Sibu police say the new synthetic drug known as “Piu Piu” has not been detected locally, but monitoring has been tightened. [image: 1785384278911-sibu_piu_piu_20260730-resized.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Sibu police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the drug is believed to be mixed with vape liquids, and police are watching entry and exit points to prevent it from entering the district. He said police are still waiting for confirmation from the Health Ministry on the exact composition of the substance. Commercial crime and narcotics remain key policing priorities in Sibu. Police also said index crime has dropped by about 7%, equal to around 35 fewer cases. Location: Sibu Details: Police monitoring tightened over emerging synthetic drug threat Hot Score: 22/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Serikin is the kind of Saturday road trip I would start before breakfast: the road out of Kuching is long, the market is warm and a little rough around the edges, but the first rows of woven goods, batik and snacks make the drive feel purposeful. [image: 1785377240888-serikin_s2.jpg] Source: DayakDaily The bazaar sits in the Serikin area of Bau, close to the Malaysia–Indonesia border and roughly 60–80 km from Kuching depending on the route. It is a weekend market, not a permanent shopping mall, so the experience is shaped by the morning: more stalls, cooler air and less trouble finding a place to stop. [image: 1785377240977-serikin_s4.jpg] Source: DayakDaily The useful finds are practical rather than precious—rattan work, mats, woven bags, batik and other clothing, household pieces, toys, snacks and seasonal produce. Prices are not automatically lower than Kuching, and stock changes from week to week. I would compare two or three stalls before buying, especially for furniture or anything that needs a larger vehicle. [image: 1785377241068-serikin_s6.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Bring small notes, water, a hat and reusable bags. Bargaining is normal, but a polite offer and a clear decision are enough; there is no need to turn every purchase into a contest. For woven or wooden goods, check joins, finish, dampness and whether the item can actually fit in your car. If you buy something bulky, settle delivery details and keep the receipt before paying. [image: 1785377241156-serikin_s7.jpg] Source: DayakDaily I would allow about 1.5–2 hours each way from Kuching and at least 90 minutes in the market, then add a nearby Bau stop only if the weather and return drive leave enough room. The stalls are exposed, so late-morning heat and sudden rain can change the mood quickly. Parking and the exact spread of stalls can also shift on busy weekends. The market is currently being presented as a Saturday–Sunday attraction, but published closing times conflict: some current listings show Sunday ending around noon, while others show late afternoon. Treat the hours as a moving target and confirm locally before making the long drive; do not assume the Sunday timetable is fixed. The international border is not part of the shopping shortcut—use the proper immigration and customs process if you intend to cross. For people who enjoy a slow drive, browsing and the chance of finding something useful, Serikin earns the detour. If the plan is only one inexpensive souvenir, I would spend that day in Kuching instead. Would you go for the market atmosphere, or are you mainly hunting for rattan and batik?

A smart traffic light trial has started at the Jalan Salim/Jalan Bukit Penyau T-junction in Sibu. [image: 1785373583494-sibu_smart_traffic_20260730.jpg] The temporary system began its month-long trial after its electricity metre was connected on Tuesday. Trial operations started at about 8am on Wednesday. Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said the lights use sensors to detect vehicles. If no vehicles are waiting to exit Jalan Bukit Penyau, traffic along Jalan Salim can continue moving. What drivers should know The system is still being fine-tuned. Chieng said several adjustments are needed, including extending the lane and relocating a streetlight pole so vehicles turning into Jalan Bukit Penyau do not block straight-moving traffic. A yellow box is also planned to improve road safety at the junction. Location: Jalan Salim/Jalan Bukit Penyau T-junction, Sibu Details: One-month smart traffic light trial to ease congestion and improve safety Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak Science Centre is being positioned as a hands-on STEM hub for students and teachers across the state. [image: 1785373547375-science_centre_20260730.jpg] The Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) in Kuching is meant to support classroom learning with interactive tools, teacher resources and practical science exposure beyond textbooks. Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the centre will connect young Sarawakians with areas like robotics, coding, biotechnology and renewable energy. Why it matters For students, this is not just another building. It gives schools a place to bring science lessons closer to real life. The centre is also part of Sarawak's PCDS 2030 push to grow local STEM talent and support an innovation-driven economy. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Sarawak Science Centre to support teachers, students and public STEM learning Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak still has 931 vacant medical officer posts in the public healthcare system. [image: 1785319570836-sarawak_healthcare_vacancies_20260729-resized.jpg] Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said only 2,188 of 3,119 approved medical officer posts had been filled as of June 30. The ministry has deployed 575 contract medical officers, bringing the effective number of medical officers serving Sarawak to 2,763. Other shortages listed Public healthcare workforce: 25,635 filled out of 31,409 approved posts Specialists: 263 vacancies out of 932 approved posts Nurses: 1,226 vacancies out of 7,966 approved posts Pharmacists: 901 filled out of 975 approved posts, with 163 contract pharmacists supporting service Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry will continue filling vacancies through recruitment, permanent and contract appointments, and deployment based on the needs of health facilities in Sarawak. Location: Sarawak Details: Written Dewan Negara reply to Senator Pele Peter Tinggom Photo: The Borneo Post / Pexels Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

