Sarawak wants federal approval sped up for a Kuching-Putussibau cross-border bus route. [image: 1785751410267-kuching_putussibau_bus_20260803.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Ministry of Transport The Sarawak Ministry of Transport will send an official request to the federal side to speed up approval for the proposed Kuching-Putussibau bus service. Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the route is meant to improve links between Sarawak and West Kalimantan through the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau entry point. Why it matters Operators from both sides, Biaramas Express from Sarawak and DAMRI from Indonesia, have indicated they are ready to start. Lee said the route could support tourism, medical tourism, trade and cross-border economic activity. He also said the current Putussibau-Pontianak overland trip takes about 20 hours, while using the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau and Tebedu-Entikong route could cut travel time by more than half. Kuching as a transit hub The ministry also sees Kuching becoming a regional transit point, linking flights through Kuching International Airport with land travel into Kalimantan. Location: Kuching, Lubok Antu and Putussibau Details: Sarawak is asking for faster federal approval for a proposed cross-border bus route. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching's ART project has moved into the next stage after the first two trains arrived for KUTS pilot preparations. [image: 1785632692948-art-first-trains.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) The first two ART trains under the Kuching Urban Transportation System are now in Kuching, bringing the project closer to pilot operations. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the focus is now on system integration, infrastructure readiness and operational checks before the service is opened for pilot use. What is being prepared Lee said work is progressing on the ART alignment, stations, depots and support systems. The Phase 1 Hydrogen Production Plant at Rembus Depot is also moving ahead. Once ready, it is expected to produce up to one tonne of green hydrogen a day to support pilot and early ART operations. For Kuching road users, this is one of the clearest signs yet that KUTS is moving from construction into actual service preparation. Location: Kuching / Rembus Depot Details: First two ART trains arrived; pilot operation preparation now focuses on integration, safety, reliability and hydrogen support facilities. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Kuching residents want growth that fixes daily life first [image: 1785546287138-kuching_growth_20260801.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Edgar Ong Kuching's growth is bringing a clear message from residents: more jobs, better public transport, smarter traffic planning, cleaner neighbourhoods and stronger support for local businesses. The Borneo Post spoke to six residents for Kuching City Day. Their concerns were practical: young Sarawakians need career options at home, road capacity must match new developments, and public facilities must keep up with the city's expansion. What residents raised Location: Kuching Details: Residents pointed to jobs, public transport, road maintenance, cleanliness, CCTV coverage, local business support and environmental care. Business owner Lau Lee Leong said traffic impact should be planned before major projects are approved, especially in areas already facing congestion. Others said Kuching should stay clean, green and safe while creating more opportunities for students and entrepreneurs. Hot Score: 27/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak transport operators have been urged to form a consortium to help manage Rest and Service Areas along the Pan Borneo Highway. [image: 1785405905075-pan-borneo-rsa.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said bus, lorry and other land transport operators know what road users need, so they should look at joining the management and operation of RSAs through a public-private partnership model. He said this after a Ministry of Transport Sarawak dialogue in Kuching today on the planning of RSAs and layby facilities along the highway. What could be added The discussion covered possible locations and facilities such as petrol stations, vehicle servicing and repair workshops, pharmacies, food outlets, clean washrooms and enough parking for heavy vehicles. Feedback from the session will be compiled and studied by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak before proposals are prepared. Location: Kuching / Pan Borneo Highway, Sarawak Details: Proposed consortium model for highway RSAs and laybys 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?

