Bintawa now has a new landmark: a roundabout featuring a traditional kotak fishing boat to honour Kuching’s early fishing community. [image: 1784595888415-bintawa-kotak-roundabout.jpg] Source: DayakDaily The Bintawa Kotak Roundabout was officially launched on July 20, with the landmark built around a traditional wooden fishing boat once widely used by Bintawa fishermen. Mayor of Kuching South Dato Wee Hong Seng said Bintawa was one of Kuching’s earliest fishing settlements. Many early Chinese immigrants settled there because of its close link to the Sarawak River, where fishing supplied fresh seafood to the growing city. He said the kotak boat symbolises the courage and resilience of local fishermen, and that the city should keep these stories visible even as Kuching continues to modernise. MBKS Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, Bintawa community leaders and MBKS councillors were also present. Location: Bintawa, Kuching South Details: New roundabout landmark features a traditional kotak fishing boat; MBKS says it honours Bintawa’s early fishing community. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/bintawa-kotak-roundabout-honours-kuchings-early-fishing-community/ What do you think?

A contractor escaped unharmed after a telecommunications tower caught fire along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway on Monday evening. [image: 1784595825990-telco-tower-fire.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Bomba A fire broke out at a telco tower in Kampung Binyu Baru, along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, while maintenance work was being carried out. According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the emergency call came in at 8pm on July 20. Firefighters from Kota Samarahan, assisted by the Tabuan Jaya station, were sent to the scene. Initial information said a male worker was trapped at the top of the tower. He had been working at an estimated height of 100 feet when the fire started. He managed to climb down before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported. Location: Kampung Binyu Baru, Kuching-Samarahan Expressway Details: Telco tower fire during maintenance work; contractor escaped safely; Bomba responded from Kota Samarahan and Tabuan Jaya. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/contractor-escapes-unharmed-after-telco-tower-fire-in-kota-samarahan/ What do you think?

AirBorneo launched its Kuching–Kuala Lumpur jet service on July 20 with an RM375 all-inclusive one-way fare, positioning the state-owned airline as a price competitor on the route. [image: 1784541894083-airborneo-fare.jpg] Photo: Sarawak Information Department via DayakDaily At the launch, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the objective was not simply to maximise profit but to put downward pressure on fares between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. He said competing prices had already moved after AirBorneo introduced its fare. The airline began with two jet aircraft and planned to increase that to four within four to five months. New-generation ATR aircraft were also expected from 2027 to replace older turboprops inherited through the MASwings acquisition. RM375 was a launch commitment, not a permanent price guarantee The Premier said he hoped the all-inclusive fare could remain for at least the first year, and longer if market conditions allowed. Travellers should still check the live booking page because seat availability, travel dates, optional services and future fare changes can affect the final amount. The proposed use of future ATR aircraft on routes popular with university students was an idea raised at the launch, not a published student-fare programme. No eligibility rules, routes or application process were announced in the report. For Kuching passengers, the useful measure will be more than one advertised price: how many seats are sold near that level during school holidays and festive periods, whether flight frequency improves and how the airline handles delays or schedule changes. ️ Route: Kuching–Kuala Lumpur Launch fare: RM375 all-inclusive one way, subject to live availability Sources: DayakDaily · AirBorneo official site

Two checked-baggage drug smuggling attempts were stopped at Kuching International Airport, with Customs seizing drugs worth about RM1.32 million. [image: 1784541833508-customs-kia-drugs.jpg] Sarawak Customs said its Narcotics Branch carried out the operation on July 9 after two Malaysian men arrived on a domestic flight from Johor Bahru. Location: Kuching International Airport Details: In the first case, officers detained a man around 9.10pm after he allegedly removed a baggage tag from his suitcase near the arrival hall. Officers found 13 Chinese tea packets believed to contain about 13.2kg of methamphetamine, worth around RM660,000. A second man from the same flight was later arrested using a similar method. The second seizure involved about 13.178kg of methamphetamine and 83 Eramin 5 tablets, worth about RM660,560. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Two suspects have been arrested after a robbery case that caused injuries at Jalan Canna, Kuching. [image: 1784509460855-jalan-canna-robbery.jpg] Kuching police said a man and a woman, aged between 19 and 25, were picked up at about 1.05am during an operation at Jalan Satok. The case happened on Saturday, July 18. Police said both suspects were arrested within 24 hours of the incident. What police said Urine screening for both suspects came back negative for drugs. Police also said the male suspect has one previous criminal record linked to voluntarily causing grievous hurt. Both suspects have been remanded for five days to help the investigation under Section 394 of the Penal Code. Location: Jalan Canna, Kuching Details: Robbery causing hurt; two suspects remanded for five days Source: DayakDaily Anyone with information can contact the Kuching IPD operations room at 082-244444 or go to the nearest police station. What do you think?

