AirBorneo has started its Kuching-Singapore service, with Jakarta expected to follow within two months. [image: 1784768721478-airborneo-singapore.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) AirBorneo is now flying the Kuching-Singapore route, marking another step in Sarawak's push to build its own regional air network. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Singapore service started on Sarawak Day, just two days after AirBorneo began commercial jet operations between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur on July 20. Why it matters The State is positioning AirBorneo as part of a wider transport plan, alongside roads, airports and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system. Abang Johari also said Jakarta is expected to be AirBorneo's next international destination within two months. Better links could mean easier travel, stronger tourism and more business movement for Sarawak. Location: Kuching / Singapore Details: Kuching-KL flights started July 20; Kuching-Singapore service launched on Sarawak Day; Jakarta targeted next. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A second body has been found after a boat capsized in Sungai Seperot near Baram, with two people still missing. [image: 1784714660442-baram-boat-tragedy.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Bomba Marudi said the 38-year-old man’s body was found by villagers on a riverbank at about 8.50am on July 22, roughly two hours by boat from where the vessel was believed to have capsized. The boat was believed to be carrying four people from Kampung Long Selatong who had gone to Long San Health Clinic on Monday, July 20, but did not return home. Family members and villagers raised the alarm after they could not be contacted. A four-year-old boy was found dead earlier on July 21. The two still missing are a 43-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man. Bomba’s search team left at 6am and reached the area at 12.30pm after travelling through logging roads. Search and rescue work is continuing. Location: Sungai Seperot, Long Selatong near Baram, Marudi Details: 2 confirmed dead, 2 still missing after a boat capsized while travelling from Kampung Long Selatong to Long San Health Clinic. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/baram-river-boat-tragedy-second-body-recovered-two-still-missing/ What do you think?

A Sabah-Sarawak political alliance has been floated as a way to give both states a stronger voice in Parliament. [image: 1784714623317-kitingan-sabah-sarawak-alliance.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Borneo Dayak Forum International president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Gapari Kitingan said Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) could consider adding another “S” and working with Sabah leaders under a wider Borneo Bloc. He said Sabah and Sarawak together hold 57 parliamentary seats, which would give the two Borneo states more weight when pushing for constitutional rights, MA63 matters and fairer federal development funding. Kitingan, who is also Keningau MP, said Sarawak’s political unity has helped the state move further in areas like oil and gas rights. He said Sabah should learn from that and work closer with Sarawak. Location: Tasik Biru, Bau Details: Proposal raised during the Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 2026 Vol. 2 on July 22. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/gps-has-succeeded-now-add-another-s-kitingan-proposes-sabah-sarawak-alliance/ What do you think?

A 52-year-old Bidayuh man from Bau has been identified with one of the world's rarest blood types. [image: 1784682372695-bau-bombay-blood.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Facebook, Blood Bank Hospital Umum Sarawak The Sarawak General Hospital Blood Bank said Mak Nyortes from Kampung Bogag, Bau, has the rare Bombay blood group, also known as the hh phenotype. He only found out in November 2025 after blood tests and further checks at the hospital. Why this blood type is different People with the Bombay blood group may look like type O in routine screening, but they cannot receive blood from A, B, AB or O donors. They can only receive blood from another person with the same Bombay blood group. That is why proper screening and donor registration matter so much. The SGH Blood Bank said about 20 people in Malaysia have been identified with this blood group. Worldwide, around four million people are believed to have it. Mak hopes his story will encourage more people to understand blood donation, go for proper screening, and help when there is a need. Location: Kampung Bogag, Bau Details: Rare Bombay blood group identified by SGH Blood Bank Hot Score: 24/30 Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/07/22/bidayuh-man-in-bau-identified-with-rare-bombay-blood-type/ What do you think?

East Malaysia's diesel subsidy mechanism is being reviewed after feedback from Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan. [image: 1784682355793-diesel-armizan.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / KPDN Corporate Communication Unit The federal government is now consulting the Sarawak and Sabah governments on how to improve the targeted diesel subsidy rollout for East Malaysia. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the Ministry of Finance is leading the engagement because fuel subsidy policy sits under MOF. What is being looked at Armizan said several issues came up after the targeted diesel subsidy mechanism, first introduced in Peninsular Malaysia in 2024, was extended to Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan. He said MOF has started meeting government agencies in both states to identify problems on the ground. Treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican is also expected to meet elected representatives for direct feedback from their areas. State agencies may help with registering and verifying eligible recipients, especially in places where federal agencies have limited reach. Why it matters For Sarawak, diesel is not just a city issue. It affects transport, contractors, small businesses, rural movement and daily cost of living. Armizan said any revision still has to balance three things: cost of living, subsidy leakage, and the government's fiscal position. Location: Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan Details: Federal review of targeted diesel subsidy mechanism for East Malaysia Hot Score: 25/30 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/fed-govt-reviewing-diesel-subsidy-mechanism-in-east-malaysia/ What do you think?

