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Former soldier Umar Sidee, 66, dashed into a blazing two-storey house in Sibu to rescue eight grandchildren and his son — a split-second decision that saved nine lives. The fire tore through Kampung Jeriah Abang Ramli along Jalan Oya Lama around 11am on Sunday (June 7). Umar and his wife were at a nearby orchard when they heard explosions from the house. "My wife suddenly shouted that our house was on fire. I heard several explosions," Umar told Bernama. He ran inside, grabbed all his grandchildren aged 4 to 14 who were watching TV on the ground floor, then rushed upstairs to wake his son. "I was in the armed forces before. I couldn't just watch my family die," he said. Villagers tried to help put out the fire with buckets, but the flames spread too fast. Bomba firefighters arrived and ordered everyone back as conditions became dangerous. The family of 19 from three households survived. But the house — built by Umar over nearly 40 years after he retired from military service in 1995 — was completely destroyed. [image: 1780985601017-sibu-fire-house.jpeg] Location: Kampung Jeriah Abang Ramli, Jalan Oya Lama, Sibu Details: 19 family members from 3 households lost their home; all safe thanks to Umar's quick action Source: https://dayakdaily.com/66yo-man-risks-life-to-save-grandchildren-son-from-sibu-house-fire/ What do you think?

Termite-damaged and declared unsafe by JKR — yet SMK Dalat's girls' hostel continues to house students, prompting an urgent call from Minister Fatimah Abdullah. [image: 1780899349010-smk-dalat-1-resized.jpg] DALAT: The girls' hostel at SMK Dalat has been declared unsafe by the Public Works Department (JKR), but students are still living there due to a lack of alternative accommodation. Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who is also Dalat assemblywoman, raised the issue during a visit to the school on Monday. "The first thing is safety. What we are concerned about is the safety of our students," she said. [image: 1780899350235-smk-dalat-2-resized.jpg] The nearly 48-year-old school comprises several ageing wooden structures, with termite infestation weakening parts of the buildings. The girls' hostel — located next to one of the old school blocks — remains occupied despite JKR's safety assessment. Fatimah noted that while the hostel is clean and well maintained by its occupants, visible signs of deterioration, including termite-damaged window frames, underscore the need for immediate action. The hostel was reportedly not included in the approved scope of renovation works for the school. Location: SMK Dalat, Dalat, Sarawak Details: Girls' hostel declared unsafe by JKR but still in use; Minister calls for urgent action; 48-year-old school with termite damage; renovation project did not cover hostel Source: The Borneo Post What do you think? Should student safety be prioritised faster?

Sarawak recorded the highest temperatures in Malaysia again this weekend, with Kapit hitting 35.5°C and Sibu close behind at 35.4°C. According to METMalaysia, the heat is being felt across the state — from Mulu (35.1°C) and Limbang (34.8°C) to Kuching and Sri Aman (both 34.5°C), Bintulu (34.4°C), Miri (33.8°C), and Mukah (33°C). This isn't the first time Sarawak has topped the national heat chart. On May 21, Sibu recorded the highest nationwide at 35.9°C. On June 4, Limbang (35.8°C) and Sri Aman (35.5°C) took the top spots. [image: 1780898757622-heatwave-sarawak.jpg] Region: Statewide Sarawak Details: Sarawak has consistently recorded the highest maximum temperatures nationwide, with multiple cities topping the national chart in recent weeks. Kapit and Sibu currently lead, with Kuching experiencing 34.5°C. Source: DayakDaily Stay cool out there, folks. How's the heat treating your area?

Kuching residents report discoloured tap water as Sarawak Water rushes to fix pipeline issues Residents across several areas in Kuching Division have been complaining about murky, discoloured water coming from their taps over the past days. Sarawak Water confirmed it has mobilised its operations and technical teams to carry out intensive flushing works (water pipe cleaning) at affected locations. According to the agency, the issue is believed to be caused by muddy water and sediment disturbances within the distribution pipeline system — triggered by changes in water flow and ongoing stabilisation of the water supply system. "Sarawak Water is treating this matter seriously, and continuous field monitoring is being conducted to ensure that conditions return to normal as quickly as possible," the agency said in a Facebook post. Affected areas: Kuching Division (multiple locations) Status: Ongoing — flushing works underway, monitoring continues [image: 1780880739940-kuching-water.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Has your area been affected?

