A familiar voice is no longer proof of identity: AI cloning can make a scam call sound like a child, grandchild or friend. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin raised the risk during an Aug 16 scam-prevention talk in Miri. He said scammers can combine convincing voices, images, videos and fake documents, then add urgency or secrecy to stop victims from checking with family members. The pressure tactics are the real warning signs. “Do it now”, “don't tell anyone” and “stay on the line” are designed to prevent independent checking. Family members can help older relatives by agreeing on a safe word and practising what to do before a real call arrives. A familiar voice is no longer enough to prove who is calling. Families can agree on a private question or safe word now, then call back using a number already saved in the phone instead of continuing a pressured conversation. If money has already moved, contact the bank immediately and call 997; keep the messages, account details and receipts for investigators.

Kuching’s air quality improved to the moderate range by Sunday evening, but Serian and Samarahan were still unhealthy. At 5pm on Aug 16, Kuching’s Air Pollutant Index (API) reading fell to 91. Serian recorded 157 and Samarahan 147, both still in the unhealthy range. API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, while 51 to 100 is moderate. Rain brought some relief after a week of dry weather. All 107 schools under the Serian District Education Office were scheduled to reopen on Aug 17 after temporarily closing when the API went above 200. These API figures are a time-specific snapshot from 2026-08-16, not a full-day forecast. Rain, wind and new hotspots can change the number quickly, so check APIMS again before school sports, outdoor work or a long trip. Children, older people and people with asthma or heart or lung conditions should reduce strenuous outdoor activity while the air remains unhealthy.

Kuching’s air quality improved after Saturday’s rain, but five areas in Sarawak were still at unhealthy levels this morning. At 8am on Sunday, the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s haze watch recorded these readings: Kuching’s reading dropped from 163 at 4pm on Saturday after an evening shower brought some relief following a week of dry weather. Other parts of Sarawak were in the moderate range, between 51 and 100. The air quality can change quickly with the weather and wind direction. Authorities also reminded the public that open burning is prohibited. Offenders may face a fine of RM25,000 to RM1 million, up to five years in jail, or both. These API figures are a time-specific snapshot from 2026-08-16, not a full-day forecast. Rain, wind and new hotspots can change the number quickly, so check APIMS again before school sports, outdoor work or a long trip. Children, older people and people with asthma or heart or lung conditions should reduce strenuous outdoor activity while the air remains unhealthy. [image: 1786853210530-haze-kuching-20260816.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Chimon Upon

A severe thunderstorm swept through Kuching on Saturday evening, bringing rain that eased the haze but leaving damage across the city. MBKS said response teams were sent out after roofs were blown off, trees were uprooted, electricity cables were affected and flash floods were reported in several areas. At Taman Riverview in Pending, a fallen tree blocked the road. A local Kapitan and his wife began clearing it with a chainsaw before being warned about the safety risks. Bomba also attended incidents at Jalan Chong Chin Kong and Jalan Ming Ching near Jalan Foochow. As a safety measure, MBKS ordered stalls at the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion to stop operations after strong winds damaged about half of its canopy. Residents affected by the storm can notify MBKS, while the public is advised to avoid exposed roads during thunderstorms. The danger does not end when the rain stops: fallen trees, loose roofing, flooded roads and damaged cables can remain hazardous. Residents should avoid affected routes and report damage to the council or emergency services rather than entering the area to take photos.

Kuching’s air quality has moved into the unhealthy range. [image: 1786788230548-kuching-api-20260815.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Kuching and Samarahan both recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 163 at 4pm on Saturday, the highest in Sarawak. Nine locations across the state were in the unhealthy range, with Serian at 162. API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy. MetMalaysia also warned of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in parts of Sarawak, which may bring temporary relief. Residents should check the latest APIMS readings and limit prolonged outdoor activity if the haze worsens. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Nine Sarawak locations recorded unhealthy air quality Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak Metro now has approval to establish its own auxiliary police unit to protect KUTS operations, facilities and assets. The Royal Malaysia Police approved the application, allowing Sarawak Metro to build a dedicated security capability as the Kuching Urban Transportation System moves closer to operation. Coverage is expected to include depots, stations, future operational facilities and other assets along the KUTS alignment. The unit will not appear fully formed overnight. Sarawak Metro said recruitment, training, compliance and competency development will be carried out in phases with PDRM. This is important because the announcement confirms approval to set up the unit; it does not mean all officers are already deployed or that it sets a new ART passenger-service date. Why a separate unit matters KUTS will combine public stations, vehicles, control systems and restricted technical areas. A dedicated team can focus on access control, crowd safety, asset protection and incident response while working alongside the regular police. For the public, the useful milestones to watch next are recruitment and training, station security arrangements and the official operating timetable. Those details should come from Sarawak Metro rather than viral posts or construction-site speculation. Location: Kuching Project: Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) ️ Status: Unit approved; capabilities to be developed in phases Sources: The Borneo Post report · Sarawak Metro official site

