Sarawak civil servants could receive a two-month bonus, Premier Abang Johari reveals ahead of the 2027 State Budget. [image: Sbw-080826-mu-SKSSarikei01.jpg] The Premier announced the early indication at the sixth edition of the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Sarikei today, citing the state's improved financial position. Sarawak's revenue has doubled from RM7 billion to RM14 billion during the first five years of PCDS 2030, allowing the government to fund major initiatives including free tertiary education and higher community leader allowances. "What I can say is that there are signs that our revenue this year will, God-willing, allow us to do so," Abang Johari said. Other announcements made: New stadium for Sarikei 10 additional dialysis machines at Sarikei Hospital Expansion of Tanjung Manis Airport to accommodate ATR aircraft Exploring carbon trading revenue from mangrove forests Location: Sarikei / Sarawak Details: Two-month bonus for all Sarawak civil servants; revealed early by Premier ahead of 2027 Budget tabling Source: Borneo Post Online What do you think?

A Sarawak police officer who was counting down the days to reunite with his family later this month has died in a tragic electrocution incident in Sabah. [image: 1786161793700-sibu-policeman.jpg] Corporal Chiu Teck Siong, 41, was among three policemen killed while picking coconuts in front of Weston Police Station in Beaufort on Thursday (Aug 6). The others were Lance Corporal Mohamad Nur Hafiz Ibrahim, 29, and Lance Corporal Muhammad Raimi Ismarubee, 26. Chiu's wife, Tang Wei Wei, 39, said their five children — aged four to 11 — had not seen their father since Chinese New Year. "He had wanted to transfer back to Sibu for a long time, but his request was unsuccessful. This month, he finally applied for leave to return home on Aug 27. The children have been waiting for him," she said at Sibu Mortuary Hall. Tang, who works in the private sector, appealed for financial assistance, saying her income alone isn't enough to support the children's education. Four of the children study at SJK(C) Tiong Hin while the youngest attends Tadika Sing Ang Tong. Chiu had served in Beaufort for more than 11 years since his first posting. Location: Sibu (family) / Beaufort, Sabah (incident) Source: DayakDaily A heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices our frontliners make. What do you think?

Smoke from Kalimantan wildfires has pushed air quality across western Sarawak into unhealthy territory. [image: 1786161783836-haze-api.jpg] As of 11am today (Aug 8), five stations in Sarawak recorded unhealthy API readings: Serian: 172 (highest) Kuching: 156 Samarahan: 155 Bintulu: 152 Sri Aman: 139 Other areas like Mukah (98), Sarikei (97), Sibu (93), and Miri (86) remain moderate — for now. Source of the haze The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre detected 643 hotspots in Kalimantan and 22 in Sarawak alone, with thick smoke from West Kalimantan drifting northward into western Sarawak. What's being done The Department of Environment has activated both the National Open Burning Action Plan and National Haze Action Plan. Enforcement patrols have been stepped up. Under the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2024, open burning offenders face fines of RM25,000 to RM1 million or up to five years' jail. School closures on standby Schools and childcare centres must close immediately if API readings exceed 200. Outdoor activities are already suspended when API passes 100. Nadma will activate disaster committees when readings exceed 150 for more than 24 hours. Affected areas: Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Bintulu, Sri Aman Source: DayakDaily Stay safe, wear a mask if you're heading out. What do you think?

Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh says KL can learn from Kuching Festival's 'food ecosystem' — from farm to marketing Yeoh visited the Kuching Festival grounds on Aug 7 together with DBKL Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud and his team, hosted by MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. This was her second visit. She said her daughters first discovered the festival on TikTok during SUKMA and encouraged her to come. "I felt the concept was very unique and very vibrant. There is a lot of youth and young people's energy, and it was very clean," she said. After taking over the Federal Territories portfolio, Yeoh said she told DBKL its officers should visit Kuching to study how the festival was organised and how fresh ideas from young people were incorporated. "We are here to look into the entire ecosystem, not just this food festival, but also the ecosystem from farm to marketing. How you actually activate so many different industries based on one concept of just promoting food culture here." She cited MBKS' Natural Farmers Market as another initiative that could provide learning opportunities for KL. DBKL Mayor Fadlun described the visit as a good experience: "This is something new for us in Kuala Lumpur. Maybe we can learn from Kuching South to adopt this concept." [image: 1786151080400-kl-kuching-festival1.jpg] Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak Water investigating suspected leak on major water pipeline along Jalan Matang — no water cuts planned yet The affected pipeline is the 1,100mm-diameter MSCL main that delivers treated water to Bukit Siol Reservoir, supplying consumers across Kuching, Petra Jaya and surrounding areas. Sarawak Water said its technical team is carrying out detailed investigations to determine the exact location and extent of the suspected leak before deciding on the next course of action. As part of the investigation, the utility needs to access an isolation valve located within the road median. It is working with JKR to facilitate the necessary excavation works. Traffic advisory: Safety barriers, warning signs and traffic control measures have been put in place around Jalan Matang Batu 6. Motorists are advised to exercise caution. If repair works require a temporary water supply interruption, Sarawak Water will issue an official notice in advance with details on affected areas, expected duration and mitigation measures. [image: 1786151073522-jln-matang-water1.jpg] [image: 1786151073598-jln-matang-water2.jpg] Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

