[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?

[image: 1783915498213-sarawak-health-clinics.jpg] Sarawak wants more private clinics to join its health screening programmes so access is easier for workers and senior citizens. Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said only 166 out of about 400 private medical facilities in the State are currently registered under the Sarawak Foreigners Health Information System (Safhis). His speech was read by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the Society of Private Medical Practitioners Sarawak 52nd Anniversary Dinner in Kuching. Why it matters Dr Sim said more GP clinics should take part so foreign worker health screening can be done more easily, while also helping Sarawak manage illegal foreign worker issues. He also called for more private clinics to join the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) programme, because fewer than half of Sarawak private clinics are currently participating. He said healthcare providers should also move faster on electronic medical records, telemedicine, secure data sharing and AI tools to improve service delivery. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Hot Score: 25/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783915459573-lorong-peace-fire.jpg] A workers' quarters near Chung Hua Middle School in Kuching was destroyed by fire this morning. The Fire and Rescue Department said the call came in at 7.32am on July 13. Firefighters from Padungan were sent to Lorong Peace 3, with teams from Tabuan Jaya and Batu Lintang helping at the scene. What happened The fire involved a 10-room non-permanent structure, about 50ft by 50ft. The building was razed, and two motorcycles were also destroyed. Bomba used three hose lines and water from a fire engine pump plus a nearby hydrant. The operation ended at 9.29am. No casualties were reported. Location: Lorong Peace 3, Kuching Hot Score: 25/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Drivers using the Bintulu Airport Junction-Sungai Sibiu No.1 route will face night-time half-road closures from today until Aug 13. [image: 1783904717278-bintulu-road-closure.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak JKR Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) says the closure is for road resurfacing works along Route 1/61A and Route 1/62A. The works will run daily from 7pm to 5am at several points, including KM711, KM715, KM716 and KM718. What drivers should know JKR says the resurfacing works are meant to improve road safety, driving comfort and traffic flow. Road users are advised to slow down, follow traffic signs, and listen to traffic management personnel at the work areas. Location: Bintulu Airport Junction-Sungai Sibiu No.1 route Details: Temporary half-road closure from July 13 to Aug 13, 2026, nightly from 7pm to 5am. Source: DayakDaily If you use this stretch at night, better plan a bit of extra time. What do you think?

Kuching CHMS No.4 says scammers are using the school's name to ask people for money. [image: 1783904677263-chms-johnny-kon.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Chung Hua Middle School No.4 in Kuching has warned the public not to trust messages claiming to be from the school or its principal, Johnny Kon. Kon said people had reported receiving text messages and other approaches asking for financial help. What the school said The school will not ask for purchases, bank transfers, or money dealings through mobile messaging apps or social media. Anyone who receives suspicious messages should check directly with the school before doing anything. Location: Chung Hua Middle School No.4, Kuching Details: The school says scammers are impersonating the school and principal Johnny Kon to solicit funds. ️ Check with school: 082-243860 Source: The Borneo Post If this message reaches your family chat, remind them to verify first. What do you think?

Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in Sibu is set to be gazetted as Malaysia's largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve. [image: 1783850680098-bukit-lima.jpg] Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the protected area will cover about 1,045 hectares, made up of the existing 301 hectares and another 744 hectares. He said major development will not be allowed inside the reserve. Only small-scale facilities for recreation and basic amenities are planned. The reserve has also been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the country's largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve. Why it matters For Sibu, this is a big green lung right inside an urban area. It also gives Sarawak another conservation asset that can support education, recreation and environmental protection at the same time. Location: Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, Sibu Details: The announcement was made after the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Sibu on July 11. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Sarawak says it is moving closer to producing a new semiconductor chip that can split light without generating heat. [image: 1783850638039-sarawak-chip.jpg] Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the chip is part of Sarawak's push into the new economy and advanced semiconductor work. He said Sarawak is developing a gallium nitride-based chip, a material he described as better than silicon for this purpose. The design work, he added, is being handled by Sarawakian talent. Abang Johari also said Sarawak is working on the world's first storage disk using a glass substrate instead of silicon. Why it matters This is not just another factory announcement. If the plan moves as described, Sarawak wants to be known for designing high-value tech products, not only hosting industrial projects. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Abang Johari spoke at the Tanjong Lobang College Alumni Association Charity Dinner in Kuching on July 11. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

You know that one building across the Sarawak River that every Kuching visitor ends up photographing? Yep, the big umbrella-shaped one. The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building, or DUN Sarawak, is not really a "walk inside and explore every room" kind of attraction. It is more like Kuching's postcard background: best enjoyed from the Waterfront, Darul Hana Bridge, the river taxi, or the opposite bank when the light hits nicely. [image: 1783822106313-dun-kuching-sign.jpg] Source: Pixnio / Maysam Yabandeh [image: 1783822106443-dun-river-day.jpg] Source: Pixnio / Maysam Yabandeh [image: 1783822106561-dun-flag-river.jpg] Source: Pixnio / Maysam Yabandeh [image: 1783822106703-dun-bridge-night.jpg] Source: Pixnio / Maysam Yabandeh What I like about it is the timing game. Daytime gives you the full shape, the Sarawak flag, and the river view. Sunset is when the roof starts to look warmer. At night, with the lights and reflection, it suddenly feels like the whole riverfront changed mood. A few visitor notes line up with that. Trip.com reviewers rate it 4.9/5 from 15 reviews and one visitor said it is visible from much of the city centre, beautiful in both day and night, but not open for casual public entry. Wanderlog also lists it as a 4.7/5 Google-rated spot from 245 reviews, with people highlighting the riverside setting, sunset view, Darul Hana Bridge connection, and the fact that it is more for admiring and photographing than wandering inside. DBKU's own page confirms it sits in Petra Jaya between The Astana and Fort Margherita, opened on 27 July 2009, and that the umbrella-like roof is one of Sarawak's iconic monuments. Small reality check: do not come expecting a museum visit. This is an active government building. The better plan is simple: walk the Waterfront, cross Darul Hana Bridge if you want the closer angle, take photos, then continue to Fort Margherita or Kampung Boyan for food. Quick tips: Best time: late afternoon, sunset, or after dark Best view: Kuching Waterfront, Darul Hana Bridge, or river taxi Entry: the outside view is the main experience; do not assume casual indoor access Nearby: The Astana, Fort Margherita, Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Photo tip: include the river or the bridge, otherwise the building looks a bit too flat in photos Have you taken a better shot of DUN from the Waterfront, Darul Hana Bridge, or boat ride? Drop your angle. Kuching people always know the nicer photo spot.

