A proposed green area near Sejingkat Bridge in Kota Samarahan is intended to give urban families more room outdoors, with Sarawak planning to protect the land from future development. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg outlined the proposal at the Sarawak Urban Forum at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre in Kuching on Oct 26, DayakDaily reported. The forum venue is not the location of the proposed green space. He described the Samarahan area as twice the size of London’s Hyde Park and said it would be planted with native tree species. The comparison was his description of the plan, not an announced surveyed acreage. The state intends to gazette the land so future development does not encroach on it. This is a land-protection proposal, rather than an announcement that a new park has opened or that legal protection is already in force. Abang Johari linked the need for public green space to smaller urban homes and families seeking places to spend time together. For residents, the consequential steps are the formal land designation and details of public access; his remarks did not set an opening date.

Night-time drivers on the Kuching–Samarahan Expressway face temporary road closures near the Sarawak Heart Centre roundabout during ART station bridge works. Sarawak Metro's notice, reported on October 13, covers two overnight work periods from October 12 to 14. Work runs from 10pm to 3am the following morning, meaning the second period falls on Tuesday night, October 13, into Wednesday, October 14. The operation is to install a fascia truss at the pedestrian link bridge for the Sarawak Heart Centre ART station. The restriction concerns sections near the roundabout, rather than a reported all-day closure of the entire expressway. Drivers using this stretch late tonight should follow the temporary traffic-management arrangements, signs and posted speed limits. For clarification before travelling, the KUTS hotline is 1300-88-5887 during office hours.

Samarahan remained in the Unhealthy air-quality band at noon on Sunday, October 4, with an Air Pollutant Index of 151. Kuching stood at 91, in the Moderate band. The noon figures reported from the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s monitoring table showed only a small change from 8am: Samarahan had fallen from 152 to 151, while Kuching eased from 94 to 91. The neighbouring areas remained in different categories despite both readings declining. Conditions did not improve everywhere around Kuching. Lundu rose from 73 in the morning to 84 at noon, although it stayed Moderate. Serian fell from 99 to 95. The Moderate band covers readings from 51 to 100; Unhealthy runs from 101 to 200. A one-point drop at Samarahan therefore did not change its category. These are midday readings, not a forecast for the rest of Sunday. For a later comparison, check the latest local station and its timestamp on the NREB monitoring portal rather than using Kuching’s figure for Samarahan or carrying the noon snapshot into the evening.

Kota Samarahan police impounded 36 motorcycles and arrested one motorcyclist during an overnight Op Samseng Jalanan operation. The operation ran from 10pm on Sept 20 to 6am on Sept 21 at Taman Rembus and along Jalan Kota Samarahan–Kampung Baru. Twenty-five personnel took part, targeting traffic offences and road hooliganism. Police said the arrest was made under Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987, which covers reckless and dangerous driving. The impounded motorcycles were placed under Section 60 for further inspection. The update records enforcement action and investigation steps; it does not by itself establish a conviction. Motorists using the Samarahan corridor should expect checks to include the motorcycle and its documents, not just riding speed. No wider road closure was announced in the report.

Sarawak’s first phase of a Special Needs Community Centre in Samarahan is targeted for completion by May 2028. Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the state government has approved RM30 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan for the first phase. The centre is intended to provide support ranging from early intervention and rehabilitation to skills development, employment preparation and longer-term residential care. The minister said the residential component is meant to address future needs of people who may no longer have parents or guardians able to care for them. The project is planned in phases, so the May 2028 target is not a claim that the full lifelong-support system will be ready by then. The state also reported that 745 children had received early-intervention services by the end of 2025, including 673 in Kuching and the remainder at OSEIC Dalat.

