A severe thunderstorm swept through Kuching on Saturday evening, bringing rain that eased the haze but leaving damage across the city. MBKS said response teams were sent out after roofs were blown off, trees were uprooted, electricity cables were affected and flash floods were reported in several areas. At Taman Riverview in Pending, a fallen tree blocked the road. A local Kapitan and his wife began clearing it with a chainsaw before being warned about the safety risks. Bomba also attended incidents at Jalan Chong Chin Kong and Jalan Ming Ching near Jalan Foochow. As a safety measure, MBKS ordered stalls at the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion to stop operations after strong winds damaged about half of its canopy. Residents affected by the storm can notify MBKS, while the public is advised to avoid exposed roads during thunderstorms. The danger does not end when the rain stops: fallen trees, loose roofing, flooded roads and damaged cables can remain hazardous. Residents should avoid affected routes and report damage to the council or emergency services rather than entering the area to take photos.

Kuching’s air quality has moved into the unhealthy range. [image: 1786788230548-kuching-api-20260815.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Kuching and Samarahan both recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 163 at 4pm on Saturday, the highest in Sarawak. Nine locations across the state were in the unhealthy range, with Serian at 162. API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy. MetMalaysia also warned of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in parts of Sarawak, which may bring temporary relief. Residents should check the latest APIMS readings and limit prolonged outdoor activity if the haze worsens. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Nine Sarawak locations recorded unhealthy air quality Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

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

[image: 1786766703446-darul-hana-rescue.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Update: Woman rescued after falling from Darul Hana Bridge This is a follow-up to the earlier report about the Darul Hana Bridge rescue: https://kuchinghub.com/topic/846 A woman was rescued by members of the public after falling from Darul Hana Bridge at Kuching Waterfront on Friday evening (Aug 14). Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed that she was admitted to Sarawak General Hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Unit, Yellow Zone, for further treatment. Initial investigations found that the incident was related to a personal issue, but the root cause is still being investigated. Police have urged the public not to spread speculation or unverified claims. Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Update: Police are still investigating the incident. Support: Befrienders Kuching: 082-242800 (6.30pm–9.30pm daily) Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/15/woman-rescued-by-heroic-members-of-the-public-after-falling-from-darul-hana-bridge/ What do you think?

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?

A girl was safely rescued after reportedly falling from Darul Hana Bridge at Kuching Waterfront on Aug 14. Videos circulating online showed a crowd gathering near the pedestrian bridge. The girl was later seen in the Sarawak River, where a boatman manoeuvred his vessel towards her and brought her to safety. Members of the public were also seen entering the river during the rescue. DayakDaily reported that the girl was understood to be safe. Police had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting, and the circumstances behind the fall had not been confirmed. [image: 1786755941261-darul-hana-rescue.png] Source: DayakDaily Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Details: Rescue confirmed by the source; the cause of the incident remains unconfirmed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 37-year-old man was remanded after police found 6.1 grammes of suspected methamphetamine in Kampung Bako Hulu, Kuching. [image: 1786680362489-kuching-bako-meth-20260814.jpeg] The man was arrested by the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division at about noon on Aug 12. Police said the suspected drugs were packed in 16 plastic packets and were worth an estimated RM305. His preliminary urine test was negative and police said he had no previous criminal record. He was remanded for four days until Aug 17 while the case is investigated under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and whipping of up to nine strokes. Location: Kampung Bako Hulu, Kuching Details: The case is still under investigation and the substance is suspected methamphetamine Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Kuching Vocational College celebrated 181 SVM graduates in August, while reporting that 90.79 per cent of its diploma students had found work related to their field. [image: 1786669594232-20260814-kuching-vocational.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii told the graduation ceremony that Sarawak's expansion in energy, infrastructure, technology, automation and digital industries will require more technicians and practically trained workers. He argued that vocational education should not be treated as a second-class route. College director Michael Akien said all 181 students who completed the 2026 Sijil Vokasional Malaysia were eligible to continue to the Diploma Vokasional Malaysia level. What the employment figure does — and does not — show The 90.79 per cent figure referred to the college's diploma students securing field-related employment. It was not described as the employment rate of the 181 new SVM graduates, who had only just completed that level and could continue their studies. That distinction is useful for students comparing pathways. SVM can lead into DVM, while diploma outcomes give a separate indication of how closely training matches jobs. Before applying, students should compare the actual course, workshop exposure, industry placement, certification and entry requirements rather than relying on one overall percentage. The report highlighted demand in mechanics, electrical work, construction, automation, technology and hospitality. Students should still check current course availability directly with the college or the national TVET portal because programmes and intake conditions can change. 2026 SVM graduates: 181 Reported field-related employment: 90.79% among diploma students Sources: The Borneo Post · Malaysia TVET portal

