The first phase of the modern pig farm at Ensengei in Serian is producing 700 to 800 pigs for market a month, while a separate RM200 million farming area in Selangau is expected to begin production in 2027. Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dr Stephen Rundi Utom gave the update at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Oct 20. The distinction matters for Sarawak’s supply outlook: Serian has existing output, whereas Selangau’s production and full completion remain future milestones. The privately operated Ensengei development covers 202 hectares and carries an investment value of RM385 million. Its first phase was completed in 2025. The wider project plans a closed-house system and a modern abattoir, with capacity for 80,000 pigs by 2030. Selangau’s separate 233-hectare development targets full completion in 2028. Rundi reported RM158.75 million in export earnings from 109,606 live pigs in 2026. He also described shipments of about 2,500 pigs a week from Pasir Puteh to Singapore and an additional 500 a week to Selangor since 2025. These export figures do not establish a retail price or guarantee cheaper pork for Kuching households. The useful supply indicators are actual farm output and whether the next production phases start on schedule.

Serian与Lundu共142所学校今天临时停课，两地烟霾读数仍处于非常不健康水平。 砂拉越教育局公布，Serian有108所学校、Lundu有34所学校自9月24日起停课。今早10时，两地空气污染指数分别为212和225。 当局表示，停课依据教育部第8/2016号灾害期间教学管理通告。邻近API超过200地区的学校，可由校长衡量学生健康与安全后，考虑安排居家教学；目前没有公布统一复课日期。 家长应留意孩子学校的后续通知，确认当天学习安排。若API趋势回落，校方可着手准备复课，但这不等于已经确定开课时间。

A total of 142 schools in Serian and Lundu are closed today as haze readings remain in the very unhealthy range. The temporary closure took effect on Thursday, Sept 24: 108 schools in Serian and 34 in Lundu. At 10am, the Air Pollutant Index stood at 212 in Serian and 225 in Lundu. The Sarawak Education Department said the decision follows Education Ministry Circular No. 8 of 2016 on managing lessons during disasters. For schools near areas above API 200, principals and head teachers may consider home-based learning after weighing pupils’ health and safety. The notice gives no reopening date. Families should check with their own school for the day’s learning arrangements. If readings trend down, schools may begin preparing to reopen, but that is not a confirmed timetable.

A RM10 million project will add visitor facilities to the community-run Tagang system at Kampung Terbat Mawang in Serian. The development, under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency, involves 4.84 hectares and is planned to include a pavilion, parking area, mini market, toilets, gazebos, a substation, cafeteria and campsite. The Tagang system is a community-based way of protecting and restoring river and fish resources. The Terbat initiative involves three villages — Terbat Mawang, Terbat Leban and Muara Ahi — so the project is also intended to create more income opportunities around a resource the villages already manage. The latest announcement confirms the allocation and proposed facilities, but does not give a construction timetable or opening date. For Kuching-area visitors, that distinction matters: the project is a future rural-tourism upgrade, not a newly opened attraction.

Serian haze worsens again as API reaches very unhealthy level Serian’s Air Pollutant Index (API) rose to 202 by 11am on Friday, pushing the district back into the very unhealthy range after rain brought lower readings earlier in the morning. The Natural Resources and Environment Board readings show Serian climbing from 197 at 9am to 202 two hours later. Lundu recorded the second-highest reading at 192, followed by Tebedu at 185, Kuching at 182 and Samarahan at 181. At 8am, Serian and Lundu were at 195 and 177, respectively. The later figures show that the morning improvement was not holding across all monitoring stations. For people in Kuching and nearby districts, conditions can change within hours. Check the latest API reading for the area you are heading to, and limit prolonged outdoor activity when readings remain unhealthy or worse.

