Sarawak may get a new International Islamic University Malaysia presence if the proposal moves ahead. [image: 1785719057269-iium_sarawak_20260802.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Sarawak has welcomed a proposal for the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) to set up an academic presence in the state. Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak should stay open to public and private universities that can help strengthen human capital. He said any institution that can improve skills, knowledge and access to quality education should be viewed positively. IIUM Rector Professor Emeritus Datuk Osman Bakar said the university has been approached by Sarawak alumni about the idea. He said IIUM is looking at options such as specialised academic programmes before moving into a full campus. Why it matters More higher education options in Sarawak could mean more pathways for local students without having to leave the state. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: IIUM is exploring an academic presence in Sarawak, with specialised programmes among the possible first steps. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

The Sarawak Teachers Union wants the Ministry of Education to act faster on teacher burnout, mental health and workplace pressure. [image: 1785665179930-stu_president_20260802.png] Source: DayakDaily KUCHING, Aug 2: The Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) has called for a thorough investigation into two teacher death cases linked to school compounds, while urging the Ministry of Education to take teachers' wellbeing more seriously. STU president Kullin Djayang said the union wants the facts established first and asked the public not to speculate while investigations are still ongoing. Workload and pressure in focus Kullin said prolonged stress can lead to emotional burnout, anxiety and lower motivation among teachers. He also called for education policies to be reviewed, especially those linked to heavy school-related tasks and high key performance indicator expectations. Schools must be safe workplaces too STU said classrooms, hostels and teachers' quarters should be safe and conducive for both teachers and students. The union also conveyed condolences to the families involved and reminded educators to prioritise their own health while serving in schools. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Details: STU is asking MOE to review teacher workload, mental health support and school working conditions. Source: DayakDaily Teachers and parents, do you think school workload has become too heavy?

A house fire in Taman Satria Jaya BDC damaged half of the ground floor, but two occupants escaped safely. [image: 1785665113260-bdc_house_fire_20260802.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Bomba KUCHING, Aug 2: A double-storey house in Taman Satria Jaya BDC was badly damaged after a fire broke out around noon today. Bomba said the emergency call came in at 12.49pm. Firefighters from Tabuan Jaya were sent to the scene, with The Borneo Post also reporting response from Tabuan Jaya and Batu Lintang stations. What happened The fire damaged about 50 per cent of the ground floor of the permanent house, which measured about 20 feet by 40 feet. A neighbouring house was also lightly affected by heat and smoke, with about five per cent damage reported. No injuries reported The occupants, a 66-year-old woman and her 38-year-old daughter who is a person with disabilities, had already left the house before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported. Location: Taman Satria Jaya BDC, Kuching Details: Bomba received the call at 12.49pm; the fire was brought under control using hose lines and a nearby hydrant. Source: DayakDaily Anyone staying around BDC saw the smoke this afternoon?

Jalan Mendu road works are delayed, but MBKS says the project is now targeted for Sept 15 completion. [image: 1785643462063-jalan_mendu_20260802.jpg] KUCHING, Aug 2: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) says the Jalan Mendu Upgrading Project was held back by a clash between planned drainage works and an existing live water supply pipeline. MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the pipeline's actual location did not match available utility records and project drawings. What MBKS says The contractor is waiting for final approval from Sarawak Water to relocate the pipeline. Once approval is given, the relocation is expected to take about three days before culvert construction and reinstatement works resume. MBKS has also ordered safety fixes at the site after temporary barriers were found improperly arranged, with exposed reinforcement steel that could endanger motorcyclists and pedestrians. Location: Jalan Mendu, Kuching South Details: MBKS targets Sept 15, 2026 completion, subject to approval for utility relocation and no further unforeseen issues. Photo: DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching's ART project has moved into the next stage after the first two trains arrived for KUTS pilot preparations. [image: 1785632692948-art-first-trains.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) The first two ART trains under the Kuching Urban Transportation System are now in Kuching, bringing the project closer to pilot operations. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the focus is now on system integration, infrastructure readiness and operational checks before the service is opened for pilot use. What is being prepared Lee said work is progressing on the ART alignment, stations, depots and support systems. The Phase 1 Hydrogen Production Plant at Rembus Depot is also moving ahead. Once ready, it is expected to produce up to one tonne of green hydrogen a day to support pilot and early ART operations. For Kuching road users, this is one of the clearest signs yet that KUTS is moving from construction into actual service preparation. Location: Kuching / Rembus Depot Details: First two ART trains arrived; pilot operation preparation now focuses on integration, safety, reliability and hydrogen support facilities. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak’s population is now estimated at 2.54 million, but the state is still Malaysia’s least densely populated region. [image: 1785578654062-sarawak_population_20260801.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / file photo of Kuching Waterfront What changed DayakDaily reported that the latest Department of Statistics Malaysia estimate puts Sarawak at 2.54 million people in 2026, with annual growth of only 0.4%. That makes Sarawak the fifth most populous state, behind Selangor, Johor, Sabah and Perak. Why people are talking The bigger issue is density and ageing. Sarawak records only 20 people per square kilometre, the lowest in the country. The report also says residents aged 65 and above now make up 9.7% of the population, placing Sarawak second nationwide for elderly share. The median age has risen to 33.2 years, while the total fertility rate stands at 1.5 children per woman. Location: Sarawak Details: 2.54 million population, 0.4% annual growth, lowest density in Malaysia Source: DayakDaily What do you think this means for Sarawak’s future workforce?