A prolonged dry spell left about 500 residents in four Padawan villages short of water after their wells and gravity-fed systems dried up. [image: 1786669582960-20260814-padawan-water.jpg] The affected communities were Kampung Sitang, Kampung Biya Nusaraya, Kampung Biya Parang and Kampung Peremas. Their village chiefs channelled requests for help through the Padawan Sub-district Office after local water sources could no longer meet daily needs. At the time of the Aug 13 report, the Welfare Department had delivered bottled water to Kampung Biya Nusaraya and Kampung Biya Parang. That detail matters: assistance had started, but the report did not say that every affected household in all four villages had already received supplies. This was a rural-source shortage, not a citywide Kuching outage. Communities that depend on wells and gravity-fed systems can run short much earlier during a dry spell. Kampung Bangau, Kampung Petang and other upper Padawan villages were also identified as being at risk if dry weather continued. Residents facing the same problem should report it quickly through their village head or the Padawan Sub-district Office so demand can be recorded and aid coordinated. Official rural water notices can also be checked through JBALB Sarawak. Affected: Four Padawan villages, about 500 residents Photo: DayakDaily Sources: DayakDaily report · JBALB Sarawak

Haze remains a health concern across Sarawak Air quality in nine Sarawak locations was still in the unhealthy range at 4pm today, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s Daily Haze Watch. The affected locations are Serian, Samarahan, Kuching, Tebedu, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Lundu. Kuching’s Air Pollutant Index (API) eased slightly from 177 at 8am to 174 at 4pm. The Kuching Division Health Office advised residents to cut down on outdoor activities, wear a mask if going outside is unavoidable, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise. Children, seniors, pregnant women and people with asthma or heart and respiratory conditions should take extra care. Seek medical attention if you develop worrying symptoms. [image: 1786615608468-sarawak-haze-aug13.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Photo: Roystein Emmor / The Borneo Post What is the air like in your area?

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

A 29-year-old woman has claimed trial over an alleged injury to a 20-day-old baby at a Kuching confinement centre. The woman pleaded not guilty at the Kuching Sessions Court on Aug 12 to a charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. The charge alleges that she negligently handled and lifted the baby from a cot in a way likely to cause physical injury. The incident was alleged to have happened between 12.30am and 1.30am on Aug 4. The baby was reported to have suffered a closed fracture of the right humerus. The court granted RM10,000 bail with two local sureties and ordered the accused to report to a police station once a month. Pre-trial case management is fixed for Sept 14. The charge remains an allegation, and the accused has pleaded not guilty. Location: Kuching Sessions Court / Kuching Details: The case is being prosecuted under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

108 schools in Serian Division have been temporarily closed after the Air Pollutant Index (API) crossed 200. The closure covers schools in the Serian area, including six in Tebedu. Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will continue during the closure. As of 4pm on Aug 12, API readings were 202 in Serian and 212 in Tebedu. Kuching and Samarahan were among 11 other Sarawak areas recording unhealthy readings between 101 and 200. State authorities said the haze may continue over the next few days, partly due to transboundary smoke from Kalimantan. Children, older people, pregnant women and those with respiratory or heart conditions are advised to limit outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy. Location: Serian Division, Sarawak Details: Schools will reopen based on the latest API readings and official instructions. Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/12/108-schools-in-serian-division-temporarily-closed-as-api-exceeds-200/ What do you think? Photo: The Borneo Post

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?

