Sarawak's vast geography and heavy reliance on diesel transport make the federal government's 200-litre monthly subsidy cap unworkable, says social activist Voon Shiak Ni. Speaking on Friday (June 27), Voon said the Budi Madani Diesel programme — which offers subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre up to 200 litres per month — fails to account for Sarawak's unique circumstances as an oil-producing state with enormous logistical challenges. "A one-size-fits-all approach may not reflect the realities of different regions. Sarawak's contribution as an oil-producing state and its unique logistical challenges should be considered," she said. [image: 1782522151104-diesel-subsidy.jpg] Lorry drivers and transport operators would be the hardest hit. One lorry driver told Voon he uses over 2,000 litres of diesel a month just transporting stones from Paku, Bau to Jalan Stephen Yong — ten times the proposed cap. Location: Sarawak Details: Budi Madani Diesel subsidy cap at 200 litres/month — activist calls it unsuitable for Sarawak's geography and logistics needs Source: Borneo Post Online What do you think?

PBB Youth has hit back at DAPSY Sarawak for allegedly editing out Premier Abang Johari from social media posts about the Bintulu Port handover. In a statement today, PBB Youth information chief Royston Valentine said DAPSY's visuals appeared to deliberately obscure the Premier's face from an official cheque handover image between the federal and state governments. He accused DAPSY of replacing or covering the Premier's image with photos of their own leaders, giving the false impression that Sarawak's leadership played no role in the port acquisition. [image: 1782453938630-pbb-youth-royston.jpg] Royston stressed that the Bintulu Port deal cost Sarawak RM1.8 billion — it was not a free transfer from the federal government as might be perceived. GPS leaders worked for years to secure the takeover. "In fact, they are acting as if they were the ones who championed Sarawak's rights under MA63, whereas all this time they remained silent while GPS leaders worked tirelessly to restore Sarawak's rights," he said. He urged all parties to avoid actions that could disrupt Sarawak's unity and harmony. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Key Facts: Bintulu Port acquisition cost RM1.8 billion, fully funded by Sarawak Royston Valentine is also the Tellian state assemblyman PBB Youth says DAP Sarawak has a track record of misleading the public through what they called "political manipulation" Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 67-year-old Kuching man lost over RM111,000 after falling for an online part-time job scam on Facebook. The victim came across a Facebook page called "RWESHOPS" that promised lucrative commission-based earnings. After signing up, he was instructed to complete online tasks — and to make payments to "unlock" commissions. He carried out 24 transactions into 6 different bank accounts. By the time he realised it was a scam, RM111,245 was gone. Location: Kuching Details: Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. He urged the public to: Verify suspicious accounts through Semak Mule portal (semakmule.rmp.gov.my) Contact NSRC hotline at 997 within 24 hours if scammed Report suspicious activities to Sarawak Commercial Crime Department at 011-62890089 Source: DayakDaily Have you or someone you know encountered similar online job scams? Drop a comment to warn others.

A 67-year-old man was killed after his car crashed into the back of a stationary four-wheel-drive at the traffic light junction along Jalan Sekama yesterday afternoon. According to Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, the accident happened around 12.20pm on June 23. A Mitsubishi Triton had stopped at a red light when a Proton Saga allegedly lost control from behind and slammed into it. The 70-year-old driver of the Triton was unharmed, but the 67-year-old Proton Saga driver was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical assistant from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). The victim's body has been sent to SGH's Forensic Department for a post-mortem. Both vehicles have been towed to the Kuching Traffic Police Station for inspection. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 — causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. Location: Jalan Sekama traffic light junction, Kuching Details: Fatal rear-end collision at red light, driver pronounced dead on scene Source: DayakDaily Drivers, always stay alert at traffic lights — you never know what's coming from behind. What do you think?