Serian’s haze emergency is over, but air quality remains poor in parts of Sarawak. The Prime Minister’s Office said on Sept 7 that the King had consented to end the declaration after Serian’s latest API readings fell out of the hazardous range. The emergency was declared on Sept 4, when the index went above 500. That decision does not mark the end of the haze episode. Kota Samarahan recorded an API reading of 226 at 8am, and several other areas were still in the very unhealthy band. Conditions may shift with wind direction and hotspot activity. Residents in affected areas should keep outdoor time down and follow the latest instructions from the authorities while monitoring local API updates.

Serian目前仍处于烟霾紧急状态，非必要工作场所暂停运作，直至空气污染指数（API）降至500以下。 这项紧急状态是在当地API升破“非常危险”水平后宣布。超市、油站、银行和保安等必要服务获准继续营业，其他政府及私人工作场所则暂时关闭。 包括古晋、Padawan、Bau、Lundu、Samarahan和Serian在内的12个县属，学校从9月7日至11日暂时停课，期间改为居家教学。 这项措施只针对Serian，并不是行动管制令。有关紧急状态将在API低于500后解除；前往受影响地区前，应先查看官方空气质量更新，并减少在户外逗留。

Serian remains under a haze emergency, with non-essential workplaces closed while authorities wait for the air pollutant index to fall below 500. The emergency was declared after the district’s API climbed above the very hazardous threshold. Essential services, including supermarkets, petrol stations, banks and security forces, are allowed to operate. Schools in 12 districts — including Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan and Serian — are closed from Sept 7 to 11. Lessons continue through home-based teaching during the closure. The order is confined to Serian; it is not a movement-control order. The emergency will be lifted when the API drops below 500, so residents should check official air-quality updates before making plans or travelling into the affected area.

Serian remains under haze emergency for three more days as API drops, workplaces allowed to operate The Serian Division will stay under a state of emergency for the next three days despite an improvement in air quality, with businesses and government offices permitted to continue operations under health precautions. Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said it is monitoring the situation closely after Serian's Air Pollutant Index peaked at 521 on Sept 4. By 10am on Sept 5, the reading had dropped to 334, still within the hazardous band of 301-500. SDMC warned that API levels could fluctuate depending on wind direction and hotspot activity. A full assessment will be made after the three-day monitoring window before any recommendation is submitted to Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on whether to lift or extend the emergency. Industries, plantations, construction sites and quarries in the affected area may continue operating provided all necessary health safeguards are in place. The public has been advised to avoid outdoor activities where possible, and to wear N95 or at minimum 3-ply masks when going out. Particular care should be taken for children, senior citizens and vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, the Department of Environment reported that nine of Malaysia's 16 detected hotspots on Friday were in Sarawak, with the remaining five in Sabah and two in Terengganu. ASMC satellite data showed 139 hotspots in Kalimantan, with moderate to thick haze moving northeast towards Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei. Six Sarawak locations recorded very unhealthy API as of 1pm Sept 5: Serian (287), Kuching (267), Sri Aman (251), Samarahan (242), Samalaju (202) and Bintulu (201). Seven more registered unhealthy readings.

Serian’s API rose above 500 at 8am on Friday and reached 518 by 10am. Kuching was also in the hazardous range at 310 at 10am. At the IPD Serian monitoring station, the sequence was 495 at 7am, 502 at 8am, 510 at 9am and 518 at 10am. Elsewhere, Lundu (323), Tebedu (345) and Lubok Antu (398) were hazardous, while Samarahan (281) and Sri Aman (245) were very unhealthy. An API above 300 is classified as hazardous. Sarawak authorities had identified 500 as the threshold that could trigger an emergency declaration for the affected locality, but the reports carrying the 10am readings did not announce one. The 10am figures are a snapshot, not an all-day forecast. The Department of Environment updates MyEQMS hourly; check the latest station reading before heading outdoors and cut back on prolonged outdoor activity while the index remains hazardous.

