins-silver-at-prestigious-global-music-awards/ Nice one, Sarawak!

Kuching's heritage villages along the Sarawak River just got a safer and more accessible entry point — the Kampung Boyan-Gersik jetty has been fully upgraded. [image: 1785837875157-boyan-gersik-jetty.jpg] Source: Ukas The RM918,000 project was officially handed over today (Aug 4), witnessed by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. The upgrade included reconstruction of the guide pillars, pontoon, gangway and jetty walkway, replacing ageing infrastructure that had deteriorated after years of use. The jetty now features better accessibility for senior citizens, wheelchair users and persons with disabilities. It serves as the main gateway for visitors exploring Kampung Boyan, Kampung Gersik and Kampung Surabaya — villages known for traditional delicacies, cottage industries and handmade crafts. Location: Kampung Boyan-Gersik, Kuching Details: RM918,000 upgrade, improved safety & accessibility, key heritage tourism gateway Source: https://dayakdaily.com/rm918k-upgrade-makes-kampung-boyan-gersik-jetty-safer-for-residents-visitors/ What do you think?

A Miri woman lost RM12,790 after clicking a fake food-order link shared through WhatsApp. [image: 1785816336983-miri-fake-food-link-scam-resized.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Mikhail Nilov, Pexels Miri police said the 29-year-old woman first saw a food advertisement on Facebook, then continued the order through WhatsApp. She clicked a link that was supposedly for viewing the menu. Soon after that, her phone screen went blank and the device stopped responding. Money moved out after the click Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the victim later checked with her bank and found four unauthorised transfers from her account. The total loss was RM12,790. Police are now investigating how the phone was compromised and tracing where the money went. Police also reminded the public not to click links from unverified ads or messages, and to download apps only from trusted platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Anyone who notices suspicious bank transactions should contact the bank quickly and lodge a police report. Scam victims can also call NSRC at 997. Location: Miri Details: Fake food ad link, 4 unauthorised bank transfers, RM12,790 loss Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/04/clicking-fake-food-order-link-leaves-miri-woman-rm12790-poorer/ What do you think?

Three people were pulled safely from the Sarawak River near Jalan Petanak early this morning. [image: 1785816275422-sarawak-river-rescue.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Bomba rescue photo A Chinese woman reportedly fell into the river near an apartment along Jalan Petanak, Kuching, before a Chinese man went in to help her. An apartment employee also entered the water to stop both of them from being swept away. Bomba Padungan received the call at 3.04am on Tuesday, Aug 4, and found three people holding on at the riverbank. What happened Firefighters used a lifebuoy and rescue ropes to bring them up safely. The rescue was under control at 3.45am and wrapped up at 4.18am. No injuries were reported. The two Chinese nationals declined medical treatment and were later escorted back to their apartment before the matter was handed to police for further action. Location: Sarawak River near Jalan Petanak, Kuching Details: 3 people rescued, no injuries reported Source: https://dayakdaily.com/chinese-man-jumps-into-sarawak-river-to-save-woman-both-rescued/ What do you think?

