Borneo's first TPVI procedure has been completed at Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan. Sarawak Heart Centre said it has successfully performed Borneo's first Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation, or TPVI. It is now the second Ministry of Health hospital in Malaysia to offer the highly specialised procedure. [image: 1784250337102-sarawak-heart-tpvi.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune / Sarawak Heart Centre Facebook page What happened The centre said the procedure was done through teamwork between specialists from Hospital Serdang and the multidisciplinary team at Sarawak Heart Centre. TPVI gives patients who need pulmonary valve replacement a less invasive option. For suitable patients, it can mean faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and better quality of life. Location: Sarawak Heart Centre, Kota Samarahan Details: First TPVI procedure in Borneo; second MoH hospital in Malaysia to offer it. Source: Sarawak Tribune A solid medical milestone for Sarawak patients. What do you think?

This weekend in Kuching got a few nice options, from tuak, family-friendly STEM, morning workout to mall activities. Here are some easy picks if you are planning where to go. [image: 1784246669260-event-tuak-2026.jpg] 1. Borneo Tuak Festival 2026 Time: 17-19 July 2026, 11.00am-10.00pm Place: 11 Ridgeway, Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, Kuching A three-day celebration of Borneo tuak culture with 100+ tuak varieties, local food, artisan booths, cultural showcases, workshops and live performances. Good one if you want something lively and very Sarawak. [image: 1784246669357-event-robowalk-2026.jpeg] 2. Smart Kid, Smart City Challenge - RoboWalk 2026 Time: 18 July 2026, Saturday Place: MBKS Boulevard, Jalan Padungan A Kuching Festival prelude event where kids showcase robot-themed costumes, props and creative wearable designs. Nice for families, especially if your children like robots, STEM and creative parade-style activities. 3. TRAIN ME @ UNITY PARK Free Community Workout Time: 18 July 2026, 6.30am-8.30am Place: Reservoir Park, Kuching Free guided community workout for all levels. If you want to start Saturday early without spending money, this one is simple: show up, move, sweat a bit, then go breakfast. 4. Culture, Creativity & Community @ Vivacity Time: 18 July 2026, 10.00am-7.00pm Place: Ground Floor, East Atrium, Vivacity Megamall Kuching Free-entry mall event with a culture and creative theme. Easy weekend plan if you prefer somewhere indoor, family-friendly and convenient for makan or shopping after that. Quick note: event details can change last minute, so check the organiser page before heading out. Sources: STATOS, DayakDaily, Eventbrite, Vivacity Megamall updates.

[image: 1784196307107-airborneo-kia.jpg] AirBorneo Airways' Boeing 737-800 has arrived at Kuching International Airport ahead of its first Kuching-Kuala Lumpur service. The aircraft arrived on Wednesday, July 15, with commercial operations under the AirBorneo brand scheduled to begin on July 20. Why it matters The Kuching-Kuala Lumpur-Kuching route will be the airline's first service under the new brand after the Sarawak government's acquisition and rebranding of MASwings. Photos of the aircraft in AirBorneo livery have been circulating on social media. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian also shared the aircraft's arrival on Facebook, calling it a milestone for Sarawak's state-owned airline. Flight details AirBorneo said the route will operate twice daily between Kuching International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1. The airline earlier announced promotional one-way fares from RM375 all-in for Economy Class and RM736 all-in for Business Class, inclusive of airport taxes and fuel surcharges. Dr Sim also linked the airline's growth to Sarawak's wider air connectivity plans, including the proposed new Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang, expected to be completed after 2030. Location: Kuching International Airport (KIA) Details: Boeing 737-800 arrived before July 20 Kuching-KL launch; route planned twice daily Image: The Borneo Post / Facebook Dr Sim Kui Hian Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784196254465-tupong-ulu-fire.jpg] A house fire in Tupong Ulu, Kuching, claimed the life of a 13-year-old girl early this morning. A 14-year-old boy was rescued from the same double-storey terraced house at Lorong 5 Permai Jaya and sent to hospital by ambulance. What happened The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the emergency call came in at 2.23am on Thursday, July 16. Firefighters from Petra Jaya reached the scene about four minutes later, with help from the Tabuan Jaya station. Initial information from the public said two victims were trapped inside the burning house. Firefighters entered the building and brought both victims out. Victims and damage Both victims received initial treatment while waiting for medical personnel. The 13-year-old girl was later pronounced dead by Ministry of Health personnel. The 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital. Bomba said the house, measuring about 20 by 40 feet, was badly damaged. The operation ended at 3.40am. The cause of the fire and total losses are still under investigation. Location: Lorong 5 Permai Jaya, Tupong Ulu, Kuching Details: 13-year-old girl died, 14-year-old boy rescued and sent to hospital Image: The Borneo Post / Bomba Source: The Borneo Post Condolences to the family. Stay safe, Kuching.

