Nearly 69% of complaints logged through MYJalan since its 2023 launch involved roads handled by authorities outside the Works Ministry network. The platform recorded 68,334 complaints from Aug 1, 2023 to July 31, 2026. Of these, 46,886 were channelled through its No Wrong Door system to bodies such as local councils, district and land offices, the Irrigation and Drainage Department, and the Public Works Departments in Sabah and Sarawak. Another 21,448 complaints involved federal or state roads supervised by the ministry and its agencies. The ministry said 20,762 had been resolved and 686 remained under action. For Sarawak road users, MYJalan accepts photographs and GPS locations across 10 categories, from potholes and damaged markings to faulty traffic lights and landslides. The RM904.2 million maintenance allocation cited for 2026 covers Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan together; no Sarawak-only breakdown was given.

Police have arrested a 17-year-old over a video that appeared to show a motorcyclist performing a wheelie on Jalan Astana in Kuching. The footage, filmed in the direction of the Abang Kipali Roundabout, circulated on Facebook. Traffic police said they traced the motorcycle owner before the teenager came to the station on Aug 27 to assist with the investigation and was arrested. The case is being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for alleged reckless and dangerous driving. It remains at the investigation stage; police had not announced a charge or court outcome. Police warned that stunts on public roads can cause serious injury or death and may lead to legal action. Parents and guardians were also urged to pay attention to teenagers’ motorcycle use.

Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) has received the Alliance for Healthy Cities’ “Healthy City Expert” recognition at its global conference in Sydney. The recognition was presented during the alliance’s 11th Global Conference, held from Sept 1 to 3. DBKU linked it to its community-inclusion work, particularly Kejiranan Mesra and programmes that involve residents in neighbourhood development. DBKU’s own directory lists 54 Kejiranan Mesra areas for 2025–2026, showing the local network behind the submission. The city hall says the approach is intended to make Kuching North more inclusive, safe, sustainable and liveable. No new funding, facility or change to public services was announced with the recognition. Any expansion of the neighbourhood programmes or new targets will require a separate DBKU update.

From Sept 1, Sarawak Water customers can reach a 24-hour call centre at 1-300-88-2020, including on weekends and public holidays. The new line gives households and businesses one central number for customer assistance instead of limiting contact to normal office hours. Sarawak Water has not yet published a full list of the cases handled by the centre or a response-time target. When reporting a supply or premises issue, callers should give the exact location and keep an account or premises reference available if they have one. This helps the operator identify the case and route it without relying on a separate departmental number.

A late-night fire damaged about 80% of the Giatmara Kuching building at Taman Budaya, with no casualties reported. The Fire and Rescue Department said it received the call at 11.10pm on Aug 31. Firefighters from Padungan responded, with support from the Batu Lintang and Tabuan Jaya stations. The building measured about 50 by 50 feet. The blaze was brought under control at 12.08am and the operation ended at 1.41am. The cause and total losses remain under investigation. Anyone with classes or business at the centre should confirm the latest arrangement with Giatmara before going there, and keep away from the damaged area.

Voters in Tabuan Jaya, Stutong, Kenyalang and nearby neighbourhoods can now see how a proposed new state seat would redraw their area. The Election Commission map is displayed in the MBKS headquarters lobby from Sept 1 to 30 during normal office hours. Under the proposal, Tabuan Jaya, Tabuan Laru, Stutong, Tabuan Heights, Supreme and Kenyalang would form N16 Tabuan Jaya. P195 Bandar Kuching would then comprise N9 Padungan, N10 Pending, N11 Batu Lintang and N16 Tabuan Jaya, with 116,679 electors in total. Representations are not filed as casual individual objections. The notice allows submissions by the Sarawak government, an affected local authority, or a body of at least 100 registered electors from the constituencies concerned, within one month of publication. The boundaries are not final. Statewide, the review proposes 17 additional DUN seats, increasing the total from 82 to 99, while leaving Sarawak's number of parliamentary seats unchanged.

A Kuching South smart pole displayed an outdoor-activity message even while its API reading showed hazardous air, MBKS said on Tuesday. The council attributed the mismatch to a dashboard programming limit. The numerical reading remained accurate, but the advisory function had only been configured up to API 450. When the reading went higher, the system defaulted to the message used for the 0–50 healthy range. MBKS said it has told the system provider to rework the dashboard so the number, gauge and warning match official API bands, including exceptionally high readings. Until that update is confirmed across the system, residents should use the official API reading as the reference and avoid outdoor exercise once the air reaches hazardous levels.