Kenyalangsat-1 is still a research proposal: UiTM Sarawak has not announced a budget, mission, technical design or launch date. The nano-satellite was one item in a wider research package the Sarawak branch presented to the state government this week. The same package covers rare-earth and thorium recovery from Sarawak monazite, nipah-palm carbon credits, nano-based drinking-water filtration, rice farming in Mukah and microalgae biofuel. UiTM does have prior nano-satellite experience. Its official records describe UiTMSAT-1 and the later UiTMSAT-2 programme led by the university’s electrical engineering faculty. The latest announcement, however, does not say whether Kenyalangsat-1 will use that team, technology or existing partners. UiTM Sarawak has campuses in Samarahan and Mukah, but the announcement did not describe student roles or work assigned to either campus. Kenyalangsat-1 therefore remains an idea presented for consideration, not a satellite already under development.

Sarawak’s proposed state constituency maps will go on public display from Sept 1, opening a one-month window for representations on the Election Commission’s redelineation plan. The proposal covers 17 additional seats and several renamed constituencies; if eventually approved, the State Legislative Assembly would grow from 82 to 99 seats. Notices are to appear in The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo, while exhibition boards, draft reports and maps are planned at selected city halls, municipal councils and district offices across the state’s 31 parliamentary constituencies. The EC’s proposed venues include Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Padawan Municipal Council—three separate local authorities, not one generic ‘Kuching council’. The display is not the final boundary map and does not by itself mean the next state election will use 99 seats. The proposal still needs approval by Parliament and gazettement before it can take effect. Representations may be made within one month after the notice is published, but the eligible groups are specific: the state government, an affected local authority, or a body of at least 100 people whose names appear on the current electoral rolls of the constituencies concerned. Kuching and Samarahan voters should check the displayed documents for the exact map, venue and submission procedure rather than rely on earlier leaked versions.

Raw water levels at the Simunjan Water Treatment Plant have fallen below one metre due to prolonged dry weather, forcing the Sarawak government to plan three immediate measures. Simunjan requires about 10 million litres of water per day (MLD), but is currently receiving only 4.5 to 5 MLD through the existing supply system, supplemented by water from Sarawak Water and Serian. Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee said three proposals have been submitted to the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication and JBALB: New high-level water tank for Zone 3 (Sungai Apin area) Dredging and desilting of the treatment plant's raw water reservoir Booster station or Acute Water Supply System similar to Sebuyau While the current 5 MLD is sufficient for basic needs, the situation highlights the need for a more resilient water supply system in the district. Location: Simunjan, Samarahan Division Details: The prolonged dry spell has caused sediment and sand to accumulate in the plant's raw water reservoir, reducing storage capacity and affecting water production. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

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?

Sarawak Immigration checked 117 people across 21 locations and detained 30 foreign nationals over suspected immigration offences. [image: 1785038846558-sarawak_immigration_raids.jpeg] Photo: The Borneo Post KUCHING, July 26: The Sarawak Immigration Department detained 30 foreign nationals after enforcement raids from Thursday to Friday. The checks covered 21 locations, including Kota Sentosa, Tapah, Siburan, Serian, Kota Samarahan, Batu Kawa, Tabuan Jaya and Pending. What officers checked The department said the raids were based on public complaints and surveillance. The operations focused on coffee shops, premises suspected of illegal online gambling, and entertainment centres. Out of 117 people checked, 30 foreign nationals were believed to have committed offences such as overstaying, holding expired passes, having no valid pass, or misusing social visit passes. The alleged offences fall under Section 15(1)(c) and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, plus Regulation 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. All detainees were taken to the immigration office for further action. Source: The Borneo Post Hot Score: 26/30 What do you think?