[image: 1784174794492-kh-spm-workshop.jpeg] About 600 Batu Kawa students joined a free SPM readiness workshop as Sarawak keeps pushing education support for young people. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said Sarawak’s future depends heavily on quality education and talent development. He said the state government now provides several forms of education help, including the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme, scholarships, free laptops and living allowances. Who joined The two-day SPM 2026 Free Readiness Workshop was held at Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multi-purpose Hall in Batu Kawa. Most of the 600 participants came from three nearby secondary schools: SM Min Lit Batu Kawa SMK Batu Kawa SMK Jalan Arang The workshop covered study techniques and exam strategies, with experienced teachers guiding students on key parts of SPM preparation. Why it matters Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawah assemblyman, said SPM remains one of the country’s most important academic qualifications because it shapes future options in higher education and work. He encouraged candidates to stay focused and aim for strong results, noting that Sarawakian students have continued to perform well in SPM over the years. Location: Batu Kawa, Kuching Details: Around 600 students joined the SPM 2026 readiness workshop, while Sarawak highlighted education aid such as free tertiary education, scholarships, laptops and living allowances. Source: The Borneo Post SPM season is never easy. Good support like this really helps. What do you think?

[image: 1784174746149-kh-scam-losses.jpeg] Online scams have cost Malaysians RM5.37 billion since 2024, and investment fraud is the biggest chunk. Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen said the figure came from a written parliamentary reply by the Home Affairs Ministry. The number covers losses from 2024 up to May 2026. Investment scams alone made up RM2.68 billion, or 49.9% of the total. What the numbers show Investment scams: RM2.68 billion Telecommunication fraud: RM1.54 billion Electronic financial crimes: RM660.64 million E-commerce scams: RM250.81 million Loan scams: RM138.92 million Love scams: RM111.08 million Chong said the losses average about RM2.2 billion a year. He also warned that many victims are ordinary people, including retirees who lost their savings. What he is asking for He urged the public to be more careful with online investments and ads, and to verify with banks or people who understand digital safety before moving money. He also repeated his proposal for stronger bank safeguards, including fingerprint and MyKad readers for ATM withdrawals, alerts for unusually frequent withdrawals, and tougher rules on banks if mule accounts are allowed to operate. Location: Kuching / Malaysia Details: RM5.37 billion in scam losses from 2024 to May 2026, based on a Home Affairs Ministry parliamentary reply cited by Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen. Source: The Borneo Post Online investment ads still everywhere. What do you think banks should do next?

Sarawak is looking at water exports as a next economic frontier, but the state says local supply has to come first. [image: 1784164063064-sarawak-water-export.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Sarawak Tribune reported that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg wants Sarawak to use purification technology to treat river water for export once the statewide water grid is completed. He said the state has many rivers and could later supply countries that face water shortages, especially as water becomes more important for industrial use and data centres. What comes first Abang Johari said Sarawak's immediate target is still 100 per cent water supply coverage by 2030. That work includes the state water grid, new treatment plants, replacement of ageing pipelines, and the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply System for remote villages. He also said talks on possible export markets are ongoing, but did not name the countries involved. Location: Sarawak Details: Sarawak wants to explore treated river water as a future export commodity after local water coverage is secured. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Kuching-based brewery 1602 says it has been cleared after a police investigation, and its seized beer products and merchandise have been returned. [image: 1784164007384-1602-brewery.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post The Borneo Post reported that the Attorney-General's Chambers reviewed the investigation findings and confirmed the case did not involve a smuggling offence. 1602 managing director Dato Sri Vincent Lee said the returned goods allow the company to resume normal production, sales and business operations. What happened Police carried out an operation at the company's warehouse in Kuching on July 3, following instructions from Bukit Aman's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation Unit. Lee said the company had cooperated with police and provided its licences and tax-related documents covering brewing, wholesale and sale. The case had been investigated as a suspected smuggling offence under Section 135 of the Customs Act 1967. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: 1602 says no smuggling offence was found, and seized products have been returned. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

The Niah National Park forest fire is now fully extinguished after a three-day operation involving air and ground teams. [image: 1784109951034-niah-fire.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily Bomba Sarawak confirmed that the fire was put out at 12pm on July 15, after 20 helicopter water bombing runs released 26,000 litres of water over the affected area. Location: Niah National Park, Miri Division Details: The affected area covered 1.62 hectares. The final stage of the operation began at 9.45am and lasted three hours and 36 minutes, using one Bomba Air Unit MI-171 helicopter with 11 personnel. Ground support came from Bomba Batu Niah Station, with help from the Royal Malaysia Police and Sarawak Forestry Corporation. Authorities said the fire is now 100 per cent extinguished, with monitoring to make sure the area stays safe. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