Kuching’s air quality worsened again on Monday afternoon, with the API reaching 366 at 4pm. Samarahan stood at 350 and Serian at 445, while Lundu reached 405. All four readings were in the hazardous band. The same 4pm update placed Tebedu at 399, Lubok Antu at 396 and Sri Aman at 334, also hazardous. Sarikei, Sibu and Mukah were in the very unhealthy range at 277, 243 and 216 respectively. API readings move through the day, so the afternoon figures should not be treated as a forecast for tonight. Sarawak’s disaster committee said there was no need for an emergency declaration yet. If a local reading reaches 500, the matter would first be taken up with the National Disaster Management Agency, and any emergency would apply only to the affected locality—not the whole state. Offices, schools and activities in that locality would be required to close under such a declaration, apart from essential services. For areas at API 201 and above, residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure and wear an N95 mask when going out, or at least a three-ply mask if one is unavailable. Children, older people and those with breathing problems should take extra care and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Sarawak has mobilised 119 water tankers as dry weather puts smaller river-based water systems under pressure. The state’s main water-supply dams — Bengoh, Gerugu, Assyakirin and Sika — are still recording normal levels. The greater risk is in JBALB schemes that draw from small rivers, so the Utility and Telecommunication Ministry, JBALB and Sarawak Water are coordinating extra tankers, storage and alternative sources. Nine centralised water collection centres have been established in Sri Aman, with 13 more locations identified in Betong. The tanker response is being coordinated across divisions and with other agencies for areas that need support. For water-supply problems, residents can report through local leaders or call JBALB at 082-262111 and Sarawak Water at 082-222333. The 1-300-88-2020 Sarawak Water line will become effective on Sept 1. The dry spell is expected to continue into 2027 under El Niño conditions, while any cloud-seeding operation remains weather-dependent. Households are urged to use water carefully.

Seven Sarawak locations were in the hazardous API band by 8am on Monday, Aug 31, including Kuching and Samarahan. Kuching recorded 317 and Samarahan 330. Serian was the highest at 476, while Tebedu (385), Lubok Antu (367), Lundu (349) and Sri Aman (326) made up the other four hazardous readings. The same NREB table placed Sarikei at 267, Sibu at 219 and Mukah at 214 — all in the very unhealthy range. An API reading of 301 or above is classified as hazardous, while 201–300 is very unhealthy. These readings can change during the day. Residents should check the latest official update before making outdoor plans. Children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions should avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and anyone with serious breathing difficulty or chest pain should seek medical attention.

Sarawak has set API 500 as the line for closing most workplaces — but no shutdown order is in force now. Under the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee’s progressive haze guidelines, an API reading above 500 would close government and private-sector offices and workplaces, with essential services excluded. The closure would remain pending a national disaster-emergency declaration. At 2pm on Aug 30, APIMS recorded 425 at Serian, 336 at Samarahan and 313 at Kuching. Those readings are below 500, but the current rules already call for outdoor work to be avoided at 400–500. At 301–400, employers must assess visibility, drivers should use headlights and outdoor workers should use N95 respirators. Events are still a separate decision: organisers decide whether to continue, postpone or cancel unless an authority issues a specific directive. For workers in Kuching and elsewhere in Sarawak, check the reading at the worksite and official notices before sending staff outdoors; waiting for 500 is not the safety advice.

Kuching South residents whose homes were damaged by recent strong winds can register with MBKS for possible disaster assistance. MBKS is collecting each household's full name, MyKad number, address, contact number and photographs of the damaged roof. The council will compile the applications and send them to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), after its councillors, community leaders and staff help with forms and site assessments. Residents can register through MBKS WhatsApp at 011-1988 5962 or by email at [email protected]. Councillors and community leaders are also helping reach households, including residents who were away when the council visited. SDMC has yet to announce any assistance amount or approval outcome. Affected households should keep clear damage photos and supporting details ready when they contact MBKS.

Sri Aman recorded Sarawak’s highest air-pollution reading at 223 at 10am on Aug 29, putting the town in the very unhealthy range. The latest Air Pollutant Index Management System readings also placed Serian at 195 and Kuching at 171. Samarahan was at 169, Mukah 166, Sibu 162, Kapit 154 and Bintulu 151 — all within the unhealthy band. Sri Aman’s reading was the highest recorded nationwide at that time. An API reading from 201 to 300 is classified as very unhealthy, while 101 to 200 is unhealthy. These are readings taken at 10am, so conditions can shift through the day. Kuching’s 171 still matters for city residents planning outdoor activities; people with breathing problems should consider reducing prolonged strenuous exertion when the reading remains high and check the latest APIMS update before heading out.

Sarawak’s dry spell is reducing water flowing into three major hydropower reservoirs, but the state grid remains reliable for now. Rainfall in the catchments feeding Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai has fallen since April 2025. Hydropower normally supplies about 65% of Sarawak’s grid electricity, with thermal generation contributing about 34% and other sources the remaining 1%. Sarawak Energy says the system is being adjusted to conserve water: hydropower output can be reduced during a prolonged dry period, while thermal generation is increased when needed. The utility is monitoring all three hydropower plants with state and federal agencies. Two cloud-seeding operations were carried out in May and June under the Sarawak Government’s coordination. A third operation is tentatively scheduled for Sept 3 to 5, subject to suitable weather conditions, so that window is not yet a confirmed operation. For households, hot weather can push up electricity use. Turning off unused appliances and spacing out high-powered devices can help. Smart-meter users can also check hourly, daily and monthly consumption through Energy Insights in the SEB cares app or web portal.