Viral photos of worn-out mattresses and dilapidated hostel rooms at Politeknik Kuching have sparked outrage online — and caught the attention of the state's deputy minister. [image: 1782263902144-polytechnic-hostel.jpg] Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, rushed to the polytechnic on June 22 after social media posts exposed the poor living conditions in the student hostels. What happened: A Facebook group 'Sarawak Awareness Group (No Ads)' posted photos of torn, stained mattresses and run-down beds Kuching Polytechnic admitted 1,600 students this year — up from just 1,200 previously More than 40 hostel rooms are unusable due to safety concerns and inadequate facilities The surge in UPU (Central University Unit) admissions reportedly caught the polytechnic unprepared The response: Dr Annuar said there's no point blaming anyone. "What is important is that all parties take responsibility to ensure what happened at the polytechnic will not happen again, either there or anywhere else in Sarawak." The polytechnic submitted an official request to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) on June 23 to expedite upgrades. Source: DayakDaily Students deserve better. What do you think?

A glass bridge and 3km scenic riverside walkway are coming to Batu Kawa, connecting Kampung Rantau Panjang to Batu Kawa Riverbank Park. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian announced the plan after visiting the site on June 22 with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak team. The proposed walkway will link the predominantly Malay riverside villages with the historic Batu Kawa Chinese old town, creating a continuous promenade along the river. Riverbank Protection The project includes Phase 2 riverbank protection works covering 500 metres (split into 350m and 150m sections). DID will first carry out a temporary RM200,000 solution while designs for the permanent structure are completed. Open tender is expected by end of this year. Cost & History The first phase (450 metres) was initially awarded in 2019 for RM8.7 million but became a sick project during Covid when material costs surged. It was retendered in 2022 at RM11.6 million and completed in late 2023. Dr Sim said the Premier has allocated a RM31 million ceiling for the remaining 500 metres of riverbank works scheduled for 2026. [image: 1782194603298-batu-kawa-glass-bridge-1.jpg] Dr Sim (in yellow shirt) reviewing the riverbank protection plan with DID Sarawak team during a site visit on June 22, 2026. [image: 1782194603385-batu-kawa-glass-bridge-2.jpg] The proposed second phase of riverbank protection works at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Batu Kawa. Rising Construction Costs Dr Sim noted the entire 950-metre project would have cost RM18.6 million if done as a single project in 2019. The remaining 500 metres alone is now projected at RM31 million — a reflection of escalating material prices and global uncertainties. Location: Kampung Rantau Panjang, Batu Kawa, Kuching Details: 3km scenic walkway + glass bridge connecting Malay villages to Batu Kawa town Source: DayakDaily What do you think of this development?

23 men were charged in a Kuching court yesterday over their alleged involvement in an organised criminal syndicate called 'Geng 24 Hung-Hung'. All 23 are accused of taking part in organised criminal activities between December 2021 and April 2026 at an oil palm plantation in Kampung Temaga Cina-Dayak, Sematan. They were charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code — which carries a prison sentence of between 5 and 20 years upon conviction. The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General's Chambers. Counsel representing the accused include Dato Shankar Ram, Ranbir Singh, Ralph Lee, Patrick Voon, Daniel Ling, and Tiong Ing Neng. [image: 1782176582672-geng24-hunghung.jpg] No bail was offered since the charges fall under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA). All 23 have been ordered to remain in remand pending the next mention date on July 23, 2026. According to the prosecution, the arrests were made during police's Ops Pusak Merah conducted between April 19 and 23. Location: Sematan, Kuching Details: 23 charged under SOSMA, organised crime (Geng 24 Hung-Hung), mention set for July 23 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