A major northern Sarawak road project is moving faster than planned, with Phase 1 now about 10-15% ahead of schedule. [image: 1784606675741-miri-marudi-mulu-road.jpg] The Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) said both Package 1 and Package 2 of the Miri-Marudi, Marudi-Mulu (Kuala Melinau), Long Panai-Long Lama Road Phase 1 project are progressing well. The update came after a monthly progress meeting and site inspection. Current works include earthworks, ground treatment, culvert installation, drainage and other key construction works. Why it matters The RM3.8 billion project is expected to be completed by 2029. It will cover: 142km main road alignment 30.5km access roads linking villages 11 major bridges 11 minor bridges Once completed, the road network is expected to improve connectivity and support socio-economic growth in the Baram area. Location: Miri, Marudi, Mulu, Long Panai and Long Lama areas Details: Phase 1, Package 1 and Package 2 are 10-15% ahead of schedule Source: https://dayakdaily.com/phase-1-of-miri-marudi-mulu-long-panai-long-lama-road-project-10-15-pct-ahead-of-schedule/ What do you think?

Sarawak commercial crime cases went up sharply in the first half of this year, with losses now at RM90.4 million. [image: 1784606637184-sarawak-commercial-crime-resized.jpg] Sarawak Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Saifullizan Ishak said police recorded 2,530 commercial crime cases from Jan 1 to June 30, 2026. That is a 36.31% increase from 1,856 cases in the same period last year. What police are seeing The spike is mainly linked to cybercrime and scams, including: e-commerce scams fake investment schemes non-existent loan offers job scams phone scams Losses also rose to RM90.4 million, up 35.38% from RM66.7 million last year. Police also said an online scam syndicate was recently taken down, with two suspects arrested in Miri for allegedly withdrawing scam money through ATMs. Location: Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters, Kuching Details: 2,530 cases, RM90.4 million losses, Jan 1-June 30 period Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/07/21/sarawak-commercial-crimes-jump-36-pct-losses-reach-rm90-4-mln/ What do you think?

AirBorneo launched its Kuching–Kuala Lumpur jet service on July 20 with an RM375 all-inclusive one-way fare, positioning the state-owned airline as a price competitor on the route. [image: 1784541894083-airborneo-fare.jpg] Photo: Sarawak Information Department via DayakDaily At the launch, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the objective was not simply to maximise profit but to put downward pressure on fares between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. He said competing prices had already moved after AirBorneo introduced its fare. The airline began with two jet aircraft and planned to increase that to four within four to five months. New-generation ATR aircraft were also expected from 2027 to replace older turboprops inherited through the MASwings acquisition. RM375 was a launch commitment, not a permanent price guarantee The Premier said he hoped the all-inclusive fare could remain for at least the first year, and longer if market conditions allowed. Travellers should still check the live booking page because seat availability, travel dates, optional services and future fare changes can affect the final amount. The proposed use of future ATR aircraft on routes popular with university students was an idea raised at the launch, not a published student-fare programme. No eligibility rules, routes or application process were announced in the report. For Kuching passengers, the useful measure will be more than one advertised price: how many seats are sold near that level during school holidays and festive periods, whether flight frequency improves and how the airline handles delays or schedule changes. ️ Route: Kuching–Kuala Lumpur Launch fare: RM375 all-inclusive one way, subject to live availability Sources: DayakDaily · AirBorneo official site