Targeted widening has started along Jalan Urat Mata as MBKS works on the route's busiest bottlenecks. The Kuching South City Council said work began on Aug 11 and is scheduled for completion on Jan 10, 2027. The revised plan covers about 600 metres on the right side from the Jalan Song junction towards Lorong 7, plus another 300 metres on the left from Lorong 3 towards Jalan Wan Alwi. The original proposal covered the entire 1.32-kilometre road, but the first phase is now focused on sections where extra lane space can make the biggest difference during peak hours. The work will stay within the existing 25-metre road reserve and does not require land acquisition. Jalan Urat Mata links Jalan Wan Alwi and Jalan Song, serving nearby homes, shops and major commercial areas. Motorists should slow down and watch for work zones as construction continues.

Jalan Matang’s 1,100mm water main will be repaired from 10pm on Sept 4 to noon on Sept 5, with traffic changes beginning a day earlier. The pipeline feeds Bukit Siol Reservoir, which supplies Kuching, Petra Jaya and nearby areas. Sarawak Water says homes around Jalan Demak, Jalan Bako, Petra Jaya, Matang from Kubah Ria to Batu 9, Taman Sri Harmoni, Jalan Sultan Tengah and surrounding locations may face low pressure or a temporary interruption during the repair. Households in the affected areas are advised to keep at least 24 hours of essential water before the work starts. Tankers will be deployed where needed, with priority for critical facilities and essential needs. Motorists will be diverted via Jalan Matang Bersinar and Jalan Matang Bersinar 3 from Sept 3 to Sept 12. The longer traffic window covers site preparation, excavation, heavy machinery access and road reinstatement around the median. Supply will return gradually after the pipe is refilled. Higher ground and areas farther from the main distribution system may take longer, and brief discolouration is possible while the lines are flushed. Sarawak Water will issue progress and restoration updates through its official channels. Location: Jalan Matang, Kuching

Two Kuching businesses are under investigation after displayed prices did not match the amounts charged. KPDN Sarawak officers found the first case in Sejingkat at about 11.22am on Aug 26. A customer was charged RM13.20 for an item marked RM11.50, and officers took a copy of the business licence, four receipts, the price tag and a promotional tag. A second case was recorded at a Stutong premise around 12.43pm, where officers seized a copy of the business licence and a pair of shoes marked RM29.90. KPDN Sarawak said both cases are being investigated under Section 12(1)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act 1999. No court finding has been reported. Shoppers who spot a mismatch should keep the tag and receipt, take a photo if safe, and report it to KPDN through WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, [email protected] or 1-800-886-800. Location: Sejingkat and Stutong, Kuching

A 63-year-old woman who had been reported missing was found dead in a 10-foot-deep drain near Petra Jaya Health Clinic on Thursday morning. Members of the public found the woman before firefighters from the Petra Jaya station were called in at 9.34am. Bomba recovered her from the drain, completing the operation at 10.47am, and handed the body to police for further action. Police had been informed that she was feared missing the previous day after her child noticed she was gone. No details have been announced about how she entered the drain or what caused her death. The circumstances remain under police investigation. Families looking for a missing relative should report it promptly and share the person’s last known location with police. A deep drain is not a place to enter alone—call emergency services and keep clear of the scene.

Sarawak still had five unhealthy air-quality stations on Thursday, and Lubok Antu’s reading rose from 182 at 8am to 191 by noon. Kuching remained in the moderate band, moving from 97 to 95. The noon table from Sarawak’s Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) listed Lubok Antu at 191, Samarahan at 162, IPD Serian at 158, Sri Aman at 156 and Lundu at 142 — all in the unhealthy range. Tebedu and the other listed stations were moderate. The number of unhealthy stations was unchanged from the morning reading, but the individual figures shifted during the day. API readings use a 24-hour running average of the dominant pollutant; 101 to 200 is classed as unhealthy and can worsen conditions for people with heart or lung complications. Anyone planning a long period outdoors should check the latest APIMS reading first. People in high-risk groups should take extra care if the air turns smoky or the API rises further.

MBKS is working with developers to arrange temporary accommodation and urgent repairs for Kuching South households damaged by Tuesday’s storm. Residents who cannot safely remain at home are to be housed temporarily first. The council then plans to cover exposed sections, inspect the damage and work out the scope and cost of repairs with the developers. At Kampung Tabuan Dayak, roofing sheets torn from a nearby apartment block hit one home at about 3pm on Aug 25. A mother-in-law and child who were inside escaped unhurt. Fallen trees and other storm damage were also reported around Kuching, but the latest update did not say how many homes need assistance or when all repairs will be completed. Anyone facing an unstable roof or loose building material should keep clear of the affected area, especially if more rain arrives. Call emergency services if there is immediate danger, and do not enter a damaged structure until it is safe.