The first time someone offers to take you up Mount Santubong, listen carefully to how they describe it. If they say it was "tough but worth it" they made the summit. If they smile a rueful smile and change the subject, they probably didn't get past checkpoint F7. At 810 metres, Santubong is Kuching's highest peak and the dark green silhouette visible from almost the entire coastline. The trailhead sits at the Santubong National Park office on the Damai Peninsula, about 35 minutes by car from central Kuching. The park opens at 7 am and enforces a noon cut-off — you need to be past checkpoint F7 by noon or they will turn you back. The climbing window is real. [image: 1782094249824-1_santubong_bridge-resized.jpg] Mt. Santubong seen from Santubong Bridge The summit trail runs roughly 4 km one way and takes an average fit person 3.5 to 4 hours up and 2.5 to 3 hours down. That sounds manageable until you reach the section between checkpoint F7 and the summit (F15) — 1.3 km of near-vertical terrain where you haul yourself up aluminium ladders, grip knotted ropes and use tree roots as footholds. There are 21 ladders total. Most hikers say that final kilometre is where the mountain earns its reputation. A lower loop trail of 2.5 km offers an alternative for anyone who wants the rainforest atmosphere without the lung-busting ascent. It's flat, shaded and takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. Good for families or first-time visitors who just want to say they stood at the foot of Santubong. [image: 1782094250331-2_summit_view-resized.jpg] View from the summit — South China Sea and the Kuching coastline The rock itself is part of a sandstone and shale formation that rises directly from the coast. Geologists describe Santubong as part of the same Cretaceous-to-Eocene sedimentary sequence that underlies much of western Sarawak. But locals have a better explanation. The legend goes that two princesses — Puteri Santubong and Puteri Sejinjang — were sent from heaven to help the villagers. Santubong was a master weaver, Sejinjang a rice-pounding expert. They lived peacefully until a quarrel ended with Sejinjang hurling a rice pestle at her sister. Santubong was struck and turned to stone, becoming the mountain. The broken notch on one side is where the pestle hit. Her head split apart and the fragments became the islands that fringe the coast. [image: 1782094250973-5_ropes_ladders-resized.jpg] Ropes and ladders on the final push The practical side matters a lot here. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person and proper hiking shoes with aggressive grip — the trail gets slippery in minutes after a rain, and afternoon downpours are common. Most rescues happen on the descent when tired legs meet steep mud. Do not hike alone; a partner makes the dangerous sections safer and the summit photo better. A small park entry fee applies (bring cash) and there is a registration desk at the trailhead. Who should go: anyone with reasonable fitness who wants a genuine rainforest summit experience within easy reach of Kuching. Who should reconsider: anyone with weak knees, fear of heights on ladders, or less than four hours of daylight ahead. The summit opens onto the South China Sea and the entire Kuching coastline — that view is the reward, and it doesn't disappoint. [image: 1782094252040-3_wetlands-resized.jpg] Wetlands and coastline visible from the summit You do not need to be a mountaineer. You do need to respect the mountain's timeline, bring the right shoes and start early. Plenty of people turn back at F7 and still count it as a good morning. That is the honest measure of Santubong — it gives you a clear choice, and both options are valid.

'For the first time in my career, a state government handed me a cheque instead of asking for allocations.' Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made this remark at the State-level Gawai Dayak 2026 Gala Dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday night, after Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas presented him with a RM1.8 billion cheque from the Sarawak government. The cheque relates to the Bintulu Port regulatory handover — a major MA63 milestone that officially transferred control to Sarawak. Anwar said the gesture proves that when a state is managed well, with competent leadership and sound fiscal governance, it can deliver. He specifically saluted Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his team. He also addressed critics in Peninsular Malaysia who have opposed devolving strategic assets back to East Malaysia under MA63, arguing that Sarawak has developed the institutional maturity to manage major infrastructure on its own. 'Throughout my time leading the government, despite complex negotiations, there has never been a single threat or ultimatum from Sarawak. This is the true spirit of consensus, maturity, and understanding of the Federal Constitution,' he added. Anwar also touched on international diplomacy, revealing that Malaysia secured a 20-year energy supply guarantee from Russia, won the management of Gas Fields 9 and 10 in Turkmenistan through PETRONAS, and that Japan has requested similar long-term gas supply agreements. Location: BCCK, Kuching Details: RM1.8 billion cheque from Sarawak govt; Bintulu Port handover; MA63 progress; PM praises Sarawak leadership Source: DayakDaily What do you think about the progress of MA63 talks?