A new eight-storey Anjung Kasih is being planned opposite Sarawak General Hospital, aimed at helping families who travel to Kuching for medical treatment. [image: 1785805545085-anjung-kasih-sgh.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Kuching project would keep the facade of the former nurses' quarters, while a new block would be built behind it. Why it matters Anjung Kasih provides temporary accommodation for family members accompanying patients. For many people coming from outside Kuching, hotel costs can be a heavy burden during hospital treatment. The Premier said the concept could also be expanded to other parts of Sarawak where similar support is needed. Location: Opposite Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching Details: Proposed eight-storey block behind the preserved former nurses' quarters facade; meant for patients' families needing temporary accommodation. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak could see 17 new State seats, with Tabuan Jaya, Maong and Samarindah among the names in a leaked EC proposal. [image: 1785805495307-ec-redelineation.jpg] Source: Election Commission / Facebook The proposal points to a bigger Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, rising from 82 seats to 99 seats if the redelineation process goes through. What was revealed DayakDaily reported that the leaked Election Commission proposal includes new or renamed seats across Sarawak. In the Kuching and nearby areas, names listed include Tabuan Jaya, Maong, Matang, Semarak, Pasir Pandak, Samarindah and Sungai Serin. The document is dated June 25, 2026 and is linked to Sarawak's Seventh Redelineation Exercise. Location: Sarawak, including Kuching-area constituencies Details: Proposed expansion from 82 to 99 State seats, with public display venues expected at local authority offices such as DBKU, MBKS and MPP. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 29-year-old local man has been arrested over an alleged recording case at Kuching Food Festival. [image: 1785751445591-pdrm_logo_kff_recording_20260803.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / PDRM file image Kuching police arrested a 29-year-old local man after he allegedly recorded a video that insulted a woman’s modesty at Kuching Food Festival. Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspect was arrested at about 9.20pm on Aug 1. What police said Police seized the suspect’s mobile phone as evidence. A record check found that the suspect had no previous criminal record, and he has been remanded for two days to assist investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code for insulting the modesty of a person by recording a video. If convicted, the offence carries jail of up to five years, a fine, or both. Police also reminded the public to respect other people’s privacy and avoid acts that break the law. Anyone with information on criminal activities can contact the Kuching IPD Control Centre at 082-241133. Location: Kuching Details: A 29-year-old man was arrested; police seized a mobile phone and are investigating under Section 509 of the Penal Code. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak wants federal approval sped up for a Kuching-Putussibau cross-border bus route. [image: 1785751410267-kuching_putussibau_bus_20260803.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Ministry of Transport The Sarawak Ministry of Transport will send an official request to the federal side to speed up approval for the proposed Kuching-Putussibau bus service. Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the route is meant to improve links between Sarawak and West Kalimantan through the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau entry point. Why it matters Operators from both sides, Biaramas Express from Sarawak and DAMRI from Indonesia, have indicated they are ready to start. Lee said the route could support tourism, medical tourism, trade and cross-border economic activity. He also said the current Putussibau-Pontianak overland trip takes about 20 hours, while using the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau and Tebedu-Entikong route could cut travel time by more than half. Kuching as a transit hub The ministry also sees Kuching becoming a regional transit point, linking flights through Kuching International Airport with land travel into Kalimantan. Location: Kuching, Lubok Antu and Putussibau Details: Sarawak is asking for faster federal approval for a proposed cross-border bus route. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 14-year-old Sarawak deaf table tennis gold medallist may miss her next step because her cochlear implant processor keeps failing. [image: 1785729955161-celynn_20260803.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Celynn Ho won the women's singles gold medal at the first Malaysian Deaf Table Tennis Championship in Ipoh last month. She is now due to represent Malaysia at the Asia Pacific Deaf Multi-Sport Championships 2026 in Penang from Oct 3 to 10. Her mother Rita Bong said the biggest problem now is the cost of replacing Celynn's faulty cochlear implant processor. A new one could cost around RM90,000. Bong said the device matters not only for school, but also for training, because Celynn relies on it to communicate with coaches and teammates. Key Details Location: Kuching / Padawan Details: Celynn is a Form 2 student at Chung Hua Middle School No. 1. Those who want to know more can contact Bong at 012-8886366, as listed by The Borneo Post. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Update, Aug 14: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof successfully underwent heart bypass surgery at the National Heart Institute and was reported to be in stable condition during recovery. [image: 1785729898539-fadillah_20260803.jpg] File photo: DayakDaily His office first announced on Aug 3 that the Petra Jaya MP would undergo the procedure on the advice of his specialist team. He was asked to rest fully and avoid visitors so treatment and recovery could proceed without disruption. A later statement said the surgery was performed at IJN on Aug 12 and was successful. Fadillah and his family thanked the medical team and the public for their support. Why this update is included The original version of this post only said surgery was planned. Leaving it unchanged would make an old medical update look current and incomplete. The latest confirmed public status available from the cited reports is that the procedure was successful and he was stable while recovering. No recovery timetable or confirmed date for returning to full duties was included in those statements. Personal medical details beyond what the family or his office releases should not be speculated about. Fadillah, 63, is Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, and Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya. Hospital: National Heart Institute (IJN), Kuala Lumpur 🩺 Latest cited status: Surgery successful; stable during recovery as of Aug 14 Sources: Initial Aug 3 statement · Aug 14 recovery update · IJN