Kota Sentosa family terrorised by loan sharks after son's RM7,000 debt balloons to RM30,000 — arson, threats, and a family living in fear. A Kota Sentosa family has filed five police reports after illegal moneylenders allegedly threatened them and set fire to their house and vehicle over a RM7,000 loan taken out by their son. The son has gone into hiding, leaving his elderly parents to face the consequences alone. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap accompanied the couple to meet Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu today after the family began receiving threats and experienced arson attacks. According to Yap, the lenders are now demanding around RM30,000 in settlement — nearly four times the original amount. [image: 1780726648584-loan-arson.jpg] Yap (left) with the couple at the Kuching District Police Headquarters. Photo: Wilfred Yap's office. Location: Kota Sentosa, Kuching Details: The family's son borrowed RM7,000 from unlicensed moneylenders who now demand RM30,000. The family's house and car were set on fire. The son is in hiding. Five police reports have been lodged. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/illegal-loan-turns-into-nightmare-as-family-faces-threats-arson-over-sons-rm7000-debt/ What do you think?

Malaysians will soon be able to apply for a passport that lasts 10 years instead of the current 5 — and it will cost RM350. [image: 1780640317943-malaysia-passport.jpg] The new 10-year Malaysian passport was officially gazetted on June 3 under the Fees (Passports and Visas) (Amendment) Order 2026. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban confirmed the change is coming this year, adding that the current 5-year option will remain available. Fees at a glance: Category 10-Year Passport Fee General (13-59) RM350 Senior (60+) RM175 OKU (disabled, 18+) Free Immigration staff Free Lost or damaged passport replacement fees: First replacement: RM550 Second: RM850 Third or more: RM1,350 Seniors 60+: RM375 (first), RM675 (second), RM1,175 (subsequent) For comparison, the current 5-year passport costs RM200 (RM100 for seniors). The 10-year option costs RM150 more but saves you the hassle of renewing every five years. Good news for Sarawakians — no more trips to Immigration every half-decade. One application, set for a decade. Source: DayakDaily | Borneo Post Worth switching over when it launches?

Just weeks after opening, Sarawak's RM848 million landmark bridge is already covered in rubbish — and netizens are calling it out. Batang Lupar Bridge 1, the RM848.7 million, 4.844km bridge that opened on May 21, was meant to be a source of pride for Sarawak. Instead, photos of rubbish scattered along the bridge have gone viral. Facebook user Ef Suhaimi shared images of the mess, comparing it to Brunei's much longer sea bridges that remain clean despite heavier traffic. "I feel embarrassed when looking at Brunei. They have sea bridges over 20km long and you don't see rubbish being thrown on the bridge. Here in Sarawak, it is only about 4km and it already looks like this," he wrote. [image: 1780622070152-batang-lupar-litter-resized.jpeg] Source: Ef Suhaimi / DayakDaily JKR Sarawak responded by urging the public to take responsibility: "Batang Lupar Bridge 1 belongs to all of us. Let us work together to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the bridge, which is a source of pride for the people of Sarawak." The bridge replaces the Sebuyau–Triso ferry service, cutting travel time from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes, and is part of Sarawak's Coastal Road Network development programme. Location: Batang Lupar, Sarawak Details: Littering on Sarawak's new landmark bridge sparks public debate Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should there be stricter penalties for littering?

[image: 1780448535566-ruby-orangutan-baby.jpg] Heartwarming news from Kuching's Semenggoh Wildlife Centre — Ruby the orangutan has given birth to her first baby, and it's a historic milestone for Sarawak's conservation efforts. Rangers at the centre made the joyful discovery on May 19, spotting Ruby carrying her newborn around 5.50pm. The moment was confirmed via a social media post on May 31. What makes this birth special? The newborn is the first recorded fourth-generation orangutan birth at Semenggoh — meaning Ruby, her mother, grandmother, and now her baby all represent four generations of successful rehabilitation and conservation. The centre hailed the birth as a strong sign that Sarawak's ongoing efforts to protect and rehabilitate the Bornean Orangutan population are working. Ruby and her baby are said to be in good health, with staff continuing to monitor them closely. Location: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Kuching Details: Ruby's first baby, 4th-gen birth, historic conservation milestone Source: https://dayakdaily.com/joy-at-semenggoh-wildlife-centre-as-ruby-the-orangutan-cradles-her-first-baby/ What do you think?

