Bintulu flood-mitigation work at three sites is targeted to start in October after an extra RM53 million allocation. The package covers remaining Phase Two components at Gem Park, Desa Damai and SJK Sebiew. The Bintulu DID may call the tender in early September, with physical work expected between mid- and late October. A separate long-term study would examine Bintulu’s wider flood-mitigation system, including the capacity of existing measures and where upgrades are needed. Sarawak is considering an international consultancy working with local experts, but the firm, cost and scope are still under discussion. The October date is a target, not a guarantee that flooding will stop. Residents in the affected areas should continue following local warnings during heavy rain while waiting for the tender notice and confirmed work schedule. Location: Bintulu, Sarawak

Simunjan’s water upgrade has a 2029 finish line — but affected areas are expected to get a nearer-term boost from a separate tank project. The elevated water tank planned for Kampung Hijrah is targeted for completion in August 2027. It is intended to help areas facing interruptions while the main pipeline works are carried out. The public announcement does not yet give a village-by-village schedule, contractor or temporary-supply plan. The main Simunjan package will replace or upgrade 73.2km of ageing pipes at RM45.7 million. It is part of a wider Samarahan distribution upgrade covering 148.3km at RM84.37 million. Some work is expected to start at the end of 2026 or early 2027, with the wider programme due to be completed in phases by 2029. Residents should treat this as a project timeline, not a promise that current disruptions have ended. Keep following JBALB and local-authority notices, record the dates and locations of outages, and expect temporary access or supply changes once construction reaches an affected area. The next useful updates are the formal start notice, tank progress and the first list of pipe sections under construction. [image: 1787706573885-simunjan-water.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / TVS

500km of Kakus logging roads earmarked for upgrades About 500km of logging roads in interior Kakus has been identified for phased upgrading, with the aim of improving access for communities that still lack reliable road connectivity. The roads named in the latest update include Jalan Penyarai, Jalan Sungai Muput, the route to Ulu Kakus, Jalan Sangan–Nanga Merit and Jalan Nanga Takan. The figure is part of roughly 5,700km of logging roads across Sarawak identified for upgrading. This is an identification and planning update, not a promise that all 500km will be rebuilt at once. The works are expected to be phased because of cost and difficult interior terrain; no start dates, tender packages or completion targets for the five routes were announced in the update. For people travelling in Kakus, the practical point is to expect uneven conditions to remain while each phase is prepared. Smaller repairs are already being supported through Rural Transformation Project allocations, but residents and transport operators should check JKR Sarawak’s tender and road notices and allow extra time on rural routes until work notices are issued. The eventual test will be which route enters construction first and whether access remains passable during the works. Location: Kakus interior, Tatau Division

Padawan’s Biya villages may get a new treated-water system A treated-water system has been proposed for the Biya area in Padawan after recurring dry-season shortages hit villages that still rely on gravity-fed supplies. The proposed intake and treatment setup would be based in Kampung Sapit, which was identified as having a more reliable water source during dry periods. The plan could serve Kampung Nusa Raya, Kamas, Kiding, Kakas, Parang, Assum, Jaber and Sapit, with possible extension to a nearby PGA camp, SK Kambug and other villages. This is a proposal, not a live project yet. The larger treated-water project for the Biya area was reported as approved in 2017 with RM270 million, but its implementation has been delayed; the latest update did not confirm a contractor, construction start date or final connection list. For residents, that distinction matters: the plan may offer a backup while waiting for the long-delayed project, but it does not mean treated water is arriving immediately. JBALB handles rural water supply in Sarawak, so households should follow its Bau/Padawan notices for current interruptions and wait for a formal tender or construction update before making plans around the proposed system. Location: Biya area, Padawan

A direct Sibu–Dalat road could cut travel time, but the project is still at the planning stage. Dalat assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the proposed 13.1km route should be prioritised to improve connectivity for residents and businesses. It would connect Kampung Kekan Seberang, Kut Muara, Sungai Pinang, Bungan Besar and Rassau, and be built to R3 road standards. The Sarawak government-funded component is estimated at RM140 million and is expected to be tendered in the first quarter of 2027. A separate 9km federal component, estimated at RM131 million, is undergoing detailed design and land-related works, with tender targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to approvals. At present, travellers between Sibu and Dalat use longer routes via Selangau, Mukah and Oya, or Tanjung Manis, Daro, Matu, Igan and Oya. Fatimah said the direct link would make travel easier and support local development. [image: 1787447273446-dalat-sibu-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.