[image: 1786766703446-darul-hana-rescue.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Update: Woman rescued after falling from Darul Hana Bridge This is a follow-up to the earlier report about the Darul Hana Bridge rescue: https://kuchinghub.com/topic/846 A woman was rescued by members of the public after falling from Darul Hana Bridge at Kuching Waterfront on Friday evening (Aug 14). Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed that she was admitted to Sarawak General Hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Unit, Yellow Zone, for further treatment. Initial investigations found that the incident was related to a personal issue, but the root cause is still being investigated. Police have urged the public not to spread speculation or unverified claims. Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Update: Police are still investigating the incident. Support: Befrienders Kuching: 082-242800 (6.30pm–9.30pm daily) Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/15/woman-rescued-by-heroic-members-of-the-public-after-falling-from-darul-hana-bridge/ What do you think?

Kuching Port Authority says Pending Terminal is still operating despite concerns over the new Sejingkat-Samarahan Bridge. KPA said the terminal has been repositioned to handle domestic trade cargo within Sarawak and remains operational. From January to June 2026, it recorded 179 ship calls and about 217,600 tonnes of throughput. It also continues to support live-pig exports to Singapore and Selangor, with annual export throughput of about 14,000 tonnes. Senari Terminal is being positioned as a multipurpose facility for containers, roll-on/roll-off vehicles, project cargo, wheat, rice, maize, soy and fertilisers. Its vehicle yard currently has capacity for 2,500 units, with another 1,000-unit capacity expected by the end of 2026. The statement followed concerns raised by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, who said the bridge’s clearance could restrict some vessels from reaching Pending and push more cargo to Senari. KPA said both terminals would continue to serve complementary roles as Kuching’s cargo demand grows. Location: Pending Terminal and Senari Terminal, Kuching Details: 179 ship calls were recorded at Pending Terminal from January to June 2026. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

A girl was safely rescued after reportedly falling from Darul Hana Bridge at Kuching Waterfront on Aug 14. Videos circulating online showed a crowd gathering near the pedestrian bridge. The girl was later seen in the Sarawak River, where a boatman manoeuvred his vessel towards her and brought her to safety. Members of the public were also seen entering the river during the rescue. DayakDaily reported that the girl was understood to be safe. Police had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting, and the circumstances behind the fall had not been confirmed. [image: 1786755941261-darul-hana-rescue.png] Source: DayakDaily Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Details: Rescue confirmed by the source; the cause of the incident remains unconfirmed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 37-year-old man was remanded after police found 6.1 grammes of suspected methamphetamine in Kampung Bako Hulu, Kuching. [image: 1786680362489-kuching-bako-meth-20260814.jpeg] The man was arrested by the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division at about noon on Aug 12. Police said the suspected drugs were packed in 16 plastic packets and were worth an estimated RM305. His preliminary urine test was negative and police said he had no previous criminal record. He was remanded for four days until Aug 17 while the case is investigated under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and whipping of up to nine strokes. Location: Kampung Bako Hulu, Kuching Details: The case is still under investigation and the substance is suspected methamphetamine Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Kuching Vocational College celebrated 181 SVM graduates in August, while reporting that 90.79 per cent of its diploma students had found work related to their field. [image: 1786669594232-20260814-kuching-vocational.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii told the graduation ceremony that Sarawak's expansion in energy, infrastructure, technology, automation and digital industries will require more technicians and practically trained workers. He argued that vocational education should not be treated as a second-class route. College director Michael Akien said all 181 students who completed the 2026 Sijil Vokasional Malaysia were eligible to continue to the Diploma Vokasional Malaysia level. What the employment figure does — and does not — show The 90.79 per cent figure referred to the college's diploma students securing field-related employment. It was not described as the employment rate of the 181 new SVM graduates, who had only just completed that level and could continue their studies. That distinction is useful for students comparing pathways. SVM can lead into DVM, while diploma outcomes give a separate indication of how closely training matches jobs. Before applying, students should compare the actual course, workshop exposure, industry placement, certification and entry requirements rather than relying on one overall percentage. The report highlighted demand in mechanics, electrical work, construction, automation, technology and hospitality. Students should still check current course availability directly with the college or the national TVET portal because programmes and intake conditions can change. 2026 SVM graduates: 181 Reported field-related employment: 90.79% among diploma students Sources: The Borneo Post · Malaysia TVET portal