An 80-year-old Kuching man lost RM103,850 after falling for an online investment scam promising big profits. The victim was contacted on WhatsApp by a woman claiming to run a business in Pattaya, Thailand. She offered him a partnership in a "Wholesale International Business Online" scheme through a website she managed. From September 2025 to February 2026, the man made eight bank transfers totalling RM103,850 to six different accounts. He was promised that both capital and returns would be deposited back into his account. Reality hit when he could no longer reach the suspect to ask for his money back. "The victim was directed to carry out a series of payment transactions as part of an alleged investment scheme, with assurances that the capital and returns would be deposited into the victim's account," said Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. [image: 80yo-scam-rm103850.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: RM103,850 lost to online investment scam, 8 transactions to 6 bank accounts, victim aged 80 Source: DayakDaily Reminder: If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify before transferring money. What do you think?

[image: 1780102952038-nkia-airfares.jpg] Federal govt open to Sarawak taking bigger role in new Kuching airport — plus talks on cheaper domestic flights Sarawak's Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin met with his federal counterpart Anthony Loke in Putrajaya on May 26, and two big topics came up that affect every Sarawakian who travels. First, the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA). The federal government is now open to exploring a decentralised development model, meaning Sarawak would have a bigger say in planning and building the airport. "Allowing the Sarawak government to play a greater role in the planning and implementation of the project while supporting Sarawak's long-term aviation and economic aspirations," Lee said in a statement. The meeting also covered the submission of the Aerodrome Development Request for NKIA. Domestic airfares — still a pain point for Sarawakians Lee proposed reviving three key routes under the Rural Air Services Public Service Obligation (PSO) framework: Kuching–Sibu Kuching–Bintulu Kuching–Miri This could make domestic flights more affordable for people travelling within Sarawak. Airfare caps were also discussed, with Loke suggesting AirBorneo could operate these routes commercially using its ATR72 aircraft. Also on the table: extra Miri–Bario flights for the upcoming Bario Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta Nukenen Bario) in July, and the long-term Bintulu–Samalaju rail link under the Trans-Borneo Railway initiative. Location: Putrajaya / Kuching Details: Courtesy call between Sarawak Ministry of Transport and federal Transport Minister, May 26 Source: DayakDaily Have you flown between Kuching and Sibu/Bintulu/Miri recently? How much did it cost?

A massive fire tore through a 21-door longhouse in Bekenu in the early hours of this morning, leaving 136 residents without a home. The Fire and Rescue Department received the distress call at 1:17am. Firefighters from Batu Niah and Miri Central stations rushed to Rumah Nelson Ningkan, Jalan Sungai Saeh, Kampung Labau Bekenu to battle the blaze. The longhouse — a non-permanent wooden structure with individual homes measuring 16×100 square feet — was completely destroyed. It took crews seven hours to contain the fire. Firefighters used four water streams to tackle flames from the front, back, and sides of the building. The operation wrapped up at 8:18am. No injuries or deaths were reported, but all 136 residents have been displaced. Location: Kampung Labau Bekenu, near Miri Details: Non-permanent 21-door longhouse razed; 7-hour firefighting operation; no casualties [image: download] Source: Bomba Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A kopitiam that has survived nearly six decades — and still serves its char siew, steamed chicken and Hainanese coffee the old-school way. Just five days before Christmas in 1968, Ann Loke Hui Cafe was officially registered on Jalan Sekama. Almost 60 years later, it is still going strong under the Hua family. [image: 1780016782710-ann-loke-hui-01.jpg] John Hua (right) and his 83-year-old mother Chai Lan Jin at their coffee station. Today, 56-year-old John Hua runs the business, taking over from his father Hua Kia Jin in 2001. His father ran the cafe for 33 years before passing away at 64. His mother, now 83, still helps in the kitchen. What makes this place special? The cafe was at its busiest during the Lido Theatre era — cinema-goers would flood in before and after shows. Many regulars still come in today, reminiscing about those days. Signature dishes: steamed chicken, char siew, three-layer pork with savoury rice, meat curry rice, kueh teow in tomato sauce, and traditional Hainan coffee served in vintage kopitiam cups. [image: 1780016787269-ann-loke-hui-02.jpg] Meat curry rice and pork with savoury rice — Hainanese staples. Old habits die hard here. They still use old newspapers as takeaway wrappers — a tradition dating back decades. [image: 1780016787451-ann-loke-hui-03.jpg] Coffee served in vintage cups and newspaper wrappers — unchanged through the years. "It would otherwise go to waste," John explains about the newspaper practice. The Hua family hopes to pass the cafe to the next generation. John's children already help out, and the memorabilia on the walls tells the story of a kitchen that hasn't changed its ways for six decades. Location: Jalan Sekama, Kuching Hours: 10.30am - 2pm daily, closed Sundays Contact: 019-889 6101 Source: DayakDaily Ever been to Ann Loke Hui? What old-school kopitiam in Kuching do you still visit?