Kota Samarahan is next in line for ART operational testing under the KUTS project. [image: 1784887499961-art-kota-samarahan-kuts.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS Sarawak Metro told Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) during a briefing that the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) service will go through operational testing at a later stage. The test is meant to check the route, system performance, and how well the service connects with the wider public transport network. Sarawak Metro also updated MPKS on construction progress, including Rembus Station, which sits within Kota Samarahan's administrative area. MPKS reminded the project side to keep traffic disruption under control during construction, while keeping road-user safety and comfort as a priority. Location: Kota Samarahan Details: ART operational testing planned under the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project; Rembus Station progress also briefed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

AirBorneo has started its Kuching-Singapore service, with Jakarta expected to follow within two months. [image: 1784768721478-airborneo-singapore.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) AirBorneo is now flying the Kuching-Singapore route, marking another step in Sarawak's push to build its own regional air network. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Singapore service started on Sarawak Day, just two days after AirBorneo began commercial jet operations between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur on July 20. Why it matters The State is positioning AirBorneo as part of a wider transport plan, alongside roads, airports and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system. Abang Johari also said Jakarta is expected to be AirBorneo's next international destination within two months. Better links could mean easier travel, stronger tourism and more business movement for Sarawak. Location: Kuching / Singapore Details: Kuching-KL flights started July 20; Kuching-Singapore service launched on Sarawak Day; Jakarta targeted next. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1784369164231-pending-jetty.jpeg] The upgraded Pending Jetty is expected to reopen by Aug 24, bringing back a shorter river crossing for nearby residents. The old structure collapsed on Sept 5, 2023, disrupting a daily route used by residents from Kampung Muhibbah, Pinggan Jaya and nearby areas. Women, Family and Community Development Minister and Santubong MP Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the RM600,660 upgrading project is now almost 90 per cent complete. Why it matters The jetty is not just a small facility. For about 200 users, including students, workers, boat operators and nearby residents, the crossing over Sungai Sarawak is a faster and cheaper option than making a longer road detour through Samarahan. Nancy said only about 12 to 13 metres of work remain, including two bays and staircases. Weather is the main challenge, but the project is still expected to finish on schedule. The project is implemented by the Sarawak Rivers Board and includes demolition, piling, jetty works, concrete works, street lighting and a marine lantern. Location: Pending Jetty, Kuching Details: RM600,660 upgrade, almost 90% complete, expected completion Aug 24, 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Santubong’s ART route is moving into early works, with a dedicated second bridge planned across the Santubong River. [image: 1784347505208-santubong-art.jpg] Preliminary work will start with tree relocation before major construction begins next year. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the project will be done in phases. The plan covers the ART corridor from beyond the existing Santubong Bridge towards Damai, plus a new Santubong Bridge for ART use. What changes on the road Sultan Tengah Road is also set to be upgraded from two lanes into a dual carriageway. The ART lane will run in the middle, while the outer lanes are meant for motorcycles and bicycles. Dr Abdul Rahman said the first phase covers the stretch from the Yayasan Sarawak Roundabout to the existing Santubong Bridge. After that comes the new bridge. Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and SEDC will handle the tree relocation work, expected to take six to eight months. Out of 1,720 trees identified, 536 are suitable to be transplanted. Location: Santubong / Damai corridor, Kuching North Details: ART corridor, second Santubong Bridge, Sultan Tengah Road upgrade, tree relocation Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen says red tape is still blocking some eligible commercial vehicle owners from subsidised diesel. [image: 1784336677262-chong-diesel-subsidy.jpg] He urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to simplify and speed up the Budi Diesel application process, especially for eligible commercial vehicle owners. What vehicle owners are facing Chong said applicants are being asked to submit documents from Puspakom and apply to modify their commercial vehicle Body Code. After the modification, the vehicle must go through a mandatory inspection every six months before the owner can apply for a diesel subsidy card. He said the targeted subsidy policy began on July 1, 2026, but many owners who should be receiving subsidised diesel have been rejected because of the extra steps. Chong called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remove requirements he described as unnecessary. He also said he had raised the matter with Transport Minister Anthony Loke so it can be brought up in Cabinet. Source: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post For transport operators, this one really affects daily cost. What do you think?

