A man died and three people were injured when two lorries collided on Jalan Sungai Menyan in Serian on Friday afternoon. The Serian Fire and Rescue Station received the emergency call at about 2.50pm. The crash involved a cargo lorry and a five-tonne lorry; four people were reported to be involved, with the man found trapped beneath the overturned five-tonne vehicle. Ministry of Health personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. The three injured victims were reported to have light injuries. One was taken to Serian Hospital by members of the public, while two were sent there in an Emergency Medical Rescue Services vehicle. The initial accounts released so far do not identify the people involved or explain how the collision happened. Condolences to the bereaved family, and best wishes for the injured victims’ recovery. Location: Jalan Sungai Menyan, Serian

A completed booster-pump upgrade is easing long-running water-pressure problems in four villages in Bau’s Singai area. The RM3 million project doubled the Kampung Apar suction tank’s capacity from 50,000 to 100,000 gallons. Five new high-density polyethylene tanks were installed, and a new pipeline now carries water to the reservoir at Kampung Barieng, serving Kampung Apar, Kampung Segong, Kampung Barieng and Kampung Tabung. The pump has been commissioned and handed over to the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department. The upgrade was aimed at homes on higher ground, where the old system struggled to maintain pressure as the villages expanded. Another RM8 million project to lay a 300mm HDPE pipeline in Jagoi is nearing completion. Additional booster pumps are planned for Kampung Bobak and Kampung Senibung, but no dates have been given for those installations. Residents have already seen an improvement during this year’s prolonged dry spell. The next test will be whether the pressure stays reliable through the dry season and the higher demand during festive periods. Location: Singai, Bau

Jalan Matang’s 1,100mm water main will be repaired from 10pm on Sept 4 to noon on Sept 5, with traffic changes beginning a day earlier. The pipeline feeds Bukit Siol Reservoir, which supplies Kuching, Petra Jaya and nearby areas. Sarawak Water says homes around Jalan Demak, Jalan Bako, Petra Jaya, Matang from Kubah Ria to Batu 9, Taman Sri Harmoni, Jalan Sultan Tengah and surrounding locations may face low pressure or a temporary interruption during the repair. Households in the affected areas are advised to keep at least 24 hours of essential water before the work starts. Tankers will be deployed where needed, with priority for critical facilities and essential needs. Motorists will be diverted via Jalan Matang Bersinar and Jalan Matang Bersinar 3 from Sept 3 to Sept 12. The longer traffic window covers site preparation, excavation, heavy machinery access and road reinstatement around the median. Supply will return gradually after the pipe is refilled. Higher ground and areas farther from the main distribution system may take longer, and brief discolouration is possible while the lines are flushed. Sarawak Water will issue progress and restoration updates through its official channels. Location: Jalan Matang, Kuching

Two Kuching businesses are under investigation after displayed prices did not match the amounts charged. KPDN Sarawak officers found the first case in Sejingkat at about 11.22am on Aug 26. A customer was charged RM13.20 for an item marked RM11.50, and officers took a copy of the business licence, four receipts, the price tag and a promotional tag. A second case was recorded at a Stutong premise around 12.43pm, where officers seized a copy of the business licence and a pair of shoes marked RM29.90. KPDN Sarawak said both cases are being investigated under Section 12(1)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act 1999. No court finding has been reported. Shoppers who spot a mismatch should keep the tag and receipt, take a photo if safe, and report it to KPDN through WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, [email protected] or 1-800-886-800. Location: Sejingkat and Stutong, Kuching

A 63-year-old woman who had been reported missing was found dead in a 10-foot-deep drain near Petra Jaya Health Clinic on Thursday morning. Members of the public found the woman before firefighters from the Petra Jaya station were called in at 9.34am. Bomba recovered her from the drain, completing the operation at 10.47am, and handed the body to police for further action. Police had been informed that she was feared missing the previous day after her child noticed she was gone. No details have been announced about how she entered the drain or what caused her death. The circumstances remain under police investigation. Families looking for a missing relative should report it promptly and share the person’s last known location with police. A deep drain is not a place to enter alone—call emergency services and keep clear of the scene.

Sarawak still had five unhealthy air-quality stations on Thursday, and Lubok Antu’s reading rose from 182 at 8am to 191 by noon. Kuching remained in the moderate band, moving from 97 to 95. The noon table from Sarawak’s Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) listed Lubok Antu at 191, Samarahan at 162, IPD Serian at 158, Sri Aman at 156 and Lundu at 142 — all in the unhealthy range. Tebedu and the other listed stations were moderate. The number of unhealthy stations was unchanged from the morning reading, but the individual figures shifted during the day. API readings use a 24-hour running average of the dominant pollutant; 101 to 200 is classed as unhealthy and can worsen conditions for people with heart or lung complications. Anyone planning a long period outdoors should check the latest APIMS reading first. People in high-risk groups should take extra care if the air turns smoky or the API rises further.