The Astana first appears as a white shape across the Sarawak River, so I would treat it as a view with a story—not promise a palace tour that does not exist. Start on the Kuching Waterfront near sunset, when the river separates the public promenade from the Governor’s residence and makes the old power geography easy to read. Charles Brooke built the house in 1870 as a wedding gift for Margaret Alice Lili de Windt. That private beginning matters: the building was not simply an administrative block, but a family home for the second White Rajah and his Ranee. Margaret later wrote My Life in Sarawak, giving the residence a personal voice that is easy to lose when it is reduced to a white colonial façade. [image: 1782007410756-1_astana_front-resized.jpg] View from the Waterfront — classic white colonial architecture Before bridges joined the riverbanks, the crossing was by small boat. The Astana’s position opposite the old town therefore tells two stories at once: it was an elite residence separated from the trading waterfront, yet it remained tied to the river traffic that made Kuching work. A short boat ride may be available for the gardens when the service is operating, but access, fare and landing arrangements can change; the main residence is not open for ordinary public visits. [image: 1782007427520-2_astana_wide.jpg] Front view with lush green lawn I would allow 20–40 minutes for the opposite-bank view, or pair it with Main Bazaar, Darul Hana Bridge and the Waterfront for a fuller heritage walk. The Astana suits travellers who enjoy architecture, river history and a strong exterior photograph. It will disappoint anyone expecting rooms, exhibitions or a guaranteed garden admission, so check the latest public notice or boat operator before planning a crossing and do not rely on an old RM1 reference. [image: 1782007428162-3_astana_panoramio-resized.jpg] The Astana sitting gracefully by the Sarawak River The best route is simple: walk the south-bank promenade in daylight, pause when the white building catches the evening light, then continue to the bridge or return through the old town for dinner. E-hailing is easier than searching for parking during events, and the riverfront is exposed to sudden rain. Night lighting can be attractive, but it is not a fixed promise—weather, civic events and maintenance can change what you see. [image: 1782007428710-4_astana_bangunan-resized.jpg] Close-up of the building details The Astana earns a place in a Kuching itinerary because its distance is part of the meaning: a palace seen across the same river that carried trade, people and political change. If you want an indoor attraction, choose a museum instead; if you like a quiet historical pause and understand the boundary between viewing and entering, this is a rewarding short stop.

古晋河滨公园对岸那栋白色建筑，最适合当成一段隔着河阅读的历史，而不是一场可以随时进去参观的皇宫之旅。傍晚从河滨步道出发，先看 Astana 如何和旧城隔水相望，再决定要不要把它排进更长的老城路线。 Astana 建于1870年，是第二代白拉者 Charles Brooke 送给妻子 Margaret Alice Lili de Windt 的结婚礼物。这个起点让它不只是白色殖民建筑：它曾经是白拉者和 Ranee 的家庭居所，而 Margaret 后来写下《My Life in Sarawak》，为这栋房子留下比较少见的私人视角。 [image: 1782007410756-1_astana_front-resized.jpg] 从河滨公园望向 Astana，经典的白色殖民建筑 在桥梁出现以前，两岸靠小船往来。Astana 的位置因此很有意思：它一方面代表与贸易河岸分开的权力空间，另一方面又离不开让古晋运作起来的河流交通。若渡船服务当日开放，游客可能可以短程过河看花园，但船班、收费和登陆安排都会变，官邸主楼则不对一般公众开放。出发前要看最新公共通知或直接问船家，别把旧资料里的 RM1 当成现况。 [image: 1782007427520-2_astana_wide.jpg] Astana 正面视角，绿草如茵 我会为对岸观景预留20至40分钟，再把 Main Bazaar、Darul Hana Bridge 和河滨公园接成一条文化路线。喜欢建筑、河流历史和安静拍照的人会觉得刚好；期待入内看房间、展览，或期待花园一定开放的人，可能会失望。Astana 的价值在于理解边界，而不是假装这里是普通博物馆。 [image: 1782007428162-3_astana_panoramio-resized.jpg] 从不同角度看 Astana，坐落在砂拉越河畔 最顺的走法是白天沿南岸慢走，等白色建筑接住傍晚光线，再继续过桥或回老城吃饭。活动时段叫车通常比找停车位轻松；河边无遮蔽，阵雨也来得快。夜间灯光有时很漂亮，但会受天气、公共活动和维修影响，不能当成固定节目。 [image: 1782007428710-4_astana_bangunan-resized.jpg] 建筑细节近距离拍摄 Astana 值得放进古晋路线，是因为它隔着同一条曾经运送货物、人和政治变化的河流，让历史保持一点距离。若你想进室内慢慢看，改排博物馆；若你喜欢在老城散步中停下来读一栋建筑，这里会是很好的短暂停顿。