Haze blankets Sarawak — Serian hits API 190, Kuching at 167 as unhealthy air spreads across 11 areas {img0} Another hazy day in Sarawak. As of 6pm yesterday (Aug 11), Serian recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in the state at 190 — firmly in the unhealthy range. Kuching wasnt far behind at 167, while Samarahan (168), Bintulu (159), Sibu (155), Sri Aman (157), Samalaju (155), Sarikei (155), Mukah (154), and Miri (142) all logged unhealthy readings. Only Limbang (73) and Kapit (78) managed moderate air quality. At the same time, METMalaysia issued a thunderstorm warning for Bintulu (Tatau) and Sibu (Selangau & Sibu) valid until 9pm, which could bring some temporary relief. With API levels expected to remain elevated, residents across Kuching and Sarawak are advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when necessary. Location: Serian, Kuching & multiple areas across Sarawak Details: API 190 in Serian; 11 areas record unhealthy readings; thunderstorm warning for Bintulu & Sibu Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should schools be closed when API crosses 150?

[image: 1786442802657-fire-resized.jpg] A fire broke out at a house in Lorong Foochow 1W, Taman Orchid, Kuching this afternoon, damaging an estimated 70% of the property. According to Bomba, a call was received at 2.15pm today. Firefighters from Tabuan Jaya station were deployed with backup from Batu Lintang and Padungan stations. 21 firefighters and three Fire Rescue Tenders (FRTs) were involved in the operation. The team used four water lines and six nozzles, with 200 feet of hose connected to a fire hydrant. Firefighters also used a defensive technique to establish a firebreak and contain the blaze. The affected permanent-structure house measured approximately 30ft by 60ft. No casualties were reported in the incident. Location: Lorong Foochow 1W, Taman Orchid, Kuching Details: 70% structural damage, fire under control, 21 firefighters deployed Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

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?

Tourism Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has called for mandatory pre-duty drug screening for all pilots and cabin crew, warning against 'denial syndrome' following the Malaysia Airlines pilot drug case in Jakarta. In a Facebook post, the Bintulu MP urged airlines, regulators and police to jointly enforce stricter screening — requiring crew to report 1.5 to 2 hours before shifts for testing. "Agencies and companies should not wait until an unwanted incident occurs before action is taken," he said. The case involves a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot detained at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport with 25kg of drugs — 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine pills worth an estimated RM45 million. The pilot tested positive for methamphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine. Tiong also criticised Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) for downplaying the incident by emphasising the pilot did not operate the aircraft, instead of issuing a public apology. MAG has since mandated drug screening for all 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots, with the first phase due by Aug 15. [image: 1786269743849-iong-king-sing.jpg] Location: Kuala Lumpur / Jakarta (involves Sarawak MP Tiong King Sing) Details: RM45M drug seizure; pilot tested positive for 3 substances; MAG orders mandatory pilot screening Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should all crew be tested before every flight?

Sarawak is preparing to conduct cloud seeding operations if the haze situation continues to worsen, says Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh. As of today, eight locations across Sarawak have recorded Air Pollution Index (API) readings above 100 — reaching unhealthy levels. Southern Sarawak, including Kuching, is being hit by transboundary haze from increased hotspots in neighbouring countries. Len Talif said winds moving from the east towards the south before turning north are carrying the haze into the state. "As of now, there is no schedule for cloud seeding yet. We will continue monitoring the situation," he said during a press conference at the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Sarikei. He also warned the public against open burning, saying legal action will be taken against individuals or companies found doing so. [image: 1786269739525-cloud-seeding.jpg] Location: Sarawak (Kuching, Sri Aman, Sarikei & more) Details: 8 locations with API > 100; cloud seeding on standby; open burning禁令 enforced Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should cloud seeding start now?

"Don't dirty public spaces to beautify your home" — MBKS warns of RM2,000 fine for illegal dumping. [image: Screenshot-2026-08-08-153940-1.png?resize=696%2C393&ssl=1] Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has issued a stern reminder: illegal dumping of garden, construction and household waste carries a RM2,000 compound, with possible court action. Speaking during his ShallWeeTalk live session today, Wee said the council continues to find waste dumped along roadsides, in drains and public spaces despite repeated warnings. "Do not make your own surroundings look beautiful by turning public spaces and grass verges into dumping grounds. That is wrong and reflects a lack of civic consciousness," he said. The fine cannot be waived. If CCTV or neighbour statements capture the offence, the case can proceed to court. Wee also highlighted household rubbish — including used cooking oil bottles — being found in drains: "How did these items end up in drains when they are supposed to be thrown into bins? They certainly did not walk there on their own." Location: Kuching South (MBKS) Details: RM2,000 compound for illegal dumping; enforcement via CCTV and witness reports; repeat cases referred to court Source: DayakDaily What do you think?