The Sarawak government will help owners rebuild the eight-unit shophouse row that collapsed on Jalan Pahlawan, Sibu in February — and use the case as a study for future reference. State Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang said the collapse was highly unusual — the first of its kind in Sibu's 100-year history. He committed to funding infrastructure works around the site, including drainage and car park, while the owners handle demolition. He's also approached banks about soft loan packages for the owners. [image: 1786097238173-sibu-shophouse.jpg] Key points: Eight-unit row collapsed on Feb 13, caught everyone by surprise Owners hired experts to investigate the cause Govt will fund public infrastructure (drainage, car park) Banks approached for soft loan packages with lower interest Sibu Resident Office coordinating demolition approvals Demolition expected to be completed by October Source: Borneo Post What do you think? Should the government do more to help?

"Stop pointing fingers, start fixing" — Tiong King Sing wants a full review of airport security after a Malaysia Airlines pilot was caught smuggling drugs in Jakarta. The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, who is also Bintulu MP, said the focus should be on fixing the system, not assigning political blame. He made the call after a meeting with MAHB, AVSEC, the border control agency AKPS, and KLIA police. The pilot, 39, was detained at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport with 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine pills worth an estimated RM45 million. He also tested positive for meth, ecstasy and cocaine. "Airports are the country's gateways. When these protective measures fail to function, the consequences extend far beyond a single incident," Tiong said. [image: 1786097193031-tiong-meeting.jpg] Key developments: MAG has mandated drug screening for all 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots First phase of screening must be completed by Aug 15 Pilots who refuse screening will be grounded Screening to be extended to all MAG pilots and cabin crew Malaysia Airlines confirmed the pilot was not operating the flight at the time Source: DayakDaily What do you think — is airport security in Malaysia tight enough?

Sarawak-born singer JessC just bagged a Gold Winner title at the 2026 Fenix Music Awards in Europe — and scored 3 nominations at the US Josie Music Awards. [image: 1786075421996-jessc.jpg] Dr Jessie Chung, known by her stage name JessC, is an international recording artist based in Australia. She's been recognised as the "U.S. Awarded Pop Queen" and "Golden Voice Queen of Europe." Her song "One Chance" won Gold Winner — Pop Vocal at the Fenix Music Awards, making her the only Gold Winner globally in that category this year. The 3 Josie Music Awards nominations: World Artist of the Year, Social Impact Song of the Year, and Social Impact Video of the Year. The ceremony will be held at Nashville's iconic Grand Ole Opry House. JessC's music is distributed globally through Universal Music Group. She's released albums in Chinese, English, and Malay, racked up 30 million+ YouTube views, and been featured in Rolling Stone and Billboard Italia. She also holds a PhD in Oncology and Health Sciences — and on top of all that, she's planning to bring her international production "Echoes of Artistry" to Kuching in January 2027. Location: Kuching Details: Fenix Music Awards Gold Winner (Pop Vocal) + 3 Josie Music Awards nominations Source: DayakDaily Another Sarawakian making waves globally. What do you think?

Kuching and Samarahan recorded "unhealthy" air quality this morning — API readings at 133 and 135 as of 10am. [image: 1786075412250-haze-api.jpg] The Air Pollutant Index readings on Friday (Aug 7) pushed both areas past the unhealthy threshold of 100, making them the worst in Sarawak. Sarikei is close behind at 90, followed by Sibu and Sri Aman at 86 each, and Bintulu at 83. Other areas like Mukah (76), Samalaju (75), Miri (66), Kapit (60), and Limbang (57) are still in the moderate range. Location: Kuching & Samarahan Details: API 133 (Kuching), 135 (Samarahan) as of 10am, Aug 7 MetMalaysia Sarawak director Khairul Najib said the haze is caused by transboundary smoke from West Kalimantan, carried by seasonal southeast winds. Hotspots detected across the border are expected to keep the haze hanging around. Source: DayakDaily Mask up if you're going out today. What do you think?