Kota Samarahan is next in line for ART operational testing under the KUTS project. [image: 1784887499961-art-kota-samarahan-kuts.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS Sarawak Metro told Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) during a briefing that the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) service will go through operational testing at a later stage. The test is meant to check the route, system performance, and how well the service connects with the wider public transport network. Sarawak Metro also updated MPKS on construction progress, including Rembus Station, which sits within Kota Samarahan's administrative area. MPKS reminded the project side to keep traffic disruption under control during construction, while keeping road-user safety and comfort as a priority. Location: Kota Samarahan Details: ART operational testing planned under the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project; Rembus Station progress also briefed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Firefighters rescued two people in separate crashes on Tuesday night, including an unconscious teenage driver in Kota Samarahan. [image: 1784693155237-samarahan-daro-crash-rescue.jpg] The first crash happened around 7.35pm at Kampung Itol in Daro, involving a motorcycle and a car. Firefighters found the injured motorcyclist trapped beneath the car. They used an air lifting bag to raise the vehicle before freeing him and handing him to paramedics. Second crash in Kota Samarahan About 25 minutes later, firefighters were called to UNI Garden Phase 7B along Jalan Datuk Mohd Musa in Kota Samarahan. A female teenager was found unconscious inside a Perodua Viva. Rescuers removed her using a stretcher before EMRS personnel gave initial treatment. She later regained consciousness and was reported to have only minor injuries before being sent to hospital. Location: Kampung Itol, Daro; UNI Garden Phase 7B, Kota Samarahan Details: One motorcyclist trapped under a car; one teenage driver found unconscious, later regained consciousness Source: Original report Image source: Sarawak Tribune 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?

Samarahan Division’s RM150 million electricity upgrade is moving ahead, with 106 MVCC poles already installed. [image: 1784509494939-samarahan-electricity-resized.jpg] State Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the state-funded project covers 124km of transmission line upgrades from Asajaya and Sadong Jaya across the Batang Sadong Bridge to Sebuyau, with another branch to Simunjan and Gedong. Why it matters The project is meant to improve electricity reliability and stability for residents and businesses in Samarahan Division. It also supports future development in the area. Another key part of the work is a 1.8km twin submarine cable under the Sadong River near Batang Sadong Bridge. Julaihi said the cable is being buried 1.5m below the riverbed and was almost fully installed as of Sunday morning. Location: Samarahan Division Details: RM150 million upgrade; 124km transmission lines; 1.8km submarine cable Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1783991097438-drugs-samarahan.jpg] Police arrested a 22-year-old local man after seizing about 5.46kg of suspected cannabis in Kota Samarahan. The operation took place in the Taman Samarindah area on Sunday, July 12. Police estimated the seized drugs at RM16,367.97. Case under investigation According to Kota Samarahan District Police Headquarters, the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Police said they will continue operations against drug trafficking, and asked the public to share information on drug abuse or trafficking activities. Location: Taman Samarindah, Kota Samarahan Details: 22-year-old local man arrested; 5.46kg suspected cannabis seized; estimated value RM16,367.97. Photo: PDRM via DayakDaily Source: https://dayakdaily.com/police-seize-over-rm16k-worth-of-suspected-cannabis-arrest-22yo-in-kota-samarahan-ops/ What do you think?

[image: 1783991063677-gardenia-samarahan.png] Gardenia bread will soon be made in Sarawak, with a RM30 million plant planned for Kota Samarahan. Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC) is working with Yayasan Sarawak through Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd to set up Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd. The new factory is expected to start operations in 2027. What changes for Sarawak The plant will sit on a 7.56-acre site in Kota Samarahan and use advanced manufacturing technology. KTC said it will also focus on halal certification, food safety and quality control before production begins. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the project shows investors are looking at Sarawak not only for electricity, but also for workforce quality and liveability. For regular shoppers, the biggest change is simple: Sarawak will no longer depend so much on Gardenia bread shipped in from outside the state. Location: Kota Samarahan Details: RM30 million plant, expected to operate in 2027, with local supply chain benefits and Sarawak Edition packaging planned. Photo: Madeline Dugat/TVS via DayakDaily Source: https://dayakdaily.com/gardenia-to-bake-sarawak-made-bread-by-2027-with-rm30-million-plant-in-kota-samarahan/ What do you think?