The Batu Kawa–Rantau Panjang road will remain open while land acquisition talks get underway. Formal discussions on land acquisition and compensation have started between the landowner and the authorities over a disputed parcel used by the public road linking Batu Kawa Old Town and Rantau Panjang. The landowner agreed not to block the route for now after authorities asked for public access to continue and road safety to be protected. The dispute centres on a claim that part of private land was used by the Public Works Department (JKR) for road and other public infrastructure. Batu Kawa Chung Hua Association chairman Lim Ah Ted urged all sides to settle the matter through legal and administrative channels. He said public roads should remain accessible and unilateral blockades should be avoided. [image: 1787285092714-batu-kawa-road.jpg] A target date or project announcement is not the same as an open road or operating facility. Until an official opening or traffic notice is issued, residents should keep using the current arrangements and watch for the next construction or approval milestone.

Police are asking the public for help to locate 19-year-old Melvin Dhillon Muluk. Padawan district police said Melvin was last seen at Block V 202, Courtyard Santury Apartment, Bandar Baru Batu Kawa, at about 6.30pm on Aug 13. A missing-person report was lodged at Batu Kawa Police Station at about 11.53pm on Aug 15. Police said the clothing Melvin was wearing when he disappeared is unknown. Anyone with information can contact Batu Kawa police station chief SM Joelesley Enggat at 011-15336535 , Batu Kawa Police Station at 082-463411 , the Padawan district police headquarters operations room at 082-862233 , or any nearby police station. This is a police information appeal, not confirmation of the person's current whereabouts. Share only the verified details and send any useful sighting directly to the police instead of adding guesses to social media. [image: 1787101543484-melvin-dhillon-muluk.jpg] Source: DayakDaily

1.046kg of suspected syabu seized in Batu Kawa Police arrested a 24-year-old Indonesian woman at a coffee shop in the RPR Batu Kawa shophouses on Aug 12 and seized 1.046kg of crystalline substance suspected to be syabu. Padawan police chief Supt Barry William said the drugs were found in a grey courier parcel. Police also seized two smartphones. The suspect tested negative in an initial drug screening and has no previous criminal record, police said. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. If convicted, she faces the death penalty or life imprisonment, with whipping where the death penalty is not imposed. [image: 1786615620123-batu-kawa-drug-seizure.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Photo: Sarawak Tribune The investigation is ongoing.

[image: 1784174794492-kh-spm-workshop.jpeg] About 600 Batu Kawa students joined a free SPM readiness workshop as Sarawak keeps pushing education support for young people. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said Sarawak’s future depends heavily on quality education and talent development. He said the state government now provides several forms of education help, including the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme, scholarships, free laptops and living allowances. Who joined The two-day SPM 2026 Free Readiness Workshop was held at Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multi-purpose Hall in Batu Kawa. Most of the 600 participants came from three nearby secondary schools: SM Min Lit Batu Kawa SMK Batu Kawa SMK Jalan Arang The workshop covered study techniques and exam strategies, with experienced teachers guiding students on key parts of SPM preparation. Why it matters Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawah assemblyman, said SPM remains one of the country’s most important academic qualifications because it shapes future options in higher education and work. He encouraged candidates to stay focused and aim for strong results, noting that Sarawakian students have continued to perform well in SPM over the years. Location: Batu Kawa, Kuching Details: Around 600 students joined the SPM 2026 readiness workshop, while Sarawak highlighted education aid such as free tertiary education, scholarships, laptops and living allowances. Source: The Borneo Post SPM season is never easy. Good support like this really helps. What do you think?

Two drainage upgrade projects worth over RM800,000 are now underway in Batu Kawa to reduce flash flood problems. [image: 1783742601204-drainage.jpg] Source: DayakDaily What is being upgraded The works cover RPR Batu Kawa Lorong 6 and Jalan Field Force, with completion targeted for August and October 2026 respectively. According to DayakDaily, the RPR Batu Kawa project will upgrade front and rear drains in phases. Roads along the affected lanes will be resurfaced after the drainage work is completed. Why residents should care Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the upgrades are needed because rapid development, heavier rainfall and older drainage systems have made flash flood issues harder to manage. He also warned contractors to keep to schedule, saying action including blacklisting can be taken if obligations are not met. Location: RPR Batu Kawa Lorong 6 and Jalan Field Force, Batu Kawa Details: Over RM800,000 drainage upgrade, targeted completion in August and October 2026 Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[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?

A glass bridge and 3km scenic riverside walkway are coming to Batu Kawa, connecting Kampung Rantau Panjang to Batu Kawa Riverbank Park. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian announced the plan after visiting the site on June 22 with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak team. The proposed walkway will link the predominantly Malay riverside villages with the historic Batu Kawa Chinese old town, creating a continuous promenade along the river. Riverbank Protection The project includes Phase 2 riverbank protection works covering 500 metres (split into 350m and 150m sections). DID will first carry out a temporary RM200,000 solution while designs for the permanent structure are completed. Open tender is expected by end of this year. Cost & History The first phase (450 metres) was initially awarded in 2019 for RM8.7 million but became a sick project during Covid when material costs surged. It was retendered in 2022 at RM11.6 million and completed in late 2023. Dr Sim said the Premier has allocated a RM31 million ceiling for the remaining 500 metres of riverbank works scheduled for 2026. [image: 1782194603298-batu-kawa-glass-bridge-1.jpg] Dr Sim (in yellow shirt) reviewing the riverbank protection plan with DID Sarawak team during a site visit on June 22, 2026. [image: 1782194603385-batu-kawa-glass-bridge-2.jpg] The proposed second phase of riverbank protection works at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Batu Kawa. Rising Construction Costs Dr Sim noted the entire 950-metre project would have cost RM18.6 million if done as a single project in 2019. The remaining 500 metres alone is now projected at RM31 million — a reflection of escalating material prices and global uncertainties. Location: Kampung Rantau Panjang, Batu Kawa, Kuching Details: 3km scenic walkway + glass bridge connecting Malay villages to Batu Kawa town Source: DayakDaily What do you think of this development?