Kuching police arrested one rider, impounded 24 motorcycles and issued 129 summonses during an overnight operation against illegal street racing at Jalan Astana. [image: 1784455512760-jalan-astana-street-racing.jpeg] Photo: Sarawak Tribune The operation ran near the Petronas station from 11.30pm on July 18 until 3am on July 19. A senior officer and 11 personnel from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division inspected 92 people and 80 motorcycles. A 22-year-old local man was detained for suspected reckless and dangerous riding under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. His motorcycle was seized for further action. Another 24 motorcycles were impounded under Section 60, while the summonses covered various traffic offences. Why the numbers matter The arrest was one part of a wider enforcement operation. An impounded motorcycle does not automatically mean every owner was racing; police may hold a vehicle for inspection or action over roadworthiness, registration or modifications. Likewise, a summons is an allegation or notice that still follows the legal process. For residents around Jalan Astana, the main issue is the risk created by high-speed riding late at night: shorter reaction time, noise and danger to other road users who are not part of the activity. Suspected racing should be reported with the exact location, time, direction of travel and vehicle details only when it is safe to observe them. Do not chase or confront riders. This article records the July 18–19 operation and is not a claim that enforcement is happening at the location right now. Location: Jalan Astana, Kuching Operation: 92 people and 80 motorcycles checked Sources: Sarawak Tribune · Royal Malaysia Police

A Hui Sing drain complaint was marked resolved, but the drain was still clogged when checked again. [image: 1784455492695-mbks-hui-sing-drain.jpeg] Source: The Borneo Post / handout photo Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen's special assistant Michael Kong said the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) should check maintenance work on-site before closing public complaints. The case involves a filthy and clogged drain in front of a department store at Hui Sing Commercial Centre. Kong said he reported it through Talikhidmat, then later received an update saying clearing work had been done on May 28. When he went back to the site, he said stagnant water and rubbish were still there. Location: Hui Sing Commercial Centre, Kuching Details: Kong wants MBKS to send workers back for proper cleaning and explain how the complaint was marked completed. Source: The Borneo Post Anyone around Hui Sing saw this drain before? What do you think?

Mandarin is being framed as a practical trade skill for Sarawak, especially when dealing with China. [image: 1784433843339-premier-mandarin-resized.jpg] Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Mandarin can give Sarawakians an edge in an export-oriented economy. Speaking in Kuching on Saturday night, he said Sarawak sells products such as oil palm and LNG to China, so language skills matter when dealing with pricing, delivery and negotiation. He also said Bahasa Malaysia remains the national language, while English and Mandarin are useful tools for business and international trade. The Premier also pointed to Sarawak's recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and the state's yearly RM10 million allocation for Chinese schools. Location: Kuching Details: Mandarin, English and trade skills were highlighted as part of Sarawak's push to prepare local talent for a wider export market. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Batu Kitang is expanding its neighbourhood watch from Mile 3 to Mile 6 and Mile 10. [image: 1784423060047-batu-kitang-neighbourhood-watch.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post KUCHING residents around Batu Kitang will see more organised neighbourhood watch sectors, starting with the Mile 3 area and moving next to Mile 6 and Mile 10. What is changing Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang said the first sector is already active around Arang Road, Mile 3 Bazaar, Seng Goon Garden and the area near Timberland Medical Centre. The next two sectors will cover Mile 6 and Mile 10. Each sector will be led by police officers, with support from the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation, Rela personnel and local community leaders. Why it matters The idea is simple: faster reporting when residents see suspicious activity, tighter communication through community WhatsApp groups, and closer cooperation with police. Padawan district police also showed community leaders how to use the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol app during the dialogue at Mile 10 Kota Padawan Community Hall. Location: Batu Kitang, Kuching Details: Neighbourhood watch sectors from Mile 3, expanding to Mile 6 and Mile 10 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784369164231-pending-jetty.jpeg] The upgraded Pending Jetty is expected to reopen by Aug 24, bringing back a shorter river crossing for nearby residents. The old structure collapsed on Sept 5, 2023, disrupting a daily route used by residents from Kampung Muhibbah, Pinggan Jaya and nearby areas. Women, Family and Community Development Minister and Santubong MP Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the RM600,660 upgrading project is now almost 90 per cent complete. Why it matters The jetty is not just a small facility. For about 200 users, including students, workers, boat operators and nearby residents, the crossing over Sungai Sarawak is a faster and cheaper option than making a longer road detour through Samarahan. Nancy said only about 12 to 13 metres of work remain, including two bays and staircases. Weather is the main challenge, but the project is still expected to finish on schedule. The project is implemented by the Sarawak Rivers Board and includes demolition, piling, jetty works, concrete works, street lighting and a marine lantern. Location: Pending Jetty, Kuching Details: RM600,660 upgrade, almost 90% complete, expected completion Aug 24, 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

