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?

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?