BCCK now has Sarawak's first live indoor 5G coverage, aimed at keeping large events online without the usual crowd-network slowdown. [image: 1784109896030-bcck-5g.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) has upgraded its digital infrastructure with an in-building 5G coverage system at BCCK 1. The system covers more than 3,740 square metres and is meant to support high-density use during conferences, exhibitions and major gatherings. Location: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) Details: Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said 5G speeds can reach more than 1,100Mbps, compared with about 200Mbps on 4G. The upgrade is also seen as a base for future connectivity at BCCK 2 once the expansion is ready. For visitors, exhibitors and event crews, this should mean smoother digital registration, livestreaming and online services when the hall is packed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784088236065-sibu-drugs.jpg] Sibu's drug problem is showing a sharp rise, with reported drug and substance abuse cases increasing by 40.6% in one year. Sibu MP Oscar Ling said Home Ministry data tabled in Parliament showed the number of people involved in drug and substance abuse in Sibu rose from 903 in 2024 to 1,270 in 2025. That increase is higher than Sarawak's overall rise of 17.6%, where statewide cases went from 10,705 to 12,590 over the same period. Main concern Ling said amphetamine-type stimulants were the most commonly abused drugs in Sibu, making up about 82.7% of cases in 2025. ATS-related cases rose from 639 to 1,050. He urged police, the National Anti-Drug Agency and schools to strengthen enforcement, prevention programmes and community education, especially for youths. Location: Sibu, Sarawak Details: Drug and substance abuse cases rose sharply, with synthetic drugs named as the main threat. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784088233017-miri-cleanliness.jpeg] Miri's city cleanliness is back in the spotlight after some residents questioned whether the Asean Clean Tourist City award matches the situation on the ground. The Borneo Post checked several public and commercial areas in Miri and found a mixed picture. Some spaces are well kept, but other areas still have overflowing bins, overgrown grass, clogged drains and stagnant water. What the council said Miri City Council councillor Kelvin Chia said cleanliness problems involve contractors, businesses, residents and the council. He said three residential maintenance contractors were recently terminated after poor performance. Food waste is another major issue. The city generates about 80,000 tonnes of waste a year, with food waste making up around 40%. MCC has also identified 13 illegal dumping hotspots, with four already cleared. Councillor Leslie Lau Ik Chie said ageing drains in older commercial areas need upgrades because current development and heavier rainfall have pushed old systems beyond their limits. Location: Miri, Sarawak Details: Cleanliness, waste, drains and illegal dumping remain key city-management issues. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Ever feel like Kuching suddenly changes mood once you leave the city lights? This mangrove cruise is exactly that kind of trip. Kuching Wetlands Mangrove Cruise takes you into the waterways around Kuching Wetlands National Park, about 15km from Kuching and close to the Damai side. It is not a theme park ride. It is more like sitting on a small boat, letting the river slow you down, then quietly scanning the trees for movement. [image: 1784081373851-kwetlands_01.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photo - Kuching Wetlands National Park riverside view What makes this one fun is the mix: mangrove tunnels, fishing village scenes, wide river views, and if luck is on your side, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, birds, fireflies, or even Irrawaddy dolphins near the estuary. [image: 1784081374077-kwetlands_03-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photo - mangrove cruise boat scene Trip.com reviewers were pretty happy with the wildlife side. One visitor mentioned the view was beautiful, with plenty of animals, and they even managed to spot a crocodile. That sounds about right for this place: don't expect zoo-style guarantees, but when something appears from the mangrove edge, it feels properly exciting. [image: 1784081374650-kwetlands_04-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photo - sunset over the wetland waters A travel blogger on GRRRLTRAVELER did a late-afternoon wetlands outing and described the more raw side: rubber boots, tall shrubs, mosquitoes, and a night river safari where they spotted things like a kingfisher, slow loris, crocodile and fireflies. So yes, this one is not only pretty photos. Wear long pants and bring repellent. The Wetland Wildlife Cruise reviews on Tripadvisor/Viator also lean the same way: people liked the boatman, the easy river pace, and the chance to see monkeys, crocodiles and fireflies. The important note is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Go for the river atmosphere first, then treat every animal sighting as bonus. [image: 1784081374975-kwetlands_05-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photo - visitors on the Kuching wetlands boat My honest take: this is best for people who enjoy slow nature trips. If you need constant action, maybe you will feel it is too quiet. But if you like sunset, river breeze, camera in hand, and that little suspense of "what is moving in the trees?", this cruise is a very Kuching kind of experience. {img4} Source: Trip.com traveller photo - river village and mangrove edge Quick notes before you go: Area: Kuching Wetlands / Santubong-Salak river area Best way: book a licensed local boat/tour operator Usual duration: half-day or sunset cruise, depending on route Bring: mosquito repellent, water, light rain jacket, long pants, camera/zoom lens Ask before booking: pickup point, life jackets, whether the route includes fireflies or dolphin search, and what happens if weather turns bad Would you rather do this at golden-hour sunset or go for the darker firefly/night-safari feel?