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari says investors are now scrutinising governance, transparency and integrity before deciding where to invest — not just physical infrastructure. [image: 1786064908262-premier1.jpg] Speaking at the Integrity and Excellence Day of the Sarawak Construction Industry 2026 (IECONS 2026) at CIDB Sarawak Complex in Kuching, the Premier said strong institutions, transparent processes, policy stability and integrity levels have become deciding factors for investment destinations. "Today, investors no longer look at physical facilities alone. They also assess the strength of institutions, transparency of processes, policy stability and the level of integrity," he said. He stressed that integrity must be built through strong systems, transparent processes, and principled leadership — not just enforcement after something goes wrong. [image: 1786064908490-premier2-resized.jpg] Abang Johari said Sarawak will continue strengthening governance through digitalised procurement, improved audit systems, and better risk management. He also highlighted the state's ombudsman system, with officers trained alongside MACC to be placed across government agencies. The Premier said the effort aligns with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, emphasising that integrity has become a strategic advantage in the global economy. Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi also spoke at the event, saying successful projects should not be measured by speed alone, but by quality, cost, and value delivered to the people. Location: CIDB Sarawak Complex, Kuching Details: IECONS 2026 | Premier's address on governance & integrity Source: DayakDaily What do you think — is Sarawak moving in the right direction on governance?

120 floats, 1,500 participants, and thousands of devotees — Kuching's annual Guan Ti Kung procession was a sight to behold. [image: 1786064897754-guanti1-resized.jpg] The steady beat of gongs and drums echoed through Lorong Ang Cheng Ho No. 7 as worshippers gathered to honour the deity in one of the city's most colourful annual celebrations. Lion and dragon dance troupes, giant mascots, and cultural groups from Kuching and across Sarawak took part in the grand procession, which made its way through 15 streets including Jalan Petanak, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Ban Hock, Jalan Bukit Mata, and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman before returning to the starting point. [image: 1786064898368-guanti2-resized.jpg] Sacred rituals were performed inside the temple to ceremonially invite Guan Ti Kung's spirit into the deity's statue before the public procession began. Firecrackers erupted in rapid succession, sending bursts of red confetti through the air. The procession started at around 6pm and drew crowds of locals and tourists alike, many capturing the vibrant floats and performances on their phones. Location: Ang Cheng Ho, Kuching city centre Details: 120 floats | 1,500 participants | Route covered 15 major streets Source: DayakDaily Have you been to the Guan Ti Kung procession before? What do you think about Kuching's cultural celebrations?

A 19-day-old newborn allegedly suffered a fractured left arm while under the care of a confinement centre in Kuching — and the parents are demanding answers. The baby's parents were told at 1am on Aug 4 that their child's left arm appeared swollen. An X-ray at the hospital confirmed a fracture. They lodged a police report and requested CCTV footage from the centre. What they saw allegedly showed a staff member handling the baby roughly — pulling the baby's arm forcefully while changing clothes, striking the baby's hand during feeding, and other vigorous movements. [image: 1786010686135-baby-fracture.jpg] The confinement centre issued a statement Wednesday saying it's fully cooperating with authorities. The staff member involved is no longer working there and is under investigation. The centre said it's reviewing its procedures and training. Parents shared the incident publicly to seek accountability and to prevent similar incidents from happening to other families. Location: Kuching (confinement centre, name withheld pending investigation) Details: 19-day-old baby, fractured left arm, police report lodged, CCTV examined, staff member no longer at facility Source: DayakDaily Infant safety in confinement centres — should there be stricter regulations?

A 25-year-old man who jumped off Darul Hana Bridge into the Sarawak River after a tourist dared him has been fined RM200. The video of the stunt went viral on Facebook last month — and police tracked him down from the footage. He pleaded guilty to public nuisance in the Magistrate's Court, with Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan imposing the RM200 fine, or two days' jail if he can't pay. Here's how it happened: on the night of July 23, he was chatting with friends on the bridge when a group of tourists from Peninsular Malaysia heard them. He joked about being brave enough to jump — and one tourist challenged him to prove it. He said the dare wasn't about money, even though he was promised some. He jumped because he wanted to prove he was a "true Sarawakian". [image: 1786010616754-bridge-jump.jpg] The court heard the jump happened around 10.30pm and caused inconvenience to the public, which is why he was charged under Section 268 of the Penal Code. Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Details: Fined RM200 for public nuisance; viral Facebook video from July 23 led police to identify him Source: DayakDaily Worth RM200 to prove you're a true Sarawakian? What do you think?

Three Sarawakians have been arrested in Hat Yai, Thailand, with 87kg of crystal methamphetamine (syabu) worth an estimated RM4.3 million. [image: 1785988968572-sarawakian-drug-bust.jpg] The suspects were travelling by train from Bangkok to Narathiwat when Thai railway authorities detained them at Hat Yai station after discovering the drugs concealed in their luggage and backpacks. Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed the three are Sarawakians and that Malaysian police are working closely with Thai authorities. "Thai police and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) have shared preliminary details of the arrest with us. We maintain close cooperation with the Thai authorities," he told Bernama. The seizure was the result of a joint operation involving Hat Yai Police narcotics unit, railway police, tourist police, and Thailand's ONCB (Region 9). Preliminary investigations indicate the methamphetamine was intended for a drug trafficking syndicate operating in Malaysia. The three suspects were reportedly promised RM8,000 each to transport the drugs. Location: Hat Yai, Thailand (suspects from Sarawak) Details: 87kg syabu seized, RM4.3 mln street value, suspects promised RM8,000 each Source: DayakDaily What do you think about Sarawakians getting caught up in international drug trafficking?