A prolonged dry spell left about 500 residents in four Padawan villages short of water after their wells and gravity-fed systems dried up. [image: 1786669582960-20260814-padawan-water.jpg] The affected communities were Kampung Sitang, Kampung Biya Nusaraya, Kampung Biya Parang and Kampung Peremas. Their village chiefs channelled requests for help through the Padawan Sub-district Office after local water sources could no longer meet daily needs. At the time of the Aug 13 report, the Welfare Department had delivered bottled water to Kampung Biya Nusaraya and Kampung Biya Parang. That detail matters: assistance had started, but the report did not say that every affected household in all four villages had already received supplies. This was a rural-source shortage, not a citywide Kuching outage. Communities that depend on wells and gravity-fed systems can run short much earlier during a dry spell. Kampung Bangau, Kampung Petang and other upper Padawan villages were also identified as being at risk if dry weather continued. Residents facing the same problem should report it quickly through their village head or the Padawan Sub-district Office so demand can be recorded and aid coordinated. Official rural water notices can also be checked through JBALB Sarawak. Affected: Four Padawan villages, about 500 residents Photo: DayakDaily Sources: DayakDaily report · JBALB Sarawak

Weekend plans not fixed yet? Here are five things happening around Kuching this Saturday and Sunday — from food and music to cosplay, scouting and a morning walk. 1️⃣ Kuching Festival Food Fair ️ 22 July–16 August | 4:30 PM–10:30 PM Dewan Masyarakat MBKS, Kuching The final weekend of Kuching Festival is here. Come hungry for local favourites, street food and plenty of festival vibes. [image: 1786666130150-event1.jpg] Image: Kuching Festival / MBKS Source: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=KuchingFestival1888&set=a.922249750957364 2️⃣ Traditional Oriental Music Night ️ Saturday, 15 August | 7:00 PM–11:00 PM MBKS Theatre, Kuching Park A slower, more cultural night under the Kuching Festival programme, with traditional and oriental music on stage. Nice pick if you want something more relaxing than a crowded food hunt. [image: 1786666130224-event2.jpg] Image: Kuching Festival 2026 promotional material Source: https://everythingboleh.com/event/kuching-festival-2026/ 3️⃣ Borneo–Japan NewTrends Trade Expo 2026 ️ Saturday–Sunday, 15–16 August | 9:30 AM–6:00 PM The Everly Lhesson Hotel, Vivacity Megamall Anime, comics, games, cosplay, Japanese culture, business and community activities all in one expo. Bring your camera — there should be plenty of interesting booths and costumes to check out. [image: 1786666130296-event3.jpg] Image: BJNT 2026 Source: https://borneoplux.com/bjnt2026_v1/index.php 4️⃣ Rover Expo Sarawak 2026 ️ Saturday–Sunday, 15–16 August | 10:00 AM–10:00 PM 2nd Floor, The Spring Shopping Mall ️ Free admission Curious what Rover Scouts actually do? This expo has exhibitions, hands-on activities, workshops and sharing sessions — a family-friendly stop if you are already shopping at The Spring. [image: 1786666130359-event4.jpg] Image: Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia Cawangan Sarawak Source: https://www.facebook.com/scoutsarawak/posts/1345531317563343/ 5️⃣ Mayor’s Walk 2026 ️ Sunday, 16 August | 7:00 AM onwards MBKS Boulevard, Padungan ️ Free community walk; registration required Start Sunday early with a community walk organised by MBKS. Good chance to move a bit, meet other Kuchingites and enjoy the morning before the heat kicks in. [image: 1786666130423-event5.jpg] Image: MBKS / Mayor’s Walk 2026 Source: https://mbks.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/6327 Tip: check the organiser’s page before leaving, especially for outdoor programmes and any last-minute changes. Which one are you planning to visit? #Kuching #WeekendEvents #Sarawak #KuchingFestival

An ART construction error damaged an 850mm water main along Jalan Tun Jugah on Aug 13, affecting supply to about 20,000 users. The pipe had been moved to a new alignment before piling began, but the contractor reportedly failed to distinguish the old route from the live one. Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said consultants, engineers and contractors had been told to tighten site supervision, with work stoppage possible if negligence continued to disrupt the public. [image: 1786583362057-art-pipe.jpg] Photo: TVS What residents should take from this This article records the Aug 13 incident; it is not a live outage notice. People finding the page later should check Sarawak Water's current advisories before assuming their area is still affected. At the time, agencies were instructed to prepare enough water tankers for affected communities. For any future construction-related disruption, residents should note the exact address, the time supply stopped and whether neighbouring streets are affected when filing a report. That makes it easier to distinguish a local pipe issue from a wider supply problem. The bigger accountability issue is underground-utility mapping. Moving a pipe is not enough if drawings, site markings and contractor briefings are not updated together. The promised tighter supervision should therefore be judged by whether repeat strikes stop, not only by how quickly one break is repaired. Incident location: Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching Reported impact: About 20,000 users Sources: TVS report · Sarawak Water official site