Immigration officers detained 64 suspected undocumented migrants after checks across Kuching and Kota Samarahan. [image: 1785557110562-immigration_20260801.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Sarawak Immigration said the two-day operation ran from 9am on July 29 until 3am on July 30, after public complaints and intelligence work. Officers inspected 107 people at 13 locations, including Kota Sentosa, Batu 10 to Batu 12, Pending Industrial Estate, Metrocity, Sematan, Batu Kawa and Kota Samarahan. What was checked The checks covered eateries, factories, construction sites, grocery shops, rented rooms in shophouses, massage centres and premises suspected of online gambling activity. Those detained are being investigated for alleged overstaying and for not having valid travel documents or passes under the Immigration Act 1959/63. Location: Kuching and Kota Samarahan Details: 64 detained, 107 checked, 13 locations covered Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Kuching residents want growth that fixes daily life first [image: 1785546287138-kuching_growth_20260801.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Edgar Ong Kuching's growth is bringing a clear message from residents: more jobs, better public transport, smarter traffic planning, cleaner neighbourhoods and stronger support for local businesses. The Borneo Post spoke to six residents for Kuching City Day. Their concerns were practical: young Sarawakians need career options at home, road capacity must match new developments, and public facilities must keep up with the city's expansion. What residents raised Location: Kuching Details: Residents pointed to jobs, public transport, road maintenance, cleanliness, CCTV coverage, local business support and environmental care. Business owner Lau Lee Leong said traffic impact should be planned before major projects are approved, especially in areas already facing congestion. Others said Kuching should stay clean, green and safe while creating more opportunities for students and entrepreneurs. Hot Score: 27/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Guro Street is now official in Kuching South, the first street in Malaysia named after a South Korean city. [image: 1785492302193-guro-street.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily / Wee Hong Seng Kuching South launched Guro Street on July 31, marking another step in the city’s long-running link with Guro District in Seoul. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the name reflects closer business, culture and people-to-people ties between Sarawak and South Korea. The partnership between MBKS and Guro District started in 2013. Dr Sim said Korean interest in Sarawak is growing in renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and gas development. He also pointed to OCI, which has invested more than USD2 billion in Sarawak since 2019 and has its headquarters in Kuching. Also present were Guro District Mayor Jang Inhong and Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Location: Kuching South Details: Malaysia’s first street named after a South Korean city Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak is putting RM300 million into a new biomedical research laboratory, with Kuching hosting the announcement today. [image: 1785405846518-biomed-lab.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the lab is meant to strengthen health research, biotechnology and precision medicine in Sarawak. His speech was delivered by Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the 19th ASEAN Conference of Clinical Laboratory Sciences in Kuching on July 30. Why it matters The State wants the facility to support work on new medicines, future disease readiness and international research partnerships. Dr Sim also linked the plan to Sarawak's wider healthcare push, including the RM1 billion Sarawak Cancer Centre and the digitalisation of more than 150 primary healthcare facilities through the Cloud-Based Clinic Management System. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: RM300 million biomedical research laboratory; health research, biotechnology and precision medicine focus Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A section of Jalan Tun Jugah from the CityOne traffic-light junction towards Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho is scheduled for partial closure from July 29 to Dec 31, 2026 for KUTS construction. [image: 1785384236632-tun_jugah_cityone_20260730.jpg] Image: Sarawak Metro via DayakDaily Sarawak Metro said the temporary diversion is needed for work under the Kuching Urban Transportation System. The notice covers a partial closure, not a complete shutdown of Jalan Tun Jugah. What drivers should plan for Traffic arrangements can change as work moves, so the map and signs on site take priority over an old social-media screenshot. Drivers should reduce speed before the work zone, follow lane arrows and temporary limits, and avoid changing lanes at the last moment. CityOne, Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho and surrounding businesses remain reachable, but travel time may be less predictable during weekday peak hours, school traffic and major events. If an appointment matters, allow an extra buffer or check an alternative route before leaving. Sarawak Metro said it would announce changes to the schedule or traffic plan. Enquiries can be made through the KUTS hotline at 1300-88-5887, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm excluding public holidays, or by email at [email protected] and [email protected]. This post is valid for the announced July 29–Dec 31 construction period. After that date, verify the latest notice instead of assuming the diversion remains in place. Affected direction: CityOne junction towards Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho Status: Partial closure / temporary traffic diversion Sources: DayakDaily · Sarawak Metro