Sarawak will revisit five earlier dam proposals, but no construction approval has been announced. Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said on Aug. 22 that his ministry, the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd had agreed in principle to review previous feasibility studies for the Tebia, Batang Layar, Sungai Ulu Mukah, Sungai Pesu and Sungai Suhu projects. The announcement puts the proposals back on Sarawak’s water-planning agenda. It does not mean that any of the five dams has been approved for construction. No project budget, storage capacity, start date, completion date or confirmed service area has been announced. Some reports use names such as Ulu Mukah River Dam, Pesu River Dam and Suhu River Dam; these refer to the same group of locations rather than additional projects. Julaihi said the review was needed as Sarawak upgrades existing water treatment plants, develops new facilities and extends transmission pipelines. Those investments still depend on a reliable supply of raw water — water taken from a river, reservoir or other source before treatment. A treatment plant can only produce treated water if enough suitable raw water reaches its intake. The minister also linked the review to dry weather, haze and rising demand towards 2030. During a prolonged dry period, an intake may receive less water or become difficult to operate. A storage dam could help regulate raw-water availability, but it would not automatically increase a treatment plant’s processing capacity or connect a particular town to the treated-water network. The dam, treatment plant, transmission main and local distribution system would all need to be planned as one supply chain. That distinction matters when looking at recent water disruptions in Kuching and Samarahan. The report said piling works along major roads had damaged underground water pipes and cables, contributing to murky water, low pressure and temporary water, power and telecommunication interruptions. Those incidents involve damage to existing utility infrastructure, while the five dam proposals concern longer-term raw-water storage. A new dam would not prevent a separate construction project from damaging a pipeline, so water security also depends on protecting the network already in the ground. The next meaningful update will be the information produced by the renewed feasibility studies. Residents and businesses will need to see how much water each location can reliably provide during the dry season, what storage capacity is being considered, which treatment plants and transmission routes would be connected, and how much the projects would cost. Environmental assessments, formal approvals, funding decisions, tender notices and construction schedules would then show whether any proposal has moved beyond the review stage. Until those details are published, the five locations remain proposals under reconsideration. They should not be treated as approved dams, confirmed construction sites or guaranteed future water sources for Kuching, Samarahan, Mukah or any other specific area.

29 landowners and claimants have received RM1,423,550.90 in compensation for land acquired for the Sungai Sadong Bridge project in Serian. A total of 37 compensation cheques were handed to recipients from Kampung Sorak Sumpung, Kampung Sorak Dayak, Kampung Sorak Mawang and Kampung Sorak Melayu. Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus said the bridge is important for connectivity, especially during flood season. The project is also expected to support development and economic opportunities around the villages. The Land and Survey Department said four titled lots and three untitled lots were acquired. The provisions under Sections 5(3), 5(4) and 48 of the Land Code were approved on Feb 16, 2025, while survey work was completed on July 17, 2026. [image: 1787306967653-sadong-bridge-compensation-2108-resized.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.

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.

The RM150 million remedial project for the Sungai Sarawak barrage had still not received final implementation approval as of Aug 20, despite the federal allocation being announced in March. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin raised the delay after a site briefing on riverbed scouring near the barrage. The federal government announced RM150 million on March 13, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) was named implementing agency, and DID Sarawak later submitted the latest proposal to DID Malaysia for consideration and approval. Allocation, approval and construction are three different stages. A budget announcement does not mean a contractor has started work. At that point, the proposal was still moving through the approval process, which is why the minister called for it to be accelerated. The barrage has operated since Dec 1, 1997 as part of the Sungai Sarawak Regulation Scheme. Its five radial gates, navigation shiplock and bridge support flood mitigation, river-level management and navigation around Kuching. No closure or immediate public emergency was announced. The issue is planned remedial work for continued safe and reliable operation. The next facts worth watching are final approval, tender or contractor appointment, scope of works and the construction timetable. This update concerns planning, repairs or public data—not an automatic notice that the facility has closed or that a power or water disruption is imminent. The next useful confirmation is the agency's approval, tender, works timetable or published measurement. [image: 1787276043889-barrage.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily

Urgent excavation has been ordered at Kuching’s Sg Apong Fishery Wharf to improve access for fishing boats. Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin directed the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) to speed up excavation works after visiting the wharf with Ministry of Transport Sarawak officers on Aug 19. The works will remove sedimentation near the wharf and clear a wreck that is affecting river access. Fishermen had also asked for the river channel to be deepened and trees near the wharf to be cleared. The Sungai Apong fishing association submitted its official application on Aug 5. Fishermen said shallow water and poor access have made it harder for boats to reach and berth at the wharf. Lee said the works are needed to make daily operations smoother for the fishing community. Changes in port handling can affect vessel waiting times and delivery schedules even when a terminal remains operational. Businesses moving cargo into Kuching should confirm the latest arrangement with the port authority rather than rely on a single political claim or an old estimate. [image: 1787187933338-sg-apong-wharf.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily

Sejingkat Bridge on track for an Oct 1 soft opening. The RM365.7 million Sejingkat Bridge is on track for a soft opening on Oct 1. The new crossing over the Sarawak River will provide a direct alternative for traffic from Serian and Kota Samarahan heading towards Petra Jaya and industrial areas on the northern side of the river. At present, that traffic has to pass through Kuching city centre, adding to congestion. Uggah described the bridge as a major game changer for Kuching. He said the contractor had not reported major manpower or funding concerns, while favourable weather had helped construction progress. [image: 1787134196672-sejingkat-bridge-resized.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.

Sejingkat Bridge Could Open To Traffic By Oct 1, Easing Kuching Congestion. The RM365.74 million bridge across the Sarawak River could open to traffic as early as Oct 1, after Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas inspected the final stitching works on Aug 17. The 1,281.2-metre dual-carriageway bridge will give motorists from Serian and Kota Samarahan a more direct route towards Demak Laut, Petra Jaya and nearby industrial areas, without passing through Kuching city centre. That is expected to ease congestion in the city. The contractor reported no major manpower or funding problems. The project’s scheduled completion date remains Oct 22, 2026. [image: 1786961176589-sejingkat-bridge-20260817.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / JKR Sarawak 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.

Two rural electrification projects worth RM13.1 million are being implemented in Ngemah to connect 147 households. The projects cover Ngemah Tengah and Hulu Ngemah. Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana said the RM9.188 million Phase 3 project in Ngemah Tengah is 66.6% complete and will benefit 114 households in four longhouses and one settlement. Electricity has already reached 65 households. The remaining homes are at Rumah Lau, Rumah Ai and Rumah Reba. Power-line works for the three longhouses are targeted for completion by the end of this year, with documentation expected to be submitted to Recoda on Aug 21. The RM3.909 million Phase 4A project in Hulu Ngemah is 9.4% complete. It will cover two longhouses and 33 households, with completion targeted for December 2027. Rain, difficult access and the use of logging roads remain challenges. The update is still developing; residents should rely on the next confirmed notice rather than treat an early announcement as final. [image: 1786928810225-ngemah-electricity.jpg] Source: Pusat Khidmat Masyarakat Ngemah / The Borneo Post

Sarawak Metro now has approval to establish its own auxiliary police unit to protect KUTS operations, facilities and assets. The Royal Malaysia Police approved the application, allowing Sarawak Metro to build a dedicated security capability as the Kuching Urban Transportation System moves closer to operation. Coverage is expected to include depots, stations, future operational facilities and other assets along the KUTS alignment. The unit will not appear fully formed overnight. Sarawak Metro said recruitment, training, compliance and competency development will be carried out in phases with PDRM. This is important because the announcement confirms approval to set up the unit; it does not mean all officers are already deployed or that it sets a new ART passenger-service date. Why a separate unit matters KUTS will combine public stations, vehicles, control systems and restricted technical areas. A dedicated team can focus on access control, crowd safety, asset protection and incident response while working alongside the regular police. For the public, the useful milestones to watch next are recruitment and training, station security arrangements and the official operating timetable. Those details should come from Sarawak Metro rather than viral posts or construction-site speculation. Location: Kuching Project: Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) ️ Status: Unit approved; capabilities to be developed in phases Sources: The Borneo Post report · Sarawak Metro official site