If I were shaping a Sarawak trip around one serious rainforest detour, I would give Mulu several nights instead of trying to turn it into a hurried day trip from Kuching. The flight connection, transfer and weather are part of the route, not small details to solve at the last minute. [image: 1787798294462-mulu-landscape-small.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons — Gunung Mulu National Park. Sarawak, Borneo (14358333418) Mulu is in Sarawak’s Miri Division and has no useful drive-in shortcut from Kuching. Once you arrive, the choice is quite clear: show caves and marked walks for a manageable first visit, or longer treks, boat sections and adventure caving for travellers ready to give the park more time. The official programme currently covers all of those styles, so the group should agree on pace before booking. [image: 1787798295004-pinnacles-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons — Mulu Pinnacles I would book at least two nights and prefer three if the itinerary allows. That leaves breathing room for flights, wet paths, boat transfers and activities that depend on guides or park arrangements. Proper shoes, a dry change of clothes and a small waterproof layer matter more here than packing for a quick photo stop. [image: 1787798295712-clearwater-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons — Boat landing at Clearwater Cave, Gunung Mulu National Park, April 2025 01 The reward is the sequence: river approach, limestone walls, huge cave chambers and lowland rainforest, rather than one single viewpoint. People who enjoy geology, walking and a slower trip will get more from Mulu than visitors looking for cafés, easy parking or a compact attraction beside Kuching. Families can keep to the gentler programme, but wet surfaces and boat steps still deserve care. [image: 1787798296789-winds-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons — Cave of The Winds, Gunung Mulu National Park, April 2025 01 The park and its activities are currently listed as operating, with accommodation and tours available through the official Mulu site. Fees, packages, guide arrangements and last-entry details can change, and rain or maintenance can affect individual routes. Check the current activity and booking pages before fixing flights; a tour being listed does not guarantee every cave or trail will run on your dates. Mulu is worth the extra logistics when you want Sarawak to feel wide, wet and properly wild. It will disappoint anyone expecting an easy two-hour city outing, but that is also the point of choosing it. Would you start with the show caves, or keep more days for the longer trails?

MBKS is working with developers to arrange temporary accommodation and urgent repairs for Kuching South households damaged by Tuesday’s storm. Residents who cannot safely remain at home are to be housed temporarily first. The council then plans to cover exposed sections, inspect the damage and work out the scope and cost of repairs with the developers. At Kampung Tabuan Dayak, roofing sheets torn from a nearby apartment block hit one home at about 3pm on Aug 25. A mother-in-law and child who were inside escaped unhurt. Fallen trees and other storm damage were also reported around Kuching, but the latest update did not say how many homes need assistance or when all repairs will be completed. Anyone facing an unstable roof or loose building material should keep clear of the affected area, especially if more rain arrives. Call emergency services if there is immediate danger, and do not enter a damaged structure until it is safe.

Five Sarawak air-quality stations were in the unhealthy range at 8am on Thursday, while Kuching remained moderate. The Natural Resources and Environment Board’s latest reading put Lubok Antu highest at 182, followed by Samarahan at 164, IPD Serian at 162, Sri Aman at 155 and Lundu at 106. Kuching recorded 97. The readings are based on a 24-hour running average, so the situation can shift with rain, wind and smoke movement. Regional monitoring also points to dry conditions and fire activity in parts of Kalimantan, with a continuing risk of haze reaching western Sarawak. An API reading from 101 to 200 is classed as unhealthy, with greater concern for people who have heart or lung conditions. Kuching residents can check the latest APIMS reading before spending long periods outdoors; if the air turns visibly smoky, reduce strenuous activity and keep children and high-risk family members away from prolonged exposure.

Sarawak is preparing for another cloud-seeding attempt as falling dam levels raise concern ahead of a possible stronger El Niño. MetMalaysia is assessing whether weather conditions will support an operation between Sept 3 and 5. A coordination meeting on Sept 1 will help determine whether the clouds are suitable. The dates are only a possible operating window, not a confirmed flight schedule or a guarantee of rain. Earlier cloud-seeding operations on May 11 and 12, and June 19 to 21, were reported to have helped dam levels. Sarawak is also setting up a special operations team at the State Disaster Command Centre to track water levels, while welfare agencies and the Rural Water Supply Department continue water assistance where needed. For Kuching and other divisions, residents should treat the early-September dates as something to monitor alongside official water-supply and haze updates. MetMalaysia expects below-average rainfall in southwestern Sarawak from October to December, but the actual impact will still depend on cloud formation, rainfall and wind conditions.