A 21-year-old motorcyclist died after a crash near Puncak Borneo Prison. + +The accident happened along Jalan Mambong-Sikog-Sariq at about 6.15pm on Tuesday, July 28. + +[image: 1785298075798-kh_puncak_borneo_crash_20260729.jpg] + Source: DayakDaily / IPD Padawan + +## What police said + +Padawan District Police chief Superintendent Barry William said early investigations found the rider was on a Yamaha 135LC when he allegedly tried to overtake a car while going through a bend. + +The motorcycle then went into the opposite lane and collided with an oncoming Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck. + +Medical personnel confirmed the rider died at the scene. The 42-year-old pickup driver was not injured. + + Location: Jalan Mambong-Sikog-Sariq, near Puncak Borneo Prison, Padawan + Details: Police are investigating the case under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 + +Both vehicles were taken to the Padawan District Police Headquarters for further checks by Puspakom and the Chemistry Department. Police also said the rider was believed to have been riding without a valid driving licence. + + Source: DayakDaily + +What do you think?

Four more EV charging points are now available in Kuching city centre. + +Sarawak's EV network has added four 22kW AC charging points at two busy city locations: Sarawak Plaza and Riverside Majestic Hotel. + +[image: 1785298018227-kh_ev_sarawak_plaza_20260729.jpg] + Source: Sarawak Tribune / SDEC Karuna JV + +## Where the new chargers are + +The rollout is handled by SDEC Karuna JV Sdn Bhd (SKJV). + +Two charging units are on the third floor of the Sarawak Plaza multi-storey car park. Another two are on the fourth floor of the Riverside Majestic Hotel multi-storey car park, near the main entrance. + +The chargers are already integrated with the Fast EV mobile app, so users can find the location, start a charging session and pay through the app. + + Location: Sarawak Plaza and Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching + Details: Four 22kW AC charging points, priced at RM0.22 per minute + +SKJV said the expansion supports Sarawak's PCDS 2030 direction and the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy. The company also plans to add two DC fast-charging stations in Kuching, with locations to be announced later. + + Source: Sarawak Tribune + +What do you think?

Several Kuching PPR projects are part of Sarawak's low-rent housing safety net for B40 families. [image: 1785287187066-ppr_rentals_20260729.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Housing Development Corporation Sarawak currently manages 3,715 People's Housing Programme rental units across seven major projects statewide. HDC chief executive officer Fathi Hambali said the PPR rental scheme gives eligible households a temporary place to stay before they are able to own a home. Kuching has a big share The Kuching-linked projects listed include: PPR Taman Dahlia, Kuching: 816 units PPR Batu Gong, Kuching: 500 units PPR Landeh, Kuching: 443 units PPR Demak Laut, Kuching: 256 units PPR Sri Wangi, Kuching: 200 units Monthly rental in Sarawak ranges from RM100 to RM250, including management fees. Eligible tenants include former squatter families, B40 households without home ownership, and persons with disabilities within the B40 income group. Location: Kuching and other Sarawak divisions Details: HDC Sarawak manages 3,715 PPR rental units across seven projects. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Serian is getting a major power upgrade, with a RM223.5 million substation now under construction. [image: 1785287138361-serian_substation_20260729.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post The new 275/132/33kV Serian Substation is meant to strengthen electricity supply reliability in Serian Division as demand grows. Utility and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the project started on Dec 1 last year and is scheduled for completion on June 30, 2028. What it covers The substation will add more injection capacity into the state grid and help reduce the risk of future power disruptions. According to Julaihi, the upgraded network will benefit Serian town, Tebedu, Gedong, Lundu and parts of Samarahan Division up to Simunjan. Physical construction is now at 12 per cent and still on schedule. Location: Serian Division Details: RM223.5 million Serian Substation, funded by the Sarawak government through Sarawak Energy and implemented by Sesco. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

More US companies are looking at Sarawak for green energy, technology and high-impact industrial projects. [image: 1785233094122-us_green_energy_20260728.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily United States Embassy in Malaysia Chargé d’Affaires ad interim David Gamble said Sarawak's location in Asean, renewable energy strength, natural resources and skilled workforce are drawing investor interest. He said American companies are especially watching renewable energy projects, where US technology could support hydroelectric systems, power-grid monitoring and other high-tech solutions. Why it matters Sarawak wants to grow its green energy and industrial base. US firms are looking beyond capital investment, with training and technology transfer also part of the pitch. Sarawak's energy capacity could also support the wider Asean Power Grid plan. Gamble said the first visit is usually the hardest step for investors. Once companies have operated in Sarawak, many choose to keep expanding here. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What kind of investment should Sarawak focus on next?