Work has begun on a RM2.1 million Sungai Kayan riverbank project in Kampung Krusen Kranji, eight months after heavy rain triggered a landslide that cut the village’s main access road. The Sept 2 site handover starts a 12-month construction period ending Sept 1, 2027. The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee is funding the job, while the Drainage and Irrigation Department’s Serian office is responsible for implementation and monitoring. The January landslide also damaged a suspension bridge at Kampung Krusen Siu. Authorities warned residents then not to use it; its RM900,000 replacement is still at final document-assessment stage and has no announced start date. Four smaller allocations have also been approved: RM150,000 for solar power in three Krusen villages, RM100,000 each for the Kampung Krusen Mawang community hall and village road, and RM280,000 for the Awah Gawai facility in Krusen Siu. Their schedules have not been announced.

Serian’s API reading reached the hazardous level at 357 by 7am on Sunday, while Kuching, Samarahan and Sri Aman were already in the very unhealthy band. The morning reading reported from the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System put Samarahan at 293, Kuching at 284 and Sri Aman at 215. Serian was the only Sarawak station above 300, the threshold for hazardous air quality. Most of the other monitored areas were in the unhealthy range, including Sarikei at 195, Sibu at 187, Bintulu at 177, Samalaju and Mukah at 170, Kapit at 159, Miri at 154 and ILP Miri at 144. Limbang was the exception at 86, in the moderate range. The figures are a time-stamped snapshot, so they can shift as wind, rain and smoke movement change. Kuching residents planning outdoor exercise or travel should check the latest APIMS reading first; people who must go out should keep exposure short and pay attention to breathing symptoms.

Sarawak's 4pm haze readings worsened across the state, with Serian joining Sri Aman in the very unhealthy band. The Air Pollutant Index Management System recorded Sri Aman at 229 and Serian at 228 on Aug 29. Kuching was at 180, Sarikei 194 and Samarahan 185, putting those stations in the unhealthy range alongside Mukah, Sibu, Bintulu, Kapit and Samalaju. Only ILP Miri, Miri and Limbang remained in the moderate range, at 77, 76 and 56 respectively. All listed areas rose from the 10am readings, making this a materially worse afternoon snapshot rather than a repeat of the morning update. Under the API scale, 201–300 is very unhealthy and 101–200 is unhealthy. Residents can check the latest APIMS reading before prolonged outdoor activity, as the numbers may change with wind and rain.

Serian Jalan Sungai Menyan周五下午发生双罗里相撞事故，一人死亡，另有3人受伤。 涉事车辆包括一辆货运罗里和一辆5吨罗里。Serian消拯局下午2时50分接获投报，抵达现场时发现一名男子被困在翻覆的5吨罗里下方，之后由卫生部医护人员证实当场死亡。 另外3名伤者据报蒙受轻伤，其中一人由公众送往Serian医院，另外两人则由紧急医疗救援服务（EMRS）车辆送院。 目前公开的初步资料没有交代涉事者身份，也没有说明碰撞经过。愿逝者安息，伤者早日康复。 地点： 砂拉越Serian Jalan Sungai Menyan

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

Sungai Sadong大桥征地，29名地主及索赔者获赔142万3550令吉。 当局一共发出37张赔偿支票，受惠者来自Kampung Sorak Sumpung、Kampung Sorak Dayak、Kampung Sorak Mawang及Kampung Sorak Melayu。 武吉斯木雅区州议员John Ilus说，这座大桥对改善当地交通很重要，尤其是在水灾季节。工程也预计能带动周边村庄的发展和经济机会。 土地与测量局说，工程涉及征用4块有地契土地及3块无地契土地。土地法令第5(3)、5(4)及48条文于2025年2月16日获批准，测量工作则在2026年7月17日完成。 [image: 1787306967653-sadong-bridge-compensation-2108-resized.jpg] 目标日期或工程宣布，不等于道路已经开放或设施已经投入运作。在正式通车或服务通告出现前，居民应继续使用现有安排，并留意下一项审批、施工或试运行进度。