Storm damage repairs are under way at Kuching International Airport. Malaysia Airports said the affected section of the terminal’s external ceiling structure, near the arrival area, has been secured while workers carry out repairs. Airport operations are continuing as normal. The damage followed strong winds and heavy rain across Kuching on Aug 25. Trees also fell in Kuching and Samarahan. At Tabuan Dayak, roofing sheets and structural frames blown from an apartment block struck nearby houses; local coverage reported no injuries. There is no indication of a flight suspension in the latest update. Passengers using KIA should check their airline’s notice before leaving and allow a little extra time around the terminal while the work continues. [image: 1787717444278-kia-storm.jpg] Source: DayakDaily

A powerful afternoon storm damaged part of the Kuching International Airport arrival-area roof and brought down trees in several parts of Kuching. Airport personnel were assessing the damaged section while RELA officers helped control traffic. The affected area was cordoned off in the scene report. Elsewhere, fallen trees damaged vehicles, and roofing sheets from an apartment block in Tabuan Dayak landed on nearby homes. No injuries were reported in that incident. Bomba Sarawak also reported multiple tree-fall incidents across the Kuching and Samarahan divisions. MetMalaysia’s 3.55pm update warned of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in much of Sarawak, including Kuching, until 7pm on Aug 25. There is still no public confirmation of a full flight disruption or a repair timeline for the airport area. Anyone travelling through KIA should check directly with the airline before leaving, while drivers should avoid fallen trees, loose roofing and cordoned-off roads. Do not shelter under trees or damaged structures while the weather warning remains active. [image: 1787653734774-kia-roof.jpeg] Source: The Borneo Post Online — Photo by Roystein Emmor [image: 1787653734904-kuching-tree.jpeg] Source: The Borneo Post Online — Photo by Shahrul Tready

A two-hectare forest fire at Samunsam Forest Reserve in Lundu was extinguished after a five-day operation. The blaze was detected on Aug 20. Firefighters from Lundu station used a forest-fire pump, a 500-foot hose line and water from a nearby river to put out the remaining 0.1 hectare, with the operation ending at 4.09pm on Aug 24. Drone monitoring by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation had estimated the affected area at about two hectares. The operation also involved the Forestry Corporation, the Department of Environment and the Natural Resources and Environment Board. The fire is now reported as extinguished, but the public updates did not state its cause or mention injuries or evacuations. That distinction matters while Sarawak is dealing with poor air quality: residents should check the latest APIMS reading instead of assuming that every haze reading is linked to this site. Do not enter a restricted or remote forest area to investigate smoke; call 999 if an active fire is spotted. The next point to watch is whether agency monitoring detects any re-ignition.

A RM2.34 million project will widen the traffic-light junction linking Jalan Ling Kai Cheng and Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah in Sibu. The work covers about 200 metres and is expected to begin in September, taking roughly four months. The existing two-lane junction will be reconfigured to handle through traffic, right turns and U-turns, with the aim of reducing queues heading towards Jalan Teku and vehicles turning into Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah. A separate RM350,000 upgrade will also cover 500 metres of Jalan Lilin and is expected to take one to two months if weather conditions hold. For Sibu commuters, the likely trade-off is short-term disruption before the junction becomes easier to use. Most work is planned for the afternoon and night, when traffic is lighter, but the exact start date and temporary lane arrangements have not yet been announced. Motorists should slow down near the work area and allow extra time once construction signs appear. The next useful update will be the local authority's traffic arrangement for the September start.

500km of Kakus logging roads earmarked for upgrades About 500km of logging roads in interior Kakus has been identified for phased upgrading, with the aim of improving access for communities that still lack reliable road connectivity. The roads named in the latest update include Jalan Penyarai, Jalan Sungai Muput, the route to Ulu Kakus, Jalan Sangan–Nanga Merit and Jalan Nanga Takan. The figure is part of roughly 5,700km of logging roads across Sarawak identified for upgrading. This is an identification and planning update, not a promise that all 500km will be rebuilt at once. The works are expected to be phased because of cost and difficult interior terrain; no start dates, tender packages or completion targets for the five routes were announced in the update. For people travelling in Kakus, the practical point is to expect uneven conditions to remain while each phase is prepared. Smaller repairs are already being supported through Rural Transformation Project allocations, but residents and transport operators should check JKR Sarawak’s tender and road notices and allow extra time on rural routes until work notices are issued. The eventual test will be which route enters construction first and whether access remains passable during the works. Location: Kakus interior, Tatau Division