Sarawak GOF seizes RM17.5 million in assets, busts massive diesel smuggling ring KUCHING (May 28) — The Sarawak Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) has cracked down on a large-scale diesel smuggling syndicate, seizing over 342,000 litres of subsidised diesel worth approximately RM1.8 million. [image: gof-diesel-bust.jpg] GOF commander SAC Lim Bak Phai The operation, code-named Op Tiris, ran from March 16 to Tuesday across 11 districts including Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu, Kapit, Bintulu, Miri, Lawas, Bau, Serian and Lundu. Sarawak GOF Brigade commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said 820 inspections were conducted, resulting in 58 cases and 69 arrests. Breakdown of seizures: 342,000 litres of subsidised diesel — worth ~RM1.8 million Tanker lorries, heavy machinery and skid tanks valued at nearly RM17.5 million Over 5 tonnes of subsidised cooking oil (~RM40,000) More than 7 tonnes of coarse sugar (~RM31,000) One major find: a tugboat in Bintulu used to illegally store 20,000 litres of diesel without a valid permit. All cases have been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Location: Multiple districts across Sarawak Details: 820 inspections, 69 arrests, RM20.3M total seizures Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/28/sarawak-gof-busts-diesel-ring-seizes-rm17-5-mln-in-assets-342000-litres-of-fuel/ What do you think?

Miri's iconic crocodile farm at Kuala Baram is getting a fresh identity — and a bigger family-friendly focus. Starting June 1, the Miri Crocodile Farm Wildlife Park cum Mini Zoo will officially be renamed Miri Animal Wonderland, with new interactive experiences and educational features. [image: download] The 22-acre park, located about 30 minutes from Miri city centre along the coastal highway, houses over 1,000 crocodiles including Saltwater Crocodiles and the rare Malayan Gharial. It's the first and largest crocodile farm in northern Sarawak. Beyond the crocs, the mini zoo features sun bears, southern cassowaries, Javan deer, reticulated pythons, pig-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, owls, eagles, civets, and binturong. Visitors can feed selected animals (goats, snakes, even crocodiles), enjoy pony rides, and watch daily crocodile and snake feeding sessions at 11am, 11.30am, 3pm and 3.30pm. Prices: RM30 Malaysian adults, RM15 children (under 11) | Foreign: RM45 adults, RM25 children Hours: 9am–5pm daily (ticket sales close 4pm) Guided info is available in English, BM, and Mandarin. Location: Kuala Baram, Miri (30-min drive from city) Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/28/miri-animal-wonderland-promises-close-encounters-with-exotic-wildlife/ What do you think — would you take the family for a visit?

"How can a ticket to go back to my hometown for Gawai cost up to RM1,000? Isn't Borneo also part of Malaysia?" Sarawakian singer and influencer Miss Alvy took to Threads today to call out what she describes as "unreasonable" flight prices ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration. She highlighted that a return ticket from Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo can cost up to RM1,000 — enough, she said, to travel overseas. Many netizens from Sabah and Sarawak chimed in, sharing their own horror stories of festive season airfares, with some saying return tickets can hit RM1,900. According to Miss Alvy, many East Malaysians have been forced to delay returning home for years because of the high ticket prices. Some families can only reunite during major holidays, while others simply cannot afford it at all. The post has reignited the long-standing debate about the high cost of air connectivity between Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia, especially during festive seasons like Gawai and Hari Raya. Location: Kuching / Sarawak When: May 26, 2026 [image: 1779775360441-miss-alvy-airfare.jpg] Miss Alvy. Photo credit: Facebook / DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