RTD seized five motorcycles in a Batu 7 operation after checking 874 vehicles along Jalan Penrissen. [image: 1784347559131-rtd-motorcycles.jpeg] The special Road Transport Department (RTD) operation was carried out on Friday night, July 17, on the Batu 7 stretch heading towards Serian. Sarawak RTD said officers were targeting illegal HID/LED lights and motorcycle-related offences. What officers found The offences included non-compliant HID/LED lights, driving without a valid licence, expired driving licences, and other technical vehicle offences. The five motorcycles were seized because their road tax and insurance had expired. RTD said enforcement will continue across Sarawak, especially on offences that can affect road safety. Location: Batu 7, Jalan Penrissen towards Serian Details: 874 vehicles checked, five motorcycles seized, illegal HID/LED lights among offences detected Source: New Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Santubong’s ART route is moving into early works, with a dedicated second bridge planned across the Santubong River. [image: 1784347505208-santubong-art.jpg] Preliminary work will start with tree relocation before major construction begins next year. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the project will be done in phases. The plan covers the ART corridor from beyond the existing Santubong Bridge towards Damai, plus a new Santubong Bridge for ART use. What changes on the road Sultan Tengah Road is also set to be upgraded from two lanes into a dual carriageway. The ART lane will run in the middle, while the outer lanes are meant for motorcycles and bicycles. Dr Abdul Rahman said the first phase covers the stretch from the Yayasan Sarawak Roundabout to the existing Santubong Bridge. After that comes the new bridge. Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and SEDC will handle the tree relocation work, expected to take six to eight months. Out of 1,720 trees identified, 536 are suitable to be transplanted. Location: Santubong / Damai corridor, Kuching North Details: ART corridor, second Santubong Bridge, Sultan Tengah Road upgrade, tree relocation Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen says red tape is still blocking some eligible commercial vehicle owners from subsidised diesel. [image: 1784336677262-chong-diesel-subsidy.jpg] He urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to simplify and speed up the Budi Diesel application process, especially for eligible commercial vehicle owners. What vehicle owners are facing Chong said applicants are being asked to submit documents from Puspakom and apply to modify their commercial vehicle Body Code. After the modification, the vehicle must go through a mandatory inspection every six months before the owner can apply for a diesel subsidy card. He said the targeted subsidy policy began on July 1, 2026, but many owners who should be receiving subsidised diesel have been rejected because of the extra steps. Chong called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remove requirements he described as unnecessary. He also said he had raised the matter with Transport Minister Anthony Loke so it can be brought up in Cabinet. Source: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post For transport operators, this one really affects daily cost. What do you think?

Two people were treated for breathing difficulties after a chemical storeroom fire at a Kuching hotel on July 17. [image: 1784336641701-kuching-hotel-chemical-fire.jpg] Bomba said the emergency call came in at 5.34pm, and firefighters from Padungan were sent to the scene. The Hazmat team from Tabuan Jaya was also called in because the room stored chemical products. What happened The fire involved an 8ft by 8ft storeroom. Six drums of calcium hypochlorite hydrated mixture were inside, and two were damaged by the fire. The chemical contains chlorine and is commonly used for water treatment. The two victims were treated by Health Ministry medical personnel at the scene. Both were reported stable before being sent to hospital for further treatment. Bomba’s Hazmat team carried out gas detection and stabilised the room with water spray until conditions returned to normal. Source: Bomba via DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily Anyone nearby noticed the response yesterday evening?

[image: 1784282669702-mile7-parking.jpeg] Drivers at Kuching's Mile 7 commercial area are asking for clearer parking and traffic markings after complaints over confusing roadside spaces. Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong Feng Nian, said the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) should review the traffic and parking situation in the area. He said some wide roadside stretches do not have clear road lines or no-parking indicators. Because of that, motorists may think they can park there, only to receive summonses later. Why it matters Kong said several business operators have put up their own no-parking signs because the official markings are unclear. But he said traffic regulation should not fall on individual shops. He urged MPP to assess the Mile 7 commercial area and carry out proper road marking works, including visible traffic lines and parking indicators, so road users are not misled. Location: Mile 7 commercial area, Kuching Details: MPP asked to review parking confusion, road markings and no-parking indicators after public complaints. Source: The Borneo Post Have you seen this issue around Mile 7? What do you think?