A 23-door longhouse in Samalaju was completely destroyed in a fire on Sunday evening. [image: 1785719114352-samalaju_longhouse_fire_20260802.jpg] Source: Bomba / DayakDaily A longhouse at Rumah Padang Batu 37, along Jalan Bintulu-Miri in Samalaju, was razed by fire on Aug 2. The Fire and Rescue Department said it received the emergency call at 4.31pm. Firefighters from the Samalaju station were sent to the scene. When the operations commander arrived, the non-permanent longhouse, measuring about 200 ft by 400 ft, was already fully engulfed. No casualties reported All 125 occupants were reported safe. No victims were involved in the fire. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and carried out overhaul works at the site. Location: Rumah Padang Batu 37, Jalan Bintulu-Miri, Samalaju Details: 23-door longhouse destroyed; 125 occupants safe. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak may get a new International Islamic University Malaysia presence if the proposal moves ahead. [image: 1785719057269-iium_sarawak_20260802.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Sarawak has welcomed a proposal for the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) to set up an academic presence in the state. Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak should stay open to public and private universities that can help strengthen human capital. He said any institution that can improve skills, knowledge and access to quality education should be viewed positively. IIUM Rector Professor Emeritus Datuk Osman Bakar said the university has been approached by Sarawak alumni about the idea. He said IIUM is looking at options such as specialised academic programmes before moving into a full campus. Why it matters More higher education options in Sarawak could mean more pathways for local students without having to leave the state. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: IIUM is exploring an academic presence in Sarawak, with specialised programmes among the possible first steps. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

The Sarawak Teachers Union wants the Ministry of Education to act faster on teacher burnout, mental health and workplace pressure. [image: 1785665179930-stu_president_20260802.png] Source: DayakDaily KUCHING, Aug 2: The Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) has called for a thorough investigation into two teacher death cases linked to school compounds, while urging the Ministry of Education to take teachers' wellbeing more seriously. STU president Kullin Djayang said the union wants the facts established first and asked the public not to speculate while investigations are still ongoing. Workload and pressure in focus Kullin said prolonged stress can lead to emotional burnout, anxiety and lower motivation among teachers. He also called for education policies to be reviewed, especially those linked to heavy school-related tasks and high key performance indicator expectations. Schools must be safe workplaces too STU said classrooms, hostels and teachers' quarters should be safe and conducive for both teachers and students. The union also conveyed condolences to the families involved and reminded educators to prioritise their own health while serving in schools. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Details: STU is asking MOE to review teacher workload, mental health support and school working conditions. Source: DayakDaily Teachers and parents, do you think school workload has become too heavy?

A house fire in Taman Satria Jaya BDC damaged half of the ground floor, but two occupants escaped safely. [image: 1785665113260-bdc_house_fire_20260802.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Bomba KUCHING, Aug 2: A double-storey house in Taman Satria Jaya BDC was badly damaged after a fire broke out around noon today. Bomba said the emergency call came in at 12.49pm. Firefighters from Tabuan Jaya were sent to the scene, with The Borneo Post also reporting response from Tabuan Jaya and Batu Lintang stations. What happened The fire damaged about 50 per cent of the ground floor of the permanent house, which measured about 20 feet by 40 feet. A neighbouring house was also lightly affected by heat and smoke, with about five per cent damage reported. No injuries reported The occupants, a 66-year-old woman and her 38-year-old daughter who is a person with disabilities, had already left the house before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported. Location: Taman Satria Jaya BDC, Kuching Details: Bomba received the call at 12.49pm; the fire was brought under control using hose lines and a nearby hydrant. Source: DayakDaily Anyone staying around BDC saw the smoke this afternoon?