Sarawak Science Centre is being positioned as a hands-on STEM hub for students and teachers across the state. [image: 1785373547375-science_centre_20260730.jpg] The Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) in Kuching is meant to support classroom learning with interactive tools, teacher resources and practical science exposure beyond textbooks. Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the centre will connect young Sarawakians with areas like robotics, coding, biotechnology and renewable energy. Why it matters For students, this is not just another building. It gives schools a place to bring science lessons closer to real life. The centre is also part of Sarawak's PCDS 2030 push to grow local STEM talent and support an innovation-driven economy. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Sarawak Science Centre to support teachers, students and public STEM learning Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Road users are asking MBKS and the contractor to fix the Jalan Mendu flood mitigation worksite before someone gets hurt. [image: 1785319527664-jln_mendu_20260729.jpg] The concern is over exposed metal rods used to hold temporary plastic barriers at the worksite. Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen's special assistant, Michael Kong Feng Nian, said the setup could be dangerous, especially for motorcyclists. He said some barriers had also been found toppled or scattered on the road, making the stretch harder to read in poor visibility. What residents are worried about Exposed rods could cause serious injuries in a crash Fallen barriers may create extra hazards for drivers and riders The flood mitigation project was scheduled to finish on Feb 9 but is now close to six months behind schedule Kong asked Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the contractor to review the site immediately, remove the exposed rods, and make sure all temporary barriers follow proper safety standards. Location: Jalan Mendu, Kuching Details: Flood mitigation project site safety complaint Photo: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

A 21-year-old motorcyclist died after a crash near Puncak Borneo Prison. + +The accident happened along Jalan Mambong-Sikog-Sariq at about 6.15pm on Tuesday, July 28. + +[image: 1785298075798-kh_puncak_borneo_crash_20260729.jpg] + Source: DayakDaily / IPD Padawan + +## What police said + +Padawan District Police chief Superintendent Barry William said early investigations found the rider was on a Yamaha 135LC when he allegedly tried to overtake a car while going through a bend. + +The motorcycle then went into the opposite lane and collided with an oncoming Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck. + +Medical personnel confirmed the rider died at the scene. The 42-year-old pickup driver was not injured. + + Location: Jalan Mambong-Sikog-Sariq, near Puncak Borneo Prison, Padawan + Details: Police are investigating the case under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 + +Both vehicles were taken to the Padawan District Police Headquarters for further checks by Puspakom and the Chemistry Department. Police also said the rider was believed to have been riding without a valid driving licence. + + Source: DayakDaily + +What do you think?

Four more EV charging points are now available in Kuching city centre. + +Sarawak's EV network has added four 22kW AC charging points at two busy city locations: Sarawak Plaza and Riverside Majestic Hotel. + +[image: 1785298018227-kh_ev_sarawak_plaza_20260729.jpg] + Source: Sarawak Tribune / SDEC Karuna JV + +## Where the new chargers are + +The rollout is handled by SDEC Karuna JV Sdn Bhd (SKJV). + +Two charging units are on the third floor of the Sarawak Plaza multi-storey car park. Another two are on the fourth floor of the Riverside Majestic Hotel multi-storey car park, near the main entrance. + +The chargers are already integrated with the Fast EV mobile app, so users can find the location, start a charging session and pay through the app. + + Location: Sarawak Plaza and Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching + Details: Four 22kW AC charging points, priced at RM0.22 per minute + +SKJV said the expansion supports Sarawak's PCDS 2030 direction and the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy. The company also plans to add two DC fast-charging stations in Kuching, with locations to be announced later. + + Source: Sarawak Tribune + +What do you think?