Two checked-baggage drug smuggling attempts were stopped at Kuching International Airport, with Customs seizing drugs worth about RM1.32 million. [image: 1784541833508-customs-kia-drugs.jpg] Sarawak Customs said its Narcotics Branch carried out the operation on July 9 after two Malaysian men arrived on a domestic flight from Johor Bahru. Location: Kuching International Airport Details: In the first case, officers detained a man around 9.10pm after he allegedly removed a baggage tag from his suitcase near the arrival hall. Officers found 13 Chinese tea packets believed to contain about 13.2kg of methamphetamine, worth around RM660,000. A second man from the same flight was later arrested using a similar method. The second seizure involved about 13.178kg of methamphetamine and 83 Eramin 5 tablets, worth about RM660,560. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak JKR is set to host MyBIM Malaysia at its BIM Laboratory, after signing an MoU with the Works Ministry. [image: 1784520401865-sarawak-mybim-mou.jpg] The Sarawak Public Works Department said the collaboration will expand the use of Building Information Modelling, or BIM, in the construction sector. The MoU was signed during the Malaysia Public Works Strategic Collaboration Programme 2026 in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday, July 19. Why it matters MyBIM Malaysia at the Sarawak JKR BIM Laboratory is expected to serve as a centre for reference, training, competency development, research and BIM innovation in Sarawak. Sarawak JKR said the move will help its teams use BIM more widely in planning, design, construction, asset management and infrastructure maintenance. Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi also said tools such as BIM, the National Construction Information Platform and MYJalan are meant to improve decision-making, maintenance and public service delivery. Location: Sarawak JKR BIM Laboratory; MoU signed in Kota Kinabalu Details: Works Ministry and Sarawak JKR signed the MoU on July 19, 2026. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Forty-nine people tested positive for drugs in a Bintulu AADK operation covering eight hotspot areas. [image: 1784520362202-bintulu-aadk-drug-operation-resized.jpg] AADK Bintulu screened individuals during an integrated operation last Friday at locations including Jalan Bintulu-Sibu, Kampung Dato, Kampung Baru, Bukit Nyabau, Kampung Jepak, workers' quarters along Jalan Bintulu-Miri, PPR Bandaria Park and Kampung Penan Muslim Batu 10. The agency said all 49 people screened tested positive. Forty were positive for methamphetamine, eight for ketum and one for THC. The group included a pregnant woman and a minor. What happens next AADK Sarawak said the cases will go through further action under the relevant law, including assessment to decide suitable treatment and rehabilitation. The agency also said it will keep strengthening detection, enforcement and rehabilitation work in high-risk communities. Location: Bintulu Details: 16 AADK personnel took part in the operation across eight hotspot locations. Source: The Borneo Post 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?

Two suspects have been arrested after a robbery case that caused injuries at Jalan Canna, Kuching. [image: 1784509460855-jalan-canna-robbery.jpg] Kuching police said a man and a woman, aged between 19 and 25, were picked up at about 1.05am during an operation at Jalan Satok. The case happened on Saturday, July 18. Police said both suspects were arrested within 24 hours of the incident. What police said Urine screening for both suspects came back negative for drugs. Police also said the male suspect has one previous criminal record linked to voluntarily causing grievous hurt. Both suspects have been remanded for five days to help the investigation under Section 394 of the Penal Code. Location: Jalan Canna, Kuching Details: Robbery causing hurt; two suspects remanded for five days Source: DayakDaily Anyone with information can contact the Kuching IPD operations room at 082-244444 or go to the nearest police station. What do you think?