29 landowners and claimants have received RM1,423,550.90 in compensation for land acquired for the Sungai Sadong Bridge project in Serian. A total of 37 compensation cheques were handed to recipients from Kampung Sorak Sumpung, Kampung Sorak Dayak, Kampung Sorak Mawang and Kampung Sorak Melayu. Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus said the bridge is important for connectivity, especially during flood season. The project is also expected to support development and economic opportunities around the villages. The Land and Survey Department said four titled lots and three untitled lots were acquired. The provisions under Sections 5(3), 5(4) and 48 of the Land Code were approved on Feb 16, 2025, while survey work was completed on July 17, 2026. [image: 1787306967653-sadong-bridge-compensation-2108-resized.jpg] A target date or project announcement is not the same as an open road or operating facility. Until an official opening or traffic notice is issued, residents should keep using the current arrangements and watch for the next construction or approval milestone.

Sarawak entrepreneurs recorded RM35 million in transactions within 30 days through WhatsApp and social media. [image: 1785643496956-digital_drive_20260802.jpg] SERIAN, Aug 2: The figure was shared by MINTRED advisor Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, who said it shows more local entrepreneurs are ready to use digital platforms to reach wider markets. He said the state government will continue strengthening digitalisation initiatives so more entrepreneurs can raise income and grow their businesses. Support for digital growth Naroden said Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and MINTRED have rolled out programmes to strengthen the digital economy ecosystem, including the Digital Village in Kuching as a technology showcase and reference centre for entrepreneurs. He also pointed to support under the Micro Credit Scheme, with loans of up to RM50,000 and grants of up to RM20,000 to help businesses buy laptops, software and digital system equipment. Location: Serian / Sarawak Details: Entrepreneurs were urged to use AI responsibly for promotion, packaging design, marketing content and market intelligence. Photo: Sarawak Tribune Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Some places don't need fancy lighting or big signboards. You reach Kampung Panchor Dayak Hot Spring, hear the forest around you, see the wooden decks, then the warm water does the rest. [image: 1785463629439-panchor_2_trip-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com visitor photo [image: 1785463630026-panchor_3_trip-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com visitor photo [image: 1785463630531-panchor_5_trip-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com visitor photo [image: 1785463630957-panchor_1_kuchingguide.jpg] Source: Kuching Guide What it feels like This is a simple kampung-style hot spring, not a polished resort spa. The charm is exactly there: wooden walkways, shaded pools, green surroundings, and that quiet out-of-town mood after the Kuching-Serian drive. Sarawak Tourism Board lists it as a Serian attraction, around 40KM from Kuching City, managed by the Kampung Panchor Dayak committee. Their listing also notes the water averages around 42C, so don't jump straight in like hero. Test first, then soak slowly. Trip.com reviewers seem to like the same thing: they call it a great find, cheap, quiet, and worth the trip even though it is not the easiest place to reach. One review basically sums up the vibe: jungle sounds, hot spring water, no overbuilt tourist feel. TripAdvisor feedback is more mixed but useful. Visitors praise the relaxing warm bath and low local fee, while also saying the facilities are basic. That sounds fair. Come here for a kampung hot spring soak, not five-star changing rooms. Kuching Guide's older writeup also mentions eight separate pools, a cafe/BBQ stand, changing rooms, and a bigger parking area. The same writeup notes shower-room improvements were still needed, so keep expectations simple. Quick notes before you go Area: Kampung Panchor Dayak, Serian side Distance: Roughly 40-50KM from Kuching, depending where you start Opening: Older tourism/local listings mention daily opening into the evening; check the latest timing before driving out Fee: Old listings mention low entry fees around RM3-RM5 for locals, but bring extra cash in case rates changed Bring: Towel, spare clothes, slippers, drinking water, and small cash Best time: Late afternoon feels nicer because the water is hot and the place is more relaxed My honest take: this is a good half-day idea when you want something slower than mall hopping and don't mind a kampung road trip. Pair it with Serian makan or a short countryside drive, then the trip feels more worth it. Anyone here still goes Panchor for soaking? Share whether the facilities have improved lately.

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?