[image: 1783818287661-sejijak-waterfront.jpg] Two waterfront projects for Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh have been approved, with an estimated total cost of RM44 million. Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said the projects are already on the Economic Planning Unit approved list. An initial RM20 million allocation has also been approved to allow preliminary works to begin. Land return plan also underway Fazzrudin said another plan is being pursued to return land in Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh to residents. The Sarawak Land and Survey Department has identified the land and is in the process of reacquiring it before handing it back to the villages for residential lots or community needs. Location: Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh, Tupong Details: RM44 million waterfront projects approved, RM20 million initial allocation, land return process underway Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783818235479-smart-parking.png] Sarawak is working towards one smart parking app that can be used statewide. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the Pay and Go system is currently part of that move towards a unified parking payment setup. The long-term target is simple: one app for public and private parking, first in Kuching, then wider areas such as Padawan and Kota Samarahan once the system is stable. What residents should know Public complaints have been raised over parking penalties and system glitches. Wee said users should first submit complaints to Pay and Go, the appointed contractor. If the issue is not resolved, MBKS can take it up. He also said suggestions such as a five- to 10-minute grace period can be considered. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Unified smart parking app, Pay and Go complaints, wider statewide rollout being studied Hot Score: 29/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A planned road network linking several Sarawak towns could bring the Kuching-Sibu drive down to about two hours. [image: 1783742633328-roads.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS What the route covers Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the network would link Sebuyau, Sri Aman, Lingga, Betong, Roban, Sarikei and Sibu. According to DayakDaily, he said the route would be around 212km, cutting about 140km from the current journey. Why it matters The Premier said the new links would connect Sibu more closely with Kuching and growth areas in Sri Aman and Betong. He also said Sibu would be connected to Tanjung Embang, where the state plans to develop an international airport and deep sea port, with the journey expected to take about one and a half hours. Location: Kuching-Sibu corridor via Sebuyau, Sri Aman, Lingga, Betong, Roban and Sarikei Details: Proposed new road network, about 212km route, possible 140km reduction Hot Score: 26/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A fire at an ice cream factory in Demak Laut Industrial Park spread to a neighbouring premises on Friday afternoon. [image: 1783677898926-demak-fire.jpg] Source: Bomba via The Borneo Post What happened The Fire and Rescue Department said the blaze involved a storage area for ice-cream powder before spreading to the rear of the factory and into a second nearby premises. Firefighters from the Tabuan Jaya and Petra Jaya fire stations were sent to the scene after Bomba received a distress call at 12.23pm on July 10. No casualties reported According to the report, no casualties were reported. Factory personnel managed to evacuate safely. The operation was still focused on extinguishing the blaze when the initial report was published. Location: Demak Laut Industrial Park, Kuching Details: Factory storage fire spread to a neighbouring premises; no casualties reported Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Police say four raids around Kuching and Padawan broke up a methamphetamine trafficking syndicate. [image: 1783677862593-drugs-raid.jpg] Source: PDRM via DayakDaily What happened Sarawak police said seven people were arrested after four raids were carried out around Kuching and Padawan on July 3 and 4. The seizures totalled 26,965.95 grams of suspected methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of RM1.35 million. Police said the amount could supply about 134,500 users. Where the raids happened The raids covered Jalan Matang, Jalan Batu Kawa, Jalan Setia Raja and Jalan Tabuan Tranquillity. Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspects were aged between 25 and 46. Police also seized a motorcycle and a car under the Dangerous Drugs Act. Investigation The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Location: Kuching and Padawan Details: 7 arrested, RM1.35 million in suspected methamphetamine seized Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783656355307-baram-longhouse-fire.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Bomba A longhouse fire in Baram left 10 residents homeless after five bilik were gutted early this morning. The fire happened at Rumah Hendry Gomes in Kampung Mission, Ulu Teru, Tinjar, Baram. The affected residents included three women and three children. What happened Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the distress call came in at about 2am. Firefighters from Lopeng and Lutong were sent to the scene, around 134km away. Because of hilly terrain, narrow roads and rocky access, the teams took more than four hours to reach the location. By the time they arrived, about 95% of the affected units had already been razed. Nearby residents helped fight the fire first using 36 fire extinguishers and buckets of water. No injuries were reported, and the displaced residents are staying with relatives. Initial findings suggest the fire may have been caused by faulty electrical wiring. Location: Kampung Mission, Ulu Teru, Tinjar, Baram Details: Five bilik razed; 10 residents affected; operation ended at 9.35am. Source: The Borneo Post Scary reminder for rural homes, especially wiring and access road issues. What do you think?