Piling work at a Tudan construction site in Miri was stopped after a flammable gas leak was detected. [image: 1784433887426-miri-gas-leak.jpg] The incident happened on Sunday morning at a construction site along Jalan Perdana, Tudan. The Borneo Post reported that the contractor found gas leaking from a piling rig cylinder. Bomba received the call at about 7.45am and firefighters from the Lutong fire station were sent to the site. Firefighters set up a safety perimeter, monitored the leak and temporarily sealed the affected cylinder while waiting for further checks. A simple test by the response team showed the leaked gas was highly flammable. No casualties were reported, but construction work was stopped while Petros checked the type and composition of the gas. Location: Jalan Perdana, Tudan, Miri Details: Bomba, police and Petros were involved at the site. Work remains halted pending gas detector readings and technical checks. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Mandarin is being framed as a practical trade skill for Sarawak, especially when dealing with China. [image: 1784433843339-premier-mandarin-resized.jpg] Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Mandarin can give Sarawakians an edge in an export-oriented economy. Speaking in Kuching on Saturday night, he said Sarawak sells products such as oil palm and LNG to China, so language skills matter when dealing with pricing, delivery and negotiation. He also said Bahasa Malaysia remains the national language, while English and Mandarin are useful tools for business and international trade. The Premier also pointed to Sarawak's recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and the state's yearly RM10 million allocation for Chinese schools. Location: Kuching Details: Mandarin, English and trade skills were highlighted as part of Sarawak's push to prepare local talent for a wider export market. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Batu Kitang is expanding its neighbourhood watch from Mile 3 to Mile 6 and Mile 10. [image: 1784423060047-batu-kitang-neighbourhood-watch.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post KUCHING residents around Batu Kitang will see more organised neighbourhood watch sectors, starting with the Mile 3 area and moving next to Mile 6 and Mile 10. What is changing Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang said the first sector is already active around Arang Road, Mile 3 Bazaar, Seng Goon Garden and the area near Timberland Medical Centre. The next two sectors will cover Mile 6 and Mile 10. Each sector will be led by police officers, with support from the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation, Rela personnel and local community leaders. Why it matters The idea is simple: faster reporting when residents see suspicious activity, tighter communication through community WhatsApp groups, and closer cooperation with police. Padawan district police also showed community leaders how to use the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol app during the dialogue at Mile 10 Kota Padawan Community Hall. Location: Batu Kitang, Kuching Details: Neighbourhood watch sectors from Mile 3, expanding to Mile 6 and Mile 10 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak's OSEIC says 518 children have moved on to formal education since 2022. [image: 1784423039969-oseic-children-education.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post DALAT (July 19): Sarawak's One Stop Early Intervention Centre has helped more than 500 children with developmental delays continue into formal education. State Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said 518 children had completed OSEIC intervention programmes since 2022. Where the children went Of the 518 children, 145 entered mainstream schools, 303 joined the Special Education Integration Programme, while 70 continued at Special Education National Schools. OSEIC began in Kuching in 2020 and expanded to Dalat in 2023. As of June 30, it had provided intervention services to 3,051 children, with 648 still in programmes. More centres coming Fatimah said Miri is expected to become the third OSEIC location in 2027, giving more families access to early intervention closer to home. Location: Dalat / Sarawak Details: 518 children completed intervention and continued into formal education Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784369105039-sarawak-99-seats.jpeg] Sarawak's plan to raise its State Assembly from 82 to 99 elected seats is still waiting for federal approval. Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposal has been stalled at Parliament level, one year after the Sarawak Legislative Assembly passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025. He said the extra seats were meant to give Sarawak's many communities stronger representation in the State Assembly. What is pending The State Assembly passed the Bill on July 7, 2025. But the increase cannot take effect until the federal side gives approval. For now, the number remains 82 elected members. Abdul Karim said he believes the delay is linked to politics in Parliament, and suggested there may be concerns that more State seats could later lead to a push for more parliamentary seats for Sarawak. Location: Sarawak Details: Proposed DUS expansion from 82 to 99 seats remains pending federal approval Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784282630570-ai-voice-scam.jpeg] A Kuching Feng Shui consultant says scammers cloned his voice with AI and tried to borrow RM4,500 from his friends. The case was raised at a press conference in Jalan Setia Raja on Friday, July 17. The victim, Alex Ling, said the fake voice was not perfect, but close enough that people who did not know him well could be fooled. SUPP Public Complaints Bureau chief Milton Foo said this was already the third voice-cloning scam case brought to his office in two weeks. The earlier cases involved people from Kenyalang Market and Pending Seafood. What happened A mutual friend received a distress call on July 14 from someone who sounded like Ling. The caller claimed he urgently needed RM4,500 for a relative's medical operation. The friend checked with Foo instead of transferring money. Foo advised him to keep the caller talking and ask for the bank account number. When the caller returned 30 to 50 minutes later, the friend managed to record the conversation. Ling has lodged a police report to clear his name. Foo reminded the public not to trust a voice call alone, especially when money is requested urgently. Location: Jalan Setia Raja, Kuching Details: AI voice-cloning scam attempt involving RM4,500; police report lodged; third similar complaint in two weeks. Source: DayakDaily If someone suddenly calls asking for emergency money, verify through another channel first. What do you think?

AirBorneo passengers, check your schedule if you are flying between July and October. AirBorneo says about 4,000 passengers may be affected by temporary flight frequency changes on selected routes from July 6 to Oct 24. The airline said the move is linked to maintenance issues involving several ATR72 and DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, plus delays in getting critical parts and spares. [image: 1784250399755-airborneo-plane.jpg] Source: DayakDaily [image: 1784250399820-airborneo-reschedule.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / AirBorneo What passengers should know Around 594 flights will have frequency changes, while another estimated 1,337 flights will be retimed. Affected passengers will be moved to the next available flight, either on the same day or the next day. AirBorneo also said the temporary changes will not increase fares on affected routes. The airline said all destinations in its network will continue to be served, with no route suspended or discontinued. Location: AirBorneo network across Sarawak and the region Details: Selected routes affected from July 6 to Oct 24; rebooking and refund options apply under MACPC. Source: DayakDaily Anyone here got their AirBorneo timing changed already?