Sarawak's deputy minister has confirmed plans for a 100-acre crocodile sanctuary at Kuching Wetlands — part of a broader strategy to manage growing human-crocodile conflicts across the state. Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the government has identified the site in the Kuching Wetland area, with fencing planned to keep relocated crocodiles contained within the sanctuary. Any crocodiles removed from residential areas will be sent there. The announcement follows a viral video showing a crocodile hunting pigeons at Kuching Waterfront last week, raising public alarm about the presence of large reptiles in popular areas. For central Sarawak, sanctuary sites include Pulau Seduku, Batang Lupar, and Rajang Mangrove National Park. In northern Sarawak, locations in Sibuti, Lawas and Limbang have been proposed. The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is already carrying out relocation and removal operations targeting crocodiles identified as threats to villages and longhouse communities. Len Talif also reminded the public to stay vigilant, follow warning signs, and use the Sarawak Croc Watch app to report sightings. Location: Kuching Wetlands, Sarawak Details: 100-acre sanctuary, fencing, statewide relocation plan Source: DayakDaily [image: 1781935364844-croc-sanctuary.jpg] Source: Pixabay (illustration) What do you think — is this the right approach to manage croc populations?

Kuching shoppers beware — online purchases from a local seller on social media have led to losses exceeding RM80,000, with at least 14 victims reporting they paid but never received their items. The Sarawak Consumers Association (PPS) said it received 14 consumer complaints and one pharmacy complaint as of June 17, linked to a local woman suspected of selling daily necessities — including infant formula, diapers, medicines, and household items — through social media platforms. PPS president Dr Wynson Ong said the total reported losses amounted to RM80,509.98, with more complaints still being verified. According to PPS, some buyers initially received their orders, which built trust and encouraged repeat purchases — especially since the seller offered promotional prices lower than market rates. "However, after several successful transactions, payments were made but the goods were no longer delivered," Ong said. In one case involving a pharmacy, the same individual was alleged to have made an invalid payment by submitting a receipt that didn't reflect the actual payment amount. Ong said the number of complaints shows the matter cannot be taken lightly. "When 14 consumers and a pharmacy are involved, with losses exceeding RM80,000 and potentially reaching hundreds of thousands, this matter cannot be taken lightly." PPS advised shoppers to: Avoid rushing into payments Do not transfer money to personal bank accounts without verifying seller legitimacy Check seller backgrounds Use traceable payment methods The Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) is expected to investigate. Anyone with information can contact PPS at 017-7109299. Consumer awareness is the first line of defence against online scams. [image: 1781917505645-scam-warning.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: 14+ victims, RM80,509.98 lost to online shopping scam Source: Borneo Post What do you think? Have you or someone you know encountered this scam?

A large crocodile was filmed hunting and devouring a pigeon at the Kuching Waterfront, prompting a Cabinet minister to call for immediate action. A viral video circulating on social media shows the reptile stalking and catching its prey near the popular tourist promenade, just metres from where families walk daily. Tourism Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the footage proves the crocodile is an active predator and not a passive bystander. "I've seen that video of the crocodile eating the pigeon. That means that crocodile is not a very tame one," he told reporters after an event at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak today (June 19). "If there are kids swimming in that river, they might end up being eaten by the crocodile," he warned. The minister has called on the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to take immediate action. SFC had previously conducted capture-and-relocate operations near the floating mosque along the Sarawak River, removing several crocodiles to a sanctuary in Matang. Abdul Karim believes this is likely a new crocodile that has moved into the area. Crocodile sightings along the Sarawak River are not new — the reptiles have long been known to gather beneath the floating mosque. But this latest incident, captured on video, has revived public concern over safety at one of Kuching's busiest tourist spots. [image: 1781849183862-crocodile.jpeg] Location: Kuching Waterfront / Masjid India (floating mosque) Details: Viral video shows crocodile hunting pigeon. Minister urges SFC to act. SFC had previously caught multiple crocs in same area. Source: DayakDaily / Borneo Post What do you think? Is the Kuching Waterfront safe?

