Sarawak plans to begin developing a CubeSat laboratory in 2027, with a state nano-satellite targeted for space by 2030. [image: 1786788255616-sarawak-cubesat-20260815.jpg] Photo: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) via DayakDaily Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the plan after meeting aerospace experts. He said a satellite could support the collection of Earth and resource data, while the programme would create demand for engineers with space-technology and basic astronomy knowledge. What is confirmed — and what is not CubeSats are small satellites built around standardised units, making them useful for education, technology testing and focused observation missions. A local laboratory could therefore be valuable even before a launch by training engineers and letting teams design, assemble and test hardware. The 2030 launch remains a target, not a confirmed mission date. The announcement did not name a launch provider, final satellite specification, budget or exact laboratory site. Those are the details that will show whether the idea has moved from roadmap to funded engineering work. For Sarawak, the strongest case will be practical use: flood and land monitoring, agriculture, mapping or environmental data that local agencies can actually use. The next milestones to watch are the 2027 lab start, technical partners and a published mission plan. Announced in: Kota Samarahan ️ Timeline: Laboratory development targeted for 2027; satellite target 2030 Sources: DayakDaily report · NASA explainer on SmallSats and CubeSats

Construction of the Sarawak Bioindustrial Park's Central Hub has started in Kota Samarahan, with a 24-month completion target. [image: 1786680414071-sarawak-bioindustrial-hub-20260814.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post The wider development covers 100 acres and is intended to connect research, product development, pilot processing, manufacturing and commercialisation in one location. Its focus areas include bioactives, biohealth, biomaterials, bioenergy and environmental solutions. The Central Hub is expected to provide shared laboratories, pilot-scale processing facilities, collaborative workspaces and support for Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant production. It is managed by BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre. Why this is more than another building announcement Sarawak already has biodiversity research. The difficult part is turning a promising compound or process into a product that can be tested, manufactured consistently and sold. Shared pilot and GMP-oriented facilities could close part of that gap for researchers and smaller companies that cannot build everything themselves. Eight collaboration agreements and memoranda were exchanged at the ceremony, but the report did not publish the construction cost, confirmed tenant list, job numbers or commercial production dates. Those measurable details — together with the 24-month construction milestone — are what Kuching and Samarahan residents should track next. Location: Kota Samarahan ️ Scope: Central Hub within a 100-acre bioindustrial park Sources: The Borneo Post report · Sarawak Biodiversity Centre

Merdang community plans peaceful protest, demands answers over 'Bandar Riyal' naming [image: 1786410339051-merdang-protest.jpg] The indigenous community of Merdang in Kota Samarahan is preparing for a peaceful street protest, claiming the area's historical name and identity is being gradually erased through new development names. Activist Peter John Jaban, representing the community, said concerns were raised over the use of 'Bandar Riyal' and 'Taman Samarindah' names for roads, bazaar, and market in the area — while the original name Merdang is being pushed aside. "There is no Sungai Samarindah. There is no Sungai Bandar Riyal. Sungai Merdang is part of the geographical landscape and history of this area," he said. The community is demanding full answers from authorities on who proposed and approved these names, and whether the Merdang community was consulted. They are also calling for the preservation of Merdang's historical identity in official maps, records, and future development planning. The planned protest comes on International Day of the World's Indigenous People. Location: Merdang, Kota Samarahan Details: Community demands recognition of Merdang name over 'Bandar Riyal' and 'Taman Samarindah' Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should development names preserve local heritage?

Borneo's first TPVI procedure has been completed at Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan. Sarawak Heart Centre said it has successfully performed Borneo's first Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation, or TPVI. It is now the second Ministry of Health hospital in Malaysia to offer the highly specialised procedure. [image: 1784250337102-sarawak-heart-tpvi.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune / Sarawak Heart Centre Facebook page What happened The centre said the procedure was done through teamwork between specialists from Hospital Serdang and the multidisciplinary team at Sarawak Heart Centre. TPVI gives patients who need pulmonary valve replacement a less invasive option. For suitable patients, it can mean faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and better quality of life. Location: Sarawak Heart Centre, Kota Samarahan Details: First TPVI procedure in Borneo; second MoH hospital in Malaysia to offer it. Source: Sarawak Tribune A solid medical milestone for Sarawak patients. What do you think?

College students rescued a toddler found wandering alone along a dark roadside in Kota Samarahan at 2am on Saturday — now under police investigation. A three-year-old girl was discovered alone in the Taman Berlian commercial area early Saturday morning by several college students. The students, who were heading home on a motorcycle after eating at a nearby eatery, noticed the child waving for help and turned back to check on her. They found the toddler clutching a feeding bottle, a blue towel, and a small beaded basket, crying for her mother. Samarahan District Acting Police Chief DSP Barry William confirmed the case, stating that investigators have since located the child's family and are actively recording statements. "The investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the child being left unattended near a major roadway," he said. The toddler was initially taken to the Samarahan District Police Headquarters before being referred to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for assessment. Medical staff confirmed she remains under observation as a precaution. Welfare authorities have also been notified and are monitoring the case alongside police. Location: Taman Berlian, Kota Samarahan Details: 3yo child found alone at 2am; rescued by college students; police investigating Source: DayakDaily What do you think?