Kuching's old General Post Office may get a new life as a restored heritage building. [image: 1785233057924-old_post_office_20260728-resized.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post / Roystein Emmor The Sarawak government is in talks with the federal government to acquire the old General Post Office building opposite Plaza Merdeka. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plan is to renovate the building while keeping its heritage character intact. What was mentioned The building is still under federal ownership, so talks must be completed first. The state wants to preserve the original structure, not rebuild it from scratch. Other heritage areas mentioned include Darul Kurnia along Jalan Haji Taha and Ban Hock Road. Private owners can also revive old buildings, but heritage rules still apply. Abang Johari pointed to Singapore's Fullerton Hotel and Kuala Lumpur's Sultan Abdul Samad Building as examples of old buildings being reused while keeping their historical value. Location: Old General Post Office, opposite Plaza Merdeka, Kuching Hot Score: 26/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think Kuching's old Post Office should become?

A 69-year-old retiree in Miri lost RM367,000 after joining an online investment scheme that promised fast returns. [image: 1785211547300-miri_scam_20260728.jpg] Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the man saw a social media advertisement earlier this year and contacted a person claiming to be an investment agent. Between June 9 and July 26, 2026, the victim made 48 transfers into three bank accounts. The total came up to RM367,000. He realised something was wrong when he tried to withdraw the supposed profits, but kept getting excuses. Police advice The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Police advised the public to be careful with investment ads promising unusually high returns in a short time. Check with Bank Negara Malaysia's Financial Consumer Alert List and the Securities Commission Malaysia Investor Alert List before putting in money. Location: Miri, Sarawak Details: Report lodged with Miri Commercial Crime Investigation Department on Monday. Photo: Max Pixel via The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Kuching is testing Sarawak's first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot, starting today at two major conference venues. [image: 1785202606837-review_food.jpg] Image source: Sarawak Tribune Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) is launching the four-day pilot from July 28 to 31 during the 51st IUPAC World Polymer Congress (MACRO 2026). The project covers more than 800 international delegates at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching. What will be tracked Organisers will work on menu planning, portion control and recovery of surplus ingredients where food safety rules allow it. The whole process will be documented through a compliance platform before independent assessment. Certification results are expected after the congress ends. BESarawak said it is pursuing The Pledge on Food Waste Certification, an internationally recognised standard for measuring food waste prevention and diversion. Why it matters If this pilot works, future conferences in Kuching could have a clearer model to cut food waste instead of sending everything to landfill. It also gives Sarawak's business events sector a practical way to show sustainability, not just talk about it. Location: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching Details: Sarawak's first Zero Food Waste to Landfill pilot runs from July 28 to 31 with over 800 delegates. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Serian has entered the unhealthy API range, and Sarawak may see more haze over the next few days. [image: 1785146672063-haze_map_20260727.jpg] NREB Sarawak said the Southwest Monsoon is now carrying a higher risk of transboundary haze, especially if biomass burning outside Sarawak intensifies. The board said ASMC recorded 1,081 hotspots in Kalimantan from July 1 to 26. Of these, 442 were detected in the last five days. Sarawak recorded 16 hotspots during the same period. As of noon on July 27, Serian recorded an API reading of 151, which falls under the unhealthy category. Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Samalaju, Lundu, Tebedu and Lubok Antu were in the moderate range. NREB said it has activated its haze operations room, increased patrols, revoked earlier controlled-burning permits and suspended new controlled-burning permits for now. Location: Sarawak, including Serian and Kuching Details: NREB advised the public to drink enough water, reduce outdoor activity during hot and dry spells, and use N95 masks outdoors, especially for high-risk groups. Open burning can lead to a fine of up to RM100,000, jail up to five years, or both. Photo credit: DayakDaily / NREB Sarawak Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A landfill fire in Lingga has affected about three hectares, with smoke still reported even after firefighters brought the blaze under control. The Fire and Rescue Department said the fire broke out on Sunday, July 26. No casualties were reported. [image: 1785125161458-lingga_landfill_fire.jpg] Source: Bomba / DayakDaily What Bomba reported Firefighters from the Sri Aman station were sent to the scene after receiving the call. The affected area was estimated at about three hectares. By Monday morning, the fire had been brought under control, but it had not been fully extinguished because of the size of the site. Bomba said about two hectares had been extinguished, while smoke was still coming from another area roughly 300 feet away. What made it harder The team had to work with limited open water sources at the scene. They also faced poor mobile network coverage and access challenges linked to ongoing main road construction towards Lingga. Location: Lingga, Sri Aman division Details: About three hectares affected; two hectares extinguished; no casualties reported Source: DayakDaily Landfill fires can drag on because of buried waste and smoke, so nearby residents will probably be watching the clean-up closely. What do you think?