Padawan’s Biya villages may get a new treated-water system A treated-water system has been proposed for the Biya area in Padawan after recurring dry-season shortages hit villages that still rely on gravity-fed supplies. The proposed intake and treatment setup would be based in Kampung Sapit, which was identified as having a more reliable water source during dry periods. The plan could serve Kampung Nusa Raya, Kamas, Kiding, Kakas, Parang, Assum, Jaber and Sapit, with possible extension to a nearby PGA camp, SK Kambug and other villages. This is a proposal, not a live project yet. The larger treated-water project for the Biya area was reported as approved in 2017 with RM270 million, but its implementation has been delayed; the latest update did not confirm a contractor, construction start date or final connection list. For residents, that distinction matters: the plan may offer a backup while waiting for the long-delayed project, but it does not mean treated water is arriving immediately. JBALB handles rural water supply in Sarawak, so households should follow its Bau/Padawan notices for current interruptions and wait for a formal tender or construction update before making plans around the proposed system. Location: Biya area, Padawan

Kuching's Air Pollutant Index (API) reading reached 175 at 8am on Aug 24, putting the city in the unhealthy range. Five Sarawak locations recorded unhealthy readings at 8am: Serian (189), Kuching (175), Samarahan (170), Sri Aman (158) and Bintulu (108). Kuching's reading was 175, down slightly from 177 at 4pm on Sunday. An API reading of 101–200 is classed as unhealthy, while 201–300 is very unhealthy. These are 8am readings, not a live noon update, so check the latest official reading before planning outdoor activities. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) distributed face masks at Kenyalang Market and Sungai Apong Market on Aug 23. Children, senior citizens and people sensitive to poor air quality should cut down unnecessary outdoor activity, wear a suitable mask, stay hydrated and seek medical attention if they have breathing difficulty. For people who must go outdoors, the useful detail is fit: a well-sealed N95, KN95 or KF94 offers better particle protection than a loose face covering. Children, older people and anyone with asthma or heart or lung conditions should keep outdoor exertion down while the reading remains unhealthy. [image: 1787544504900-20260824-haze.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / MBKS

Kuching is finally set to get its own velodrome, with construction targeted to begin in 2027. Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state has identified a site for the proposed Sarawak Velodrome Centre. The project has also been briefed to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The update came after Sarawak cyclist Adib Andhar Andan won the men’s keirin at SUKMA XXII in Nilai on Aug 22. Afif Darwysh Mohamad had earlier won Sarawak’s individual time-trial gold, giving the state a historic cycling double. Sarawak’s cyclists currently have to travel to Peninsular Malaysia and wait for available training slots. A home velodrome would give the state a permanent base for track-cycling programmes and athlete development. For now, this is still a planned project. The current update confirms the site has been identified and construction is targeted for next year, but no project cost, exact location or tender timeline has been announced. A site and construction target are important first steps, but the cost, tender and exact location still need to be made public before athletes can plan around a working venue. [image: 1787479751313-velodrome-kuching.jpg] Source: UKAS via DayakDaily

Schools in 10 Sarawak education districts will reopen as usual on Aug 24 after API readings improved. The Sarawak State Education Department said the districts are Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong. The decision was based on readings recorded at 10am on Aug 23 through the Department of Environment’s APIMS system. Schools were reminded to keep monitoring local conditions. Outdoor student activities must be suspended when the API reading goes above 100. Schools in affected areas must close immediately if the reading exceeds 200, while teachers and staff do not need to report if it goes above 500. The reopening remains subject to readings staying below 200. Temporary closures can still be ordered based on recommendations from the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee. Students are advised to wear masks, drink enough water and avoid prolonged exposure to hot or hazy conditions. Schools can check the official APIMS portal and the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak for updates. Because these readings are tied to 2026-08-23, parents should check the latest APIMS update and their school's notice before making plans for attendance or outdoor activities. A reopening is not a permanent all-clear if the API rises again. [image: 1787458078641-sarawak-schools-reopen-haze.jpg]

Kuching is set for its biggest private healthcare expansion in more than a decade, with at least RM1.45 billion in committed investment. Three new hospitals are moving ahead: Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching by Singapore-based HMI Medical, Gleneagles Hospital Kuching by IHH Healthcare, and Gardens Medical Centre by local developer Timber Land Group. Existing operators are expanding too. Borneo Medical Centre is adding 250 beds to its current 80, with the expansion expected to receive patients in the first quarter of 2028. Gleneagles will have 200 beds and an investment of about RM400 million. Regency will have 300 beds, with more than RM400 million for the hospital and RM50 million set aside for workforce development over five years. It is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs when it opens in 2029. By 2030, Kuching is projected to have more than 2,000 hospital beds across the public and private sectors. The growth is being driven by local demand, an ageing population and medical tourism — Sarawak received 104,106 medical tourists in 2025, including 91,688 in Kuching. The update is still developing; residents should rely on the next confirmed notice rather than treat an early announcement as final. [image: 1787458066048-kuching-healthcare-2026.png]