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari has called on AirBorneo to install in-flight Wi-Fi — starting with the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route. [image: 1785978260201-airborneo-wifi.jpg] Speaking at SACOFA's 25th anniversary dinner in Kuching on Aug 5, the Premier said the state-owned airline needs to keep up with Sarawak's digital transformation. "If possible, AirBorneo should have Wi-Fi on its aircraft. At the moment, it does not have Wi-Fi. I have asked them to install it, at least on flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching so that passengers can stay connected while on board," he said. He also urged SACOFA to stay ahead of emerging telecom technologies, adding that Sarawak must prepare for a future driven by wireless tech, satellite connectivity, AI, and aerospace. AirBorneo currently does not offer in-flight internet on any of its routes. Location: Kuching Details: Premier calls for AirBorneo in-flight Wi-Fi, starting with Kuching-KL route Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Would you use it?

Tragic accident at Kuching's KUTS project site — a construction worker has died after falling from a 14-metre structure. [image: 1785978246668-kuts-accident.jpg] Sarawak Metro confirmed the victim, a Nepalese national, was fatally injured around 8.30am on Aug 5 while installing deck slabs at the Simpang Tiga construction site. He was rushed to the nearest hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. A stop-work order has been issued at the affected site. Sarawak Metro and the contractor are cooperating with DOSH (Department of Occupational Safety and Health) and the police to investigate the cause of the incident. The company said it remains committed to upholding safety standards at all its construction sites. Location: KUTS Simpang Tiga project site, Kuching Details: 14-metre fall, fatal, stop-work order issued, DOSH investigation underway Source: DayakDaily Thoughts?

Hot and dry weather is expected to continue across Sarawak until Aug 9, with possible transboundary haze — especially in southern parts of the state. MetMalaysia said prevailing southerly winds, combined with an increase in hotspots in neighbouring countries, could bring haze and reduced visibility. Its latest weather forecast also points to below-average rainfall across most of Borneo during this period. Meanwhile, Typhoon Dolphin, currently active over the western Pacific, is expected to move towards Okinawa, Japan, and then towards China by Aug 9. The typhoon is expected to strengthen westerly winds over Sabah and Labuan from Aug 6 to 9. [image: 1785924350668-weather-haze.jpg] MetMalaysia advises the public to check its official website, social media, or the myCuaca app for verified weather updates. Location: Sarawak (southern regions including Kuching) Details: Hot spell + possible haze until Aug 9 Source: Borneo Post Stay hydrated, folks. Is the heat already getting to you? What do you think?

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?

Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has proposed regular meetings among UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in Asia to strengthen cultural ties and culinary exchange. The proposal came as delegates from China's Quanzhou, Chaozhou, Chengdu, Macau, Eastern Guangdong, and Iloilo, Philippines, visited the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion at MBKS Jubilee Ground during the Kuching Food Festival 2026. "Food reflects a community's history, culture and identity. Although we come from different countries and cultures, our shared passion for gastronomy has brought us together as one family," Wee said. The mayor said closer cooperation among Asian gastronomy cities would help showcase the richness of Asian culinary traditions while encouraging more visitors to experience each city's unique food culture. Location: Kuching South (MBKS) Details: Kuching is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a City of Gastronomy. The 3rd Annual Meeting of UCCN Gastronomy Cities is currently underway with delegates from six cities. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawakian musician Alena Murang has won a Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards for her Kelabit-language song, Sekunuh Kamih. [image: 1785837902100-alena-murang-silver.jpg] Source: DayakDaily The song, which means "Our Stories" in Kelabit, blends traditional sape' sounds with contemporary production. A unique feature: it includes voices from three generations of the Kelabit community — opening with a recording of Alena's father from a 1980s cassette tape asking his uncle, "Who told you this story?", to which the elder replies, "The elders did, a long time ago." The track also features Alena's grandaunt reciting an ancient epic tale of two warriors. Produced by Melina William, an award-winning Malaysian music director with Orang Ulu heritage, the song is available on major streaming platforms worldwide. Location: Sarawak Details: Alena Murang's Kelabit song Sekunuh Kamih, Silver Medal at Global Music Awards Source: https://dayakdaily.com/alena-murangs-kelabit-song-wins-silver-at-prestigious-global-music-awards/ Nice one, Sarawak!