Sarawak entrepreneurs recorded RM35 million in transactions within 30 days through WhatsApp and social media. [image: 1785643496956-digital_drive_20260802.jpg] SERIAN, Aug 2: The figure was shared by MINTRED advisor Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, who said it shows more local entrepreneurs are ready to use digital platforms to reach wider markets. He said the state government will continue strengthening digitalisation initiatives so more entrepreneurs can raise income and grow their businesses. Support for digital growth Naroden said Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and MINTRED have rolled out programmes to strengthen the digital economy ecosystem, including the Digital Village in Kuching as a technology showcase and reference centre for entrepreneurs. He also pointed to support under the Micro Credit Scheme, with loans of up to RM50,000 and grants of up to RM20,000 to help businesses buy laptops, software and digital system equipment. Location: Serian / Sarawak Details: Entrepreneurs were urged to use AI responsibly for promotion, packaging design, marketing content and market intelligence. Photo: Sarawak Tribune Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Jalan Mendu road works are delayed, but MBKS says the project is now targeted for Sept 15 completion. [image: 1785643462063-jalan_mendu_20260802.jpg] KUCHING, Aug 2: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) says the Jalan Mendu Upgrading Project was held back by a clash between planned drainage works and an existing live water supply pipeline. MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the pipeline's actual location did not match available utility records and project drawings. What MBKS says The contractor is waiting for final approval from Sarawak Water to relocate the pipeline. Once approval is given, the relocation is expected to take about three days before culvert construction and reinstatement works resume. MBKS has also ordered safety fixes at the site after temporary barriers were found improperly arranged, with exposed reinforcement steel that could endanger motorcyclists and pedestrians. Location: Jalan Mendu, Kuching South Details: MBKS targets Sept 15, 2026 completion, subject to approval for utility relocation and no further unforeseen issues. Photo: DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak has not fixed its next state election date, with October, November or December still possible. [image: 1785634456338-abang-johari-betong-ukas-20260801.jpg] Photo: Ukas / The Borneo Post Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said no decision has been made yet on when the next Sarawak state election will be held. Speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Betong Zone Special Convention on Aug 1, he said the polls could be held in October, November or December, but nothing has been finalised. What we know now Abang Johari said PBB must be ready to defend all its state seats. PBB currently holds 47 of the 82 seats in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. The 13th Sarawak State Election must be held before the current State Legislative Assembly term expires in February 2027. For voters, the main point is simple: no polling date yet, but the window is getting clearer. Location: Sarawak Details: Premier says no decision yet; October to December remains possible; current assembly term expires before February 2027. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Kuching's ART project has moved into the next stage after the first two trains arrived for KUTS pilot preparations. [image: 1785632692948-art-first-trains.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) The first two ART trains under the Kuching Urban Transportation System are now in Kuching, bringing the project closer to pilot operations. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the focus is now on system integration, infrastructure readiness and operational checks before the service is opened for pilot use. What is being prepared Lee said work is progressing on the ART alignment, stations, depots and support systems. The Phase 1 Hydrogen Production Plant at Rembus Depot is also moving ahead. Once ready, it is expected to produce up to one tonne of green hydrogen a day to support pilot and early ART operations. For Kuching road users, this is one of the clearest signs yet that KUTS is moving from construction into actual service preparation. Location: Kuching / Rembus Depot Details: First two ART trains arrived; pilot operation preparation now focuses on integration, safety, reliability and hydrogen support facilities. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 64-year-old man died in Sibu after a tree branch fell while he was cleaning a durian orchard. [image: 1785578716181-sibu_branch_20260801.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / police photo What happened The Borneo Post reported that the incident happened near Citizen Middle School, Sungai Spau, Jalan Stabau at about 11am today. Sibu district police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the man was working in the orchard with his son when a tree branch broke and struck him. Police update The victim suffered injuries to his head and shoulder. Medical personnel from Sibu Hospital pronounced him dead at the scene. Police said early findings classified the case as an accident. The weather at the time was reported to be good. Location: Sungai Spau, Jalan Stabau, Sibu Details: Fatal orchard accident, Aug 1, about 11am Source: The Borneo Post Stay careful when clearing orchard areas, especially around old or heavy branches.