[image: 1784282630570-ai-voice-scam.jpeg] A Kuching Feng Shui consultant says scammers cloned his voice with AI and tried to borrow RM4,500 from his friends. The case was raised at a press conference in Jalan Setia Raja on Friday, July 17. The victim, Alex Ling, said the fake voice was not perfect, but close enough that people who did not know him well could be fooled. SUPP Public Complaints Bureau chief Milton Foo said this was already the third voice-cloning scam case brought to his office in two weeks. The earlier cases involved people from Kenyalang Market and Pending Seafood. What happened A mutual friend received a distress call on July 14 from someone who sounded like Ling. The caller claimed he urgently needed RM4,500 for a relative's medical operation. The friend checked with Foo instead of transferring money. Foo advised him to keep the caller talking and ask for the bank account number. When the caller returned 30 to 50 minutes later, the friend managed to record the conversation. Ling has lodged a police report to clear his name. Foo reminded the public not to trust a voice call alone, especially when money is requested urgently. Location: Jalan Setia Raja, Kuching Details: AI voice-cloning scam attempt involving RM4,500; police report lodged; third similar complaint in two weeks. Source: DayakDaily If someone suddenly calls asking for emergency money, verify through another channel first. What do you think?

[image: 1784196307107-airborneo-kia.jpg] AirBorneo Airways' Boeing 737-800 has arrived at Kuching International Airport ahead of its first Kuching-Kuala Lumpur service. The aircraft arrived on Wednesday, July 15, with commercial operations under the AirBorneo brand scheduled to begin on July 20. Why it matters The Kuching-Kuala Lumpur-Kuching route will be the airline's first service under the new brand after the Sarawak government's acquisition and rebranding of MASwings. Photos of the aircraft in AirBorneo livery have been circulating on social media. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian also shared the aircraft's arrival on Facebook, calling it a milestone for Sarawak's state-owned airline. Flight details AirBorneo said the route will operate twice daily between Kuching International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1. The airline earlier announced promotional one-way fares from RM375 all-in for Economy Class and RM736 all-in for Business Class, inclusive of airport taxes and fuel surcharges. Dr Sim also linked the airline's growth to Sarawak's wider air connectivity plans, including the proposed new Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang, expected to be completed after 2030. Location: Kuching International Airport (KIA) Details: Boeing 737-800 arrived before July 20 Kuching-KL launch; route planned twice daily Image: The Borneo Post / Facebook Dr Sim Kui Hian Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784196254465-tupong-ulu-fire.jpg] A house fire in Tupong Ulu, Kuching, claimed the life of a 13-year-old girl early this morning. A 14-year-old boy was rescued from the same double-storey terraced house at Lorong 5 Permai Jaya and sent to hospital by ambulance. What happened The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the emergency call came in at 2.23am on Thursday, July 16. Firefighters from Petra Jaya reached the scene about four minutes later, with help from the Tabuan Jaya station. Initial information from the public said two victims were trapped inside the burning house. Firefighters entered the building and brought both victims out. Victims and damage Both victims received initial treatment while waiting for medical personnel. The 13-year-old girl was later pronounced dead by Ministry of Health personnel. The 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital. Bomba said the house, measuring about 20 by 40 feet, was badly damaged. The operation ended at 3.40am. The cause of the fire and total losses are still under investigation. Location: Lorong 5 Permai Jaya, Tupong Ulu, Kuching Details: 13-year-old girl died, 14-year-old boy rescued and sent to hospital Image: The Borneo Post / Bomba Source: The Borneo Post Condolences to the family. Stay safe, Kuching.

[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?

[image: 1784174746149-kh-scam-losses.jpeg] Online scams have cost Malaysians RM5.37 billion since 2024, and investment fraud is the biggest chunk. Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen said the figure came from a written parliamentary reply by the Home Affairs Ministry. The number covers losses from 2024 up to May 2026. Investment scams alone made up RM2.68 billion, or 49.9% of the total. What the numbers show Investment scams: RM2.68 billion Telecommunication fraud: RM1.54 billion Electronic financial crimes: RM660.64 million E-commerce scams: RM250.81 million Loan scams: RM138.92 million Love scams: RM111.08 million Chong said the losses average about RM2.2 billion a year. He also warned that many victims are ordinary people, including retirees who lost their savings. What he is asking for He urged the public to be more careful with online investments and ads, and to verify with banks or people who understand digital safety before moving money. He also repeated his proposal for stronger bank safeguards, including fingerprint and MyKad readers for ATM withdrawals, alerts for unusually frequent withdrawals, and tougher rules on banks if mule accounts are allowed to operate. Location: Kuching / Malaysia Details: RM5.37 billion in scam losses from 2024 to May 2026, based on a Home Affairs Ministry parliamentary reply cited by Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen. Source: The Borneo Post Online investment ads still everywhere. What do you think banks should do next?