Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi is calling for the revival of weekly farmers markets in Kuching to give residents better access to fresh, affordable produce. The Pantai Damai assemblyman made the proposal at the Jualan Agro Sarawakku Sayang (JASS) programme held at Esplanade Gersik on Sunday (May 24). According to him, Esplanade Gersik was once home to a weekly farmers market organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) around seven to eight years ago. He hopes FAMA, together with the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, along with DBKU (Kuching North City Commission), can bring it back. "Reviving such programmes would help residents obtain fresh food products at reasonable prices," he said. Details: Discussions will be held with FAMA to explore regular monthly or quarterly programmes Also proposing the JASS programme be reintroduced on a regular basis in Kuching Dr Abdul Rahman urged residents to take up urban farming initiatives organised by DBKU to reduce household food expenses Growing vegetables at home can promote self-sufficiency and contribute to food security Location: Esplanade Gersik, Kuching Source: https://dayakdaily.com/pantai-damai-rep-pushes-revival-of-weekly-farmers-market-in-kuching-for-affordable-fresh-food/ What do you think — would you visit a weekly farmers market in Kuching?

Bau Gawai Parade nearly triples in size — 2,000 participants, 91 contingents march through town in vibrant cultural showcase The biennial Bau Gawai Parade drew close to 2,000 participants from 91 contingents on May 23, nearly three times its 2024 turnout of 800. Chinese and Malay groups marched alongside the Bidayuh community along a 2.8km route under sunny weather. Location: Bau, Kuching Division, Sarawak Key highlights: 2,000 participants — up from 800 in 2024 91 contingents including Chinese, Malay & Bidayuh groups 2.8km procession from Bidayuh Cultural Centre completed in under 2 hours New RM9 million Bidayuh Cultural Centre now completed — official opening June 22 by Sarawak Premier Centre features 1,000-capacity hall, galleries, meeting rooms, and traditional Baruk Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) and Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the parade marked the completion of the Bidayuh Cultural Centre, which he described as a "living space for cultural activities." The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) has expressed satisfaction with the centre's quality. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/bau-gawai-parade-nearly-triples-in-size-2000-participants-91-contingents-march-2-8km-under-sunny-weather-in-traditional-attire/ Are you heading to Bau for Gawai celebrations this year? Share your plans below!

Young working adults in Sarawak are scaling back Gawai celebrations this year, choosing meaningful family time over lavish gatherings as living costs continue to rise. With Gawai Dayak just around the corner, many young Sarawakians are rethinking how they celebrate. Interviews with working adults in their 20s reveal a common theme — budgets are tighter, priorities have shifted, but the spirit of togetherness remains strong. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Junior civil engineer Valentine Mapan Jalan, 25, said his family’s celebration will be quieter this year as they prioritise elderly relatives’ well-being. “We don’t need extravagance to show our hospitality,” he said. Executive Irvina Joan, 24, noted rising fuel and daily expenses have limited her travel plans to visit relatives in other areas. She credited government aid like STR, SARA, and SKAS for helping ease some financial pressure. Administrative assistant Lydia Hyginus, 25, said she cut her Gawai budget this year, skipping new family outfits. “Every moment during Gawai feels precious because it is one of the few times when my whole family can gather,” she said. Despite the tighter budgets, all three emphasised that the essence of Gawai — family reunions, shared meals, and cultural traditions — remains unchanged. Source: The Borneo Post Is your family planning a simpler Gawai this year? Share your thoughts below

Sarawak's longest river bridge is now open to the public! The Batang Lupar Bridge (Jambatan Batang Lupar) officially opened on 21 May 2026, replacing the long-serving ferry service connecting Sebuyau and Sri Aman across the Batang Lupar river. Location: Sebuyau, Sarawak (Kuching Division) Length: 4.8km — Sarawak's longest river crossing Travel time saved: Ferry took ~30 minutes, bridge takes just 5 minutes. This bridge is part of Sarawak's massive infrastructure transformation under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Out of 21 major bridges planned, 10 have already opened, with 8 more expected in the coming months. The opening comes just in time for Hari Raya Haji and Gawai Dayak festivities — making balik kampung much easier for thousands of Sarawakians. Sources: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/22/batang-lupar-bridge-officially-opens/ https://dayakdaily.com/batang-lupar-bridge-sarawak-longest-river-crossing/ What do you think — will this bridge boost economic activity in the area? Share your thoughts below!