Kuching's old General Post Office may get a new life as a restored heritage building. [image: 1785233057924-old_post_office_20260728-resized.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post / Roystein Emmor The Sarawak government is in talks with the federal government to acquire the old General Post Office building opposite Plaza Merdeka. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plan is to renovate the building while keeping its heritage character intact. What was mentioned The building is still under federal ownership, so talks must be completed first. The state wants to preserve the original structure, not rebuild it from scratch. Other heritage areas mentioned include Darul Kurnia along Jalan Haji Taha and Ban Hock Road. Private owners can also revive old buildings, but heritage rules still apply. Abang Johari pointed to Singapore's Fullerton Hotel and Kuala Lumpur's Sultan Abdul Samad Building as examples of old buildings being reused while keeping their historical value. Location: Old General Post Office, opposite Plaza Merdeka, Kuching Hot Score: 26/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think Kuching's old Post Office should become?

Kuching is testing Sarawak's first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot, starting today at two major conference venues. [image: 1785202606837-review_food.jpg] Image source: Sarawak Tribune Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) is launching the four-day pilot from July 28 to 31 during the 51st IUPAC World Polymer Congress (MACRO 2026). The project covers more than 800 international delegates at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching. What will be tracked Organisers will work on menu planning, portion control and recovery of surplus ingredients where food safety rules allow it. The whole process will be documented through a compliance platform before independent assessment. Certification results are expected after the congress ends. BESarawak said it is pursuing The Pledge on Food Waste Certification, an internationally recognised standard for measuring food waste prevention and diversion. Why it matters If this pilot works, future conferences in Kuching could have a clearer model to cut food waste instead of sending everything to landfill. It also gives Sarawak's business events sector a practical way to show sustainability, not just talk about it. Location: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching Details: Sarawak's first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot runs from July 28 to 31 with over 800 delegates. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Serian has entered the unhealthy API range, and Sarawak may see more haze over the next few days. [image: 1785146672063-haze_map_20260727.jpg] NREB Sarawak said the Southwest Monsoon is now carrying a higher risk of transboundary haze, especially if biomass burning outside Sarawak intensifies. The board said ASMC recorded 1,081 hotspots in Kalimantan from July 1 to 26. Of these, 442 were detected in the last five days. Sarawak recorded 16 hotspots during the same period. As of noon on July 27, Serian recorded an API reading of 151, which falls under the unhealthy category. Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Samalaju, Lundu, Tebedu and Lubok Antu were in the moderate range. NREB said it has activated its haze operations room, increased patrols, revoked earlier controlled-burning permits and suspended new controlled-burning permits for now. Location: Sarawak, including Serian and Kuching Details: NREB advised the public to drink enough water, reduce outdoor activity during hot and dry spells, and use N95 masks outdoors, especially for high-risk groups. Open burning can lead to a fine of up to RM100,000, jail up to five years, or both. Photo credit: DayakDaily / NREB Sarawak Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching's RM2.6 billion flood mitigation project is back in the spotlight, after a call for MBKS to use its RM300 million reserves. Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng questioned whether that reserve fund could realistically cover a project of that size. [image: 1785125110348-mbks_flood_reserve-resized.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post What happened Wee said MBKS has about RM300 million in reserves, while the wider flood mitigation project for Kuching is estimated at RM2.6 billion. His point was simple: even if the council used the reserve, it would still be far short of the amount needed. He also said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof had already announced that major flood mitigation projects in Sarawak would start progressively from 2027. Why people are talking The issue came after Michael Kong, special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman, urged MBKS to review its priorities and consider using part of its reserves for drainage and flood mitigation works. Kong argued that financial prudence should not become an excuse for inaction when long-standing infrastructure problems are affecting residents. Wee pushed back, saying large-scale flood mitigation falls under federal responsibility and should not be turned into another political issue. Location: Kuching South / MBKS area Details: RM2.6 billion flood mitigation project; RM300 million MBKS reserve fund; federal rollout expected from 2027 Source: The Borneo Post For Kuching residents who deal with flash floods, the big question is whether the money and timeline can match the actual problem on the ground. What do you think?

A viral stunt at Darul Hana Bridge has now become a police matter. [image: 1784941442264-dbku-darul-hana-bridge-stunt.jpg] Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) said it has lodged a police report after a short video showed an individual allegedly jumping from the Darul Hana Bridge at Kuching Waterfront. The video was said to have started circulating on July 23, and DBKU filed the report at 2.11pm on July 24. Why DBKU is taking it seriously DBKU said the act could endanger the person involved, affect public safety and encourage copycat behaviour at one of Kuching's main landmarks. The city hall also said such actions may fall under public nuisance provisions, and asked anyone with information about the person in the video to assist PDRM or DBKU. Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Details: DBKU police report lodged on July 24, 2026, after viral July 23 video Hot Score: 27/30 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/dbku-condemns-viral-darul-hana-bridge-stunt-jump-lodges-police-report/ Photo: DayakDaily Public landmark, public safety. What do you think?