13 people including two children and a local man have been detained at the Lubok Antu-Badau border area after police busted a migrant smuggling operation early Monday morning. [image: 1779757422939-lubok-antu-border.jpg] The General Operations Force (PGA) Battalion 10 Sibu Intelligence Unit conducted the raid around 3:30am along an ungazetted route in Ensawang, Lubok Antu. Among those held were 12 foreign nationals — including two children — and a 27-year-old local man believed to be acting as a 'land skipper' (tekong darat). Police tracked two vehicles used to transport the foreign nationals. The local man was driving a four-wheel-drive, while a second sedan was driven by a foreign national carrying others without valid travel documents. Authorities seized two vehicles, an outboard boat engine, and two mobile phones linked to the smuggling operation. The case is being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. This latest operation highlights ongoing issues along Sarawak's border routes, where smugglers continue to use ungazetted pathways to bypass checkpoints. Location: Lubok Antu-Badau border, Sarawak Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching City FC may have fallen 2-0 to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup final last Saturday night — but their run to Bukit Jalil is being celebrated as the club's greatest achievement to date. Under head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak, the Cats stunned Malaysian football by reaching the final for the first time ever. Their campaign was built on grit: Round of 16: Beat Penang FC 2-1 on aggregate after losing the first leg away Quarter-finals: Dominated DPMM FC 6-2 on aggregate Semi-finals: Edged Selangor FC 2-1, winning the home leg 1-0 They played 7 matches, won 4, drew 1, lost 2 — scoring 10 goals and conceding just 6. They won all three home matches at the State Stadium. Beyond the Malaysia Cup, their Super League performance also secured qualification for next season's AFC Champions League Two as Malaysia's No.2 — another historic first for the club. More than 50,000 supporters packed the National Stadium, including Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and several state and federal ministers. JDT's goals came from Marcos Guilherme (80') and Arif Aiman Hanapi (90'). Kuching City had a golden chance from the penalty spot in the 60th minute but couldn't convert.   " alt="" /> Location: Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur " alt="" /> Details: Kuching City FC first-ever Malaysia Cup final appearance + AFC Champions League Two qualification " alt="" /> Sources: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/25/cats-lose-final-but-celebrate-historic-season/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/25/cats-lose-final-but-celebrate-historic-season/ https://dayakdaily.com/shoot-for-the-moon-land-among-stars-kuching-city-fc-fall-to-jdt-in-msia-cup-final-but-achieve-historic-milestones/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://dayakdaily.com/shoot-for-the-moon-land-among-stars-kuching-city-fc-fall-to-jdt-in-msia-cup-final-but-achieve-historic-milestones/ What do you think? Did Kuching City exceed expectations this season? " alt="" />

Four students from St Joseph’s International School (SJIS) in Kuching have earned Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards — including three “Top in the World” titles — in the November 2025 examination series. This is reportedly the first time SJIS has achieved three worldwide top honours in a single exam sitting. The winners Eunice Ooi Jia Yi — Top in the World, Business Studies (A-Level) Carmen Lee Zi Shuen — Top in the World, English as a Second Language (IGCSE) Giselle Chen Yan Xin — Top in the World, English as a Second Language (IGCSE) Jameela Khayrin Mohamad Bolhair — Top in Malaysia, Business Studies (AS-Level) “This is truly exceptional for the school to achieve three ‘Top in the World’ awards in a single examination series,” said SJIS Principal Brother Robert Teoh. St Joseph’s Private Schools CEO Christopher Chua added that being recognised at the international level places these students among the very best globally. [image: 1779691939811-nc_kcfc-final-1.jpg] Location: St Joseph’s International School, Kuching Details: 3 x Top in the World + 1 x Top in Malaysia (November 2025 Cambridge exams) Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak's longest river bridge is now open to the public! The Batang Lupar Bridge (Jambatan Batang Lupar) officially opened on 21 May 2026, replacing the long-serving ferry service connecting Sebuyau and Sri Aman across the Batang Lupar river. Location: Sebuyau, Sarawak (Kuching Division) Length: 4.8km — Sarawak's longest river crossing Travel time saved: Ferry took ~30 minutes, bridge takes just 5 minutes. This bridge is part of Sarawak's massive infrastructure transformation under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Out of 21 major bridges planned, 10 have already opened, with 8 more expected in the coming months. The opening comes just in time for Hari Raya Haji and Gawai Dayak festivities — making balik kampung much easier for thousands of Sarawakians. Sources: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/22/batang-lupar-bridge-officially-opens/ https://dayakdaily.com/batang-lupar-bridge-sarawak-longest-river-crossing/ What do you think — will this bridge boost economic activity in the area? Share your thoughts below!