A 29-year-old woman has claimed trial over an alleged injury to a 20-day-old baby at a Kuching confinement centre. The woman pleaded not guilty at the Kuching Sessions Court on Aug 12 to a charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. The charge alleges that she negligently handled and lifted the baby from a cot in a way likely to cause physical injury. The incident was alleged to have happened between 12.30am and 1.30am on Aug 4. The baby was reported to have suffered a closed fracture of the right humerus. The court granted RM10,000 bail with two local sureties and ordered the accused to report to a police station once a month. Pre-trial case management is fixed for Sept 14. The charge remains an allegation, and the accused has pleaded not guilty. Location: Kuching Sessions Court / Kuching Details: The case is being prosecuted under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

108 schools in Serian Division have been temporarily closed after the Air Pollutant Index (API) crossed 200. The closure covers schools in the Serian area, including six in Tebedu. Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will continue during the closure. As of 4pm on Aug 12, API readings were 202 in Serian and 212 in Tebedu. Kuching and Samarahan were among 11 other Sarawak areas recording unhealthy readings between 101 and 200. State authorities said the haze may continue over the next few days, partly due to transboundary smoke from Kalimantan. Children, older people, pregnant women and those with respiratory or heart conditions are advised to limit outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy. Location: Serian Division, Sarawak Details: Schools will reopen based on the latest API readings and official instructions. Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/12/108-schools-in-serian-division-temporarily-closed-as-api-exceeds-200/ What do you think? Photo: The Borneo Post

[image: 1786442816734-airborneo-resized.jpg] AirBorneo Airways has joined the government-backed FLYsiswa air travel subsidy initiative, helping ease the cost of domestic flights for eligible Malaysian students. The state-owned airline announced today that it will participate in the programme spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport (MOT), supporting higher education students travelling between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. What students get: RM400 digital voucher for domestic economy flights Enhanced baggage allowance Complimentary or discounted date-change options Eligibility: Malaysian students enrolled in public higher education institutions (IPTA) How to redeem: Check eligibility at subsidiudara.mot.gov.my Book via AirBorneo website or mobile app Redemption period: Aug 11 to Nov 30, 2026 Travel period: up to Dec 31, 2026 AirBorneo CEO Megat Ardian Aminuddin said the cost of air travel should not be an obstacle for students studying away from their families. "For many young Malaysians studying away from home, particularly between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, the cost of flight tickets should never be an obstacle to spending quality time with family," he said. Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak students, time to check your eligibility!

[image: 1786442802657-fire-resized.jpg] A fire broke out at a house in Lorong Foochow 1W, Taman Orchid, Kuching this afternoon, damaging an estimated 70% of the property. According to Bomba, a call was received at 2.15pm today. Firefighters from Tabuan Jaya station were deployed with backup from Batu Lintang and Padungan stations. 21 firefighters and three Fire Rescue Tenders (FRTs) were involved in the operation. The team used four water lines and six nozzles, with 200 feet of hose connected to a fire hydrant. Firefighters also used a defensive technique to establish a firebreak and contain the blaze. The affected permanent-structure house measured approximately 30ft by 60ft. No casualties were reported in the incident. Location: Lorong Foochow 1W, Taman Orchid, Kuching Details: 70% structural damage, fire under control, 21 firefighters deployed Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak tops all Malaysian states with RM14.2 billion revenue in 2024 [image: 1786410347360-sarawak-revenue-resized.jpg] Sarawak recorded the highest state government revenue collection and largest surplus among all Malaysian states in 2024, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The State Socioeconomic Report 2025 showed Sarawak collected RM14.2 billion in state revenue — more than double Sabah's RM6.8 billion, which was the second highest. Sarawak also posted the country's largest state government surplus at RM1.5 billion, followed by Sabah at RM470.9 million, Terengganu (RM212.2 million), Selangor (RM142 million), and Johor (RM103.6 million). The report also noted Sarawak's economy grew by 3.2% in 2025, below the national GDP growth of 5.2%. Source: DOSM State Socioeconomic Report 2025 Details: Sarawak's revenue doubles Sabah's; largest state surplus in Malaysia Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Abang Johari: Sarawak election can proceed with 82 seats if new ones not ready [image: 1786356655867-abang-johari-election-compressed.jpg] Sarawak's state election can proceed with the existing 82 seats if the planned addition of 17 new seats isn't ready in time, says Premier Abang Johari. Speaking after the Regency Specialist Hospital groundbreaking in Kuching today (Aug 10), he said the state will follow whatever is in place when the DUN is dissolved. "If it is 82, then 82. If it is 99, then 99. There is no problem," he told reporters. The DUN approved adding 17 new seats last July, bringing the total to 99. But with the election expected by end of this year or early 2027, time for the approval process is tight. "The time is very limited, what can we do? We just follow what is existing. The important thing is that people can vote," he said. Location: Kuching Details: 82 existing seats vs 99 with new seats | election expected late 2026 / early 2027 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?