Discoloured tap water has been reported across several areas in Kuching, but Sarawak Water says the Batu Kitang treatment plant is running fine — the issue is caused by sediment disturbance in the distribution network. Since early June, residents in parts of Kuching Division have been complaining about murky and discoloured water coming from their taps. The issue escalated to the point where SUPP Public Complaints Bureau chairman Milton Foo said he received over 10 complaints in just 24 hours on June 12. [image: 1781762762899-water-tap.jpg] Sarawak Water issued a statement yesterday assuring the public that the Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant continues to operate normally. The company attributed the discolouration to sediment disturbances within the distribution network, triggered by changes in water flow patterns and ongoing system stabilisation activities. Mitigation efforts have been ongoing since June 6, including intensified flushing operations and field monitoring. Sarawak Water reports that conditions are improving and complaint trends have declined compared to the previous week. The company apologised for the inconvenience and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring water quality to satisfactory levels. Milton Foo had previously called for water quality reports to be released and for clean water supplies to be deployed to affected areas. Borneo Post Location: Multiple areas across Kuching Division Details: Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant remains operational; discolouration due to sediment disturbance in pipes; flushing operations ongoing Source: Borneo Post What do you think?

[image: 1781744678877-niti-daun-map.png] Heading to the city centre tomorrow or Saturday? Plan your route — 12 roads around Kuching Waterfront will be closed for the Sarawak-level Gawai celebration. The closures are for the 'Niti Daun' programme, part of the Sarawak Gawai 2026 celebration at Kuching Waterfront. Closure schedule: June 19 (Fri): 12pm – 6pm (rehearsal) June 20 (Sat): 10am – 6pm (main event) Affected roads: Lebuh Java, Market Road, Gambier Road, Old Court House Road, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Carpenter Street, Lebuh Wayang, Main Bazaar, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Chan Chin Ann, Jalan Abell, and slip roads near the White Cat statue & Sri Aman roundabout. Police also advise against roadside parking in the affected areas. Traffic Enquiries: Kuching Traffic Division at 082-259900 Source: DayakDaily Plan ahead and avoid the jam! What do you think?

UK Trade Envoy to ASEAN Naz Shah visited Kuching and toured the Borneo Cultures Museum, saying Sarawak has "significant potential" as an international cultural tourism destination. [image: 1781676282296-uk-envoy-kch-resized.jpg] During her visit on Tuesday, Shah was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre CEO Prof Dr Patrick Then, and museum curator Yasmin Khalid Nicholls. UK reaffirms commitment to Sarawak Shah said the UK remains committed to strengthening strategic cooperation with Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, and countries across the ASEAN region in trade, investment and tourism. "This has been an incredibly meaningful experience, and I want to share it with people in the UK so that more people can learn about and appreciate what Sarawak has to offer," she said. World-class museum She described the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) as a "world-class institution" that successfully showcases the cultural richness of Sarawak and Borneo to both local and international audiences. "What is displayed here is remarkable and provides a deeper understanding of the people and heritage of Sarawak," she added. Location: Borneo Cultures Museum, Kuching Details: UK reaffirms commitment to deepening ties with Sarawak in trade, investment and tourism Source: Borneo Post Online What do you think of Sarawak's growing international profile?

Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Recreation Park begins as a family day trip with a simple question: how close can you safely stand to an animal that looks still until feeding time? The answer is a Siburan drive, not a city-centre walk. [image: 1781662025150-croc_1_pool.png] Source: Crocodile enclosure at Jong's Crocodile Farm [image: 1781662025252-croc_2_feeding.jpg] Source: Feeding show in action [image: 1781662025354-croc_3_entrance.jpg] Source: Close-up of a massive saltwater crocodile [image: 1781662025455-croc_4_big.jpg] Source: Jong's Crocodile Farm entrance The place is distinctive because the crocodile collection is the main landscape, from young animals to large saltwater crocodiles, while the compact recreation park adds monkeys, birds, snakes and monitor lizards around it. Feeding turns the calm ponds into a lesson in speed and instinct; it is the moment that explains why this is more than a photo stop. The enclosure-and-show format also makes the attraction feel different from a general zoo, though visitors should follow barriers and staff directions closely. I would allow 1–2 hours and drive or arrange a return ride, leaving time for the Siburan traffic. Plan around the feeding session only after checking the day’s timetable at the counter—old listings and prices are not a promise. Wear comfortable shoes, keep children close, and do not treat the fences as a photo prop. Weather, maintenance and animal-care routines can change what is open. Families, first-time wildlife visitors and anyone curious about crocodile behaviour will get a clear reason to make the trip. People looking for a polished air-conditioned museum, a quiet animal sanctuary or a guaranteed show may be happier elsewhere. I would pair it with another Padawan-side stop only if the return drive remains comfortable; the farm works best when visitors give the animals attention, not when they rush through for one dramatic snap.

MBKS warns Kuching Food Festival stall owners — no subletting, no reselling, or face blacklisting The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has issued a firm warning to all 2026 Kuching Food Festival stall holders after spotting a social media ad offering an already-allocated stall for sale. In a statement released today, MBKS said it’s aware of the ad and won’t tolerate any violation of the stall allocation rules. Strictly prohibited under any circumstances: Subletting, renting, or transferring stalls Selling or assigning stalls to third parties Sharing stalls with unauthorised operators Any successful applicant found guilty of these violations faces immediate revocation of their stall allocation, forfeiture of their deposit, and blacklisting from future Kuching Food Festival events. [image: 1781658353862-kuching-food-festival.jpg] The council also reminded operators that they’re required to operate every night throughout the festival period. Failure to operate for a cumulative three nights may result in enforcement action, including deposit forfeiture. MBKS urged the public not to engage in any unauthorised purchase or negotiation of allocated stalls, adding that such transactions “are unauthorised, invalid, and will not be recognised by MBKS under any circumstances.” The Kuching Food Festival 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors — one of the most anticipated events on the Kuching calendar. Location: Kuching South City (MBKS) Details: Stall resale discovered on social media; MBKS warns of revocation, deposit forfeiture, and blacklisting Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Siniawan makes more sense when you arrive before dinner. In daylight the old timber shopfronts still read as a town street; after sunset, tables, smoke and red lanterns turn that same road into a weekend gathering. I would drive out from Kuching for that change of pace, not for a promise that one stall is always the best. [image: 1781575523887-1-tripadvisor.jpg] Source: Tripadvisor The place-specific story is the street itself. Siniawan's night market uses an existing old-town row as its room, so food stalls share the road with working shops, residents and the traces of a river-and-trading settlement. Dishes associated with the market—pitcher-plant rice, Hakka cooking, grilled food and snacks—make the evening feel local, but the setting matters as much as the plate. [image: 1781575524135-2-amazingborneo-1.jpg] Source: Amazing Borneo My route would be simple: walk the street once, see which stalls are cooking that night, then share a few portions instead of committing to a single queue. Arrive in late afternoon for the wooden façades and stay as the lanterns come on. Ask before photographing stallholders or diners, and remember that a crowded road is still part of a community, not a private photo set. [image: 1781575524381-3-amazingborneo-2.jpg] Source: Amazing Borneo From Kuching, allow about 30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic, and plan the return before the last table is cleared. Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings are the usual market rhythm, but rain, local events, vendor schedules and road conditions can alter it. Bring cash, water and an umbrella; parking is easier before peak dinner time, and e-hailing availability may thin later at night. [image: 1781575524587-4-borneotravel-1.jpg] Source: Borneo Travel Network Food-curious visitors who enjoy atmosphere and a short regional drive will find the detour worthwhile. Anyone seeking air-conditioning, a quiet seated restaurant or a guaranteed dish may prefer to stay in the city. Siniawan earns its place by letting an old street change character in front of you—arrive early enough to notice both versions.