Kuching's RM2.6 billion flood mitigation project is back in the spotlight, after a call for MBKS to use its RM300 million reserves. Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng questioned whether that reserve fund could realistically cover a project of that size. [image: 1785125110348-mbks_flood_reserve-resized.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post What happened Wee said MBKS has about RM300 million in reserves, while the wider flood mitigation project for Kuching is estimated at RM2.6 billion. His point was simple: even if the council used the reserve, it would still be far short of the amount needed. He also said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof had already announced that major flood mitigation projects in Sarawak would start progressively from 2027. Why people are talking The issue came after Michael Kong, special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman, urged MBKS to review its priorities and consider using part of its reserves for drainage and flood mitigation works. Kong argued that financial prudence should not become an excuse for inaction when long-standing infrastructure problems are affecting residents. Wee pushed back, saying large-scale flood mitigation falls under federal responsibility and should not be turned into another political issue. Location: Kuching South / MBKS area Details: RM2.6 billion flood mitigation project; RM300 million MBKS reserve fund; federal rollout expected from 2027 Source: The Borneo Post For Kuching residents who deal with flash floods, the big question is whether the money and timeline can match the actual problem on the ground. What do you think?

Bukit Saban is being lined up as a modern agriculture hub through a CPPC, Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport. [image: 1785114385186-bukit_saban_agri-resized.jpg] Image source: The Borneo Post Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the plan is meant to build a full agriculture value chain, from production to processing, packaging and marketing. He said the projects could help farmers and smallholders raise their income by linking farm output with better facilities and market access. What is planned The proposed Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC), Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport are being planned under allocations from the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA). Uggah said the state government will also continue supporting rural livelihoods through agriculture and entrepreneurship programmes, including fertiliser aid, pepper and oil palm cultivation, and free-range livestock projects. He also urged parents to support their children in pursuing higher education, saying skilled young people will be needed for Sarawak's future development. Location: Bukit Saban, Betong Division Details: Modern agriculture hub plan; CPPC, Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport; focus on farmers, smallholders and rural income. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

MBKS wants to bring mobile health screening into schools across Kuching South, focusing on staff, teachers and parents. [image: 1785114344953-mbks_health_school-resized.jpg] Image source: The Borneo Post Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the programme is meant to help people detect health problems earlier, especially those who often put work and family ahead of check-ups. The latest Health Screening Programme 4.0 was held at the basement of Song Kheng Hai Food Court, with support from the Lions Club and Diabetes Malaysia. MBKS had earlier carried out similar outreach in Kenyalang and Bintawa. Why Song Kheng Hai Wee said Song Kheng Hai was chosen because it is close to the KMC flats, where many B40 residents live. He said MBKS will continue moving the service around the Kuching South area so more people can access basic screening and consultation. The programme also involves volunteers, including retired medical professionals and younger Leo Club members. Location: Song Kheng Hai Food Court, Kuching South Details: MBKS mobile health screening; schools next; focus on early detection for school staff, teachers and parents. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawakians are being reminded to check first before sharing political videos, images or claims online. [image: 1785060297537-pbb_ai_misinformation.jpg] Source: DayakDaily PBB secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said AI tools and social media have changed how fast false or edited content can spread. Speaking at the PBB Special Convention for the Central Zone in Sibu today, he said a clipped video, edited image or statement taken out of context can now reach many people within minutes. Why it matters Nanta said platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp can become powerful channels for misinformation when used irresponsibly, especially as Sarawak moves closer to its next State election. He urged people to verify information first and avoid becoming part of the chain that spreads false claims. His message PBB members, he said, should help defend facts and stop manipulated content from shaping public opinion through falsehoods. Location: Sibu, Sarawak Details: Warning on AI, social media and misinformation during PBB Central Zone convention Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

East Malaysia is taking up the expanded diesel subsidy scheme fast, with Sarawak alone recording 8,292 registered vehicles. [image: 1785060242687-diesel_skds_east_msia.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Companies in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan have registered 18,538 jeeps and pickup trucks under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) as of July 23. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said East Malaysia now accounts for 67.9% of companies registered in this company-owned jeep and pickup category nationwide. What changed The SKDS expansion for Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan started on July 1. It covers three sectors: public land transport, consumer-goods land transport, and private company-owned jeeps and pickup trucks. Key numbers Sarawak recorded 4,713 companies with 8,292 vehicles. Sabah recorded 5,583 companies with 10,046 vehicles. Labuan recorded 157 companies with 200 vehicles. Nationwide, 190,012 companies involving 493,160 vehicles have registered across the three SKDS sectors. Location: Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan Details: SKDS diesel subsidy registration update as of July 23 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?