Kuching Port Authority says Pending Terminal is still operating despite concerns over the new Sejingkat-Samarahan Bridge. KPA said the terminal has been repositioned to handle domestic trade cargo within Sarawak and remains operational. From January to June 2026, it recorded 179 ship calls and about 217,600 tonnes of throughput. It also continues to support live-pig exports to Singapore and Selangor, with annual export throughput of about 14,000 tonnes. Senari Terminal is being positioned as a multipurpose facility for containers, roll-on/roll-off vehicles, project cargo, wheat, rice, maize, soy and fertilisers. Its vehicle yard currently has capacity for 2,500 units, with another 1,000-unit capacity expected by the end of 2026. The statement followed concerns raised by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, who said the bridge’s clearance could restrict some vessels from reaching Pending and push more cargo to Senari. KPA said both terminals would continue to serve complementary roles as Kuching’s cargo demand grows. Location: Pending Terminal and Senari Terminal, Kuching Details: 179 ship calls were recorded at Pending Terminal from January to June 2026. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

An ART construction error damaged an 850mm water main along Jalan Tun Jugah on Aug 13, affecting supply to about 20,000 users. The pipe had been moved to a new alignment before piling began, but the contractor reportedly failed to distinguish the old route from the live one. Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said consultants, engineers and contractors had been told to tighten site supervision, with work stoppage possible if negligence continued to disrupt the public. [image: 1786583362057-art-pipe.jpg] Photo: TVS What residents should take from this This article records the Aug 13 incident; it is not a live outage notice. People finding the page later should check Sarawak Water's current advisories before assuming their area is still affected. At the time, agencies were instructed to prepare enough water tankers for affected communities. For any future construction-related disruption, residents should note the exact address, the time supply stopped and whether neighbouring streets are affected when filing a report. That makes it easier to distinguish a local pipe issue from a wider supply problem. The bigger accountability issue is underground-utility mapping. Moving a pipe is not enough if drawings, site markings and contractor briefings are not updated together. The promised tighter supervision should therefore be judged by whether repeat strikes stop, not only by how quickly one break is repaired. Incident location: Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching Reported impact: About 20,000 users Sources: TVS report · Sarawak Water official site

Sarawak Stadium upgrade hits 22.55% — all SEA Games venues on track for Q1 2027 completion {img0} Sarawak's preparations for the 2027 SEA Games are picking up pace. JKR Sarawak director Datu Ir Cassidy Morris inspected several sports venues on Aug 11, and the numbers look solid. Sarawak Stadium's upgrading and refurbishment has reached 22.55% progress, targeted for completion in January 2027 — well ahead of the SEA Games in September. Other venues also progressing: Stadium Perpaduan: 13.31%, completion Feb 2027 Lawn Bowl Arena: completion Jan 2027 Wushu Training Centre: completion Feb 2027 SLTA complex: completion March 2027 Cassidy stressed that all projects must be completed on time without compromising quality and safety. The Q1 2027 timeline leaves enough room for testing and final inspections before the Games. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Sarawak Stadium 22.55% done; 5 venues being upgraded; all targeted for Q1 2027 Source: DayakDaily Getting ready for SEA Games 2027 — are you excited?

Sarawak Water investigating suspected leak on major water pipeline along Jalan Matang — no water cuts planned yet The affected pipeline is the 1,100mm-diameter MSCL main that delivers treated water to Bukit Siol Reservoir, supplying consumers across Kuching, Petra Jaya and surrounding areas. Sarawak Water said its technical team is carrying out detailed investigations to determine the exact location and extent of the suspected leak before deciding on the next course of action. As part of the investigation, the utility needs to access an isolation valve located within the road median. It is working with JKR to facilitate the necessary excavation works. Traffic advisory: Safety barriers, warning signs and traffic control measures have been put in place around Jalan Matang Batu 6. Motorists are advised to exercise caution. If repair works require a temporary water supply interruption, Sarawak Water will issue an official notice in advance with details on affected areas, expected duration and mitigation measures. [image: 1786151073522-jln-matang-water1.jpg] [image: 1786151073598-jln-matang-water2.jpg] Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

The Sarawak government will help owners rebuild the eight-unit shophouse row that collapsed on Jalan Pahlawan, Sibu in February — and use the case as a study for future reference. State Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang said the collapse was highly unusual — the first of its kind in Sibu's 100-year history. He committed to funding infrastructure works around the site, including drainage and car park, while the owners handle demolition. He's also approached banks about soft loan packages for the owners. [image: 1786097238173-sibu-shophouse.jpg] Key points: Eight-unit row collapsed on Feb 13, caught everyone by surprise Owners hired experts to investigate the cause Govt will fund public infrastructure (drainage, car park) Banks approached for soft loan packages with lower interest Sibu Resident Office coordinating demolition approvals Demolition expected to be completed by October Source: Borneo Post What do you think? Should the government do more to help?

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?