[image: 1784001908911-serian-road.jpg] A RM32.87 million rural road project in Serian is expected to make travel between Kampung Mayang Kawan and Kampung Mentung Mubuk much faster. The new road will link the two villages in the Kedup constituency and benefit 3,653 residents from seven villages. Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the project is being carried out under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), with construction handled by JKR Serian Division. Once completed, the route between Kampung Mayang Kawan and Kampung Mentung Mubuk is expected to drop from 28.4km to 8.7km. Travel time should also fall from around 35 minutes to about 10 minutes. The road is also expected to improve access to three primary schools, agricultural areas and basic services, while reducing transport costs for rural communities. Location: Kampung Mentung Mubuk / Kampung Mayang Kawan, Serian Details: RM32.87 million road project; 3,653 residents from seven villages to benefit Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1784001875087-open-burning-sarawak.jpg] Kuching Division recorded the highest number of open-burning cases in Sarawak this July, with 15 cases reported as of July 13. Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Jamri Masran said Sarawak recorded 49 open-burning cases statewide from July 1 to 13. Miri came second with 11 cases, followed by Mukah with six, Bintulu with five and Sibu with four. Samarahan, Sri Aman and Betong each recorded two cases, while Kapit and Limbang recorded one each. The spike happened over the weekend: daily cases rose from 3 on July 10 to 10 on July 11, then 11 on July 12, before dropping to five on July 13. Jamri said Bomba Sarawak is preparing land and air assets as the country faces the Super El Nino threat. The department is also working with the Department of Environment and the Natural Resources and Environment Board on enforcement against open burning that harms the environment. Location: Kuching Division / Sarawak Details: 49 statewide cases from July 1-13; Kuching recorded the most with 15 cases Source: DayakDaily 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?

Kuching Festival Fair 2026 is getting a nationwide push this year through a limited-edition Pepsi can. [image: 1783988825831-kuching-fest-pepsi-2026.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune The collaboration between MBKS and Pepsi puts Kuching Festival branding on a special can that will be distributed across Malaysia. Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the can is more than a drink promotion. He described it as a way to carry Kuching's food culture and city identity to people outside Sarawak. The move also fits Kuching's status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, especially with the festival being one of the city's biggest food and community events. What to expect this year Kuching Festival Fair 2026 will run from July 22 to August 16. The fair is expected to feature: More than 300 food stalls 97 indoor trade exhibition booths 29 amusement and game stalls Nightly stage performances The Garden Show Pepsi is also returning as the festival's main sponsor for the second year, with RM60,000 cash sponsorship and support such as festival tents, limited-edition cans, co-branded materials, KOL marketing and products for festival activities. Location: Kuching South / MBKS area Hot Score: 29/30 - strong Kuching interest, nationwide exposure, timely, good visual angle Source: Sarawak Tribune Will you be going to Kuching Fest this year?

[image: 1783937249183-fake-accounts-resized.jpg] Sarawak wants stronger action on fake social media accounts, especially those used to spread defamatory or harmful content online. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department for Corporate Affairs and UKAS, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission should monitor and act against users operating under false identities or fake names. He said some accounts use another person's photograph while hiding behind a different name, then deactivate or change their account after posting offensive remarks. Media content and AI also raised Abdullah also touched on pages that reuse photos, visuals and news reports from media organisations without proper credit. He said journalists had raised frustration over their work being taken without acknowledgement. He added that AI can make the issue harder to manage when people mix stories from different sources and reprocess them into new content without clear attribution. At the same time, he urged fair treatment for genuine content creators whose accounts may be removed after years of building their audience, especially creators producing positive Sarawak-related content. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Fake accounts, online defamation, media credit, AI-generated content and platform enforcement Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783937203980-gardenia-factory-resized.jpg] Gardenia is planning a RM30 million factory in Sarawak, with the state government saying it reflects stronger investor confidence here. The update came after a memorandum of understanding involving Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad and Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the investment points to Sarawak's skilled workforce, stable governance and improving infrastructure. Dr Sim said KTC had noted that 32.5% of its workforce are Sarawakians, something he linked to the quality of local talent. Why it matters The planned Gardenia factory is not just another commercial project. Dr Sim described it as a strategic investment that can help keep essential supplies from being too dependent on outside sources. He also said the Sarawak government will facilitate the approval process through the State Planning Authority and relevant local authorities once the required submissions are made. Also present at the signing were Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, KTC executive director Datuk Dexter Lau, KTC managing director Datuk Lau Kok Sing, and Sanjung Etika board members Datu Dr Hatta Solhi and Jolly Marikan. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Details: RM30 million Gardenia factory MoU, investor confidence, local workforce and approval process Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?