[image: 1784196307107-airborneo-kia.jpg] AirBorneo Airways' Boeing 737-800 has arrived at Kuching International Airport ahead of its first Kuching-Kuala Lumpur service. The aircraft arrived on Wednesday, July 15, with commercial operations under the AirBorneo brand scheduled to begin on July 20. Why it matters The Kuching-Kuala Lumpur-Kuching route will be the airline's first service under the new brand after the Sarawak government's acquisition and rebranding of MASwings. Photos of the aircraft in AirBorneo livery have been circulating on social media. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian also shared the aircraft's arrival on Facebook, calling it a milestone for Sarawak's state-owned airline. Flight details AirBorneo said the route will operate twice daily between Kuching International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1. The airline earlier announced promotional one-way fares from RM375 all-in for Economy Class and RM736 all-in for Business Class, inclusive of airport taxes and fuel surcharges. Dr Sim also linked the airline's growth to Sarawak's wider air connectivity plans, including the proposed new Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang, expected to be completed after 2030. Location: Kuching International Airport (KIA) Details: Boeing 737-800 arrived before July 20 Kuching-KL launch; route planned twice daily Image: The Borneo Post / Facebook Dr Sim Kui Hian Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak and Indonesia discussed stronger air links to Jakarta, Balikpapan and Pontianak, together with better road connectivity through border checkpoints. [image: 1784023513243-sarawak-indonesia-airlinks.jpg] Photo: Ministry of Transport Sarawak via DayakDaily The discussion took place during a courtesy visit by Indonesian Consul General in Kuching Dr Abdullah Zulkifli to Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Both sides said growing movement between Sarawak and Kalimantan makes easier transport links increasingly important for tourism, trade, investment and family travel. Discussion is not the same as a confirmed route Jakarta, Balikpapan and Pontianak were named as existing or potential connections under discussion. The July 14 statement did not announce an airline, flight frequency, launch date or fare for any new service. That distinction matters. A route only becomes useful to travellers after an airline receives the necessary approvals and publishes a bookable schedule. Until then, residents should not plan a trip around an unconfirmed service. Land links were also part of the meeting. The two sides discussed Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security checkpoints along the Sarawak–Kalimantan border as cross-border movement and economic activity increase. For Kuching travellers, the next facts worth watching are which airline applies for the route, whether it will be direct, how often it will fly and whether timings allow useful onward connections. Official updates should come from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, the airline concerned and airport or aviation authorities. Status on July 14: Connectivity options discussed; no new launch date announced Sources: DayakDaily · Ministry of Transport Sarawak

The Kuching-Sibu drive could become much shorter once Sarawak's coastal road network is fully completed. [image: 1783591436761-road.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS What changes Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said eight road projects under the Sarawak Second Trunk Road and Coastal Road Network will cut the Kuching-Sibu distance by 144km. When the full network is ready, motorists would travel about 252km between Kuching and Sibu, compared with 396km via the Pan Borneo Highway. The projects cover major links through Samarahan, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Lingga, Sri Aman, Betong and Roban, with a combined investment of RM3.21 billion. Location: Kuching-Sibu coastal corridor, covering Samarahan, Betong and Sri Aman divisions Details: Several packages have target completion dates between September 2026 and 2030. Batang Lupar 1 Bridge is one key part of the wider network. Uggah said the route is expected to improve connectivity, reduce logistics costs and open more economic opportunities for communities along the coastal corridor. Source: DayakDaily For people who often travel Kuching-Sibu, this one really matters. What do you think?

[image: 1783559031764-airborneo-fare-resized.jpg] AirBorneo says its RM375 Kuching-Kuala Lumpur fare is all-in, after some travellers said the price still feels high. AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Aminuddin said the fare was set after comparing the lowest average fares offered on the Kuala Lumpur-Kuching route over the past six months, plus last year's average lowest fares. He said the RM375 price includes airport tax, 23kg checked baggage, 10kg cabin baggage, meals and seat selection. What passengers get The airline said some cheaper-looking fares from other carriers may only show the base fare first, before add-ons such as baggage or meals. Megat Ardian said AirBorneo wants to help keep fares between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia more stable, because high ticket prices were one of the biggest public concerns before the airline launched. The fare is available for travel until March 27, 2027. AirBorneo will watch booking demand and competitor pricing before deciding how long to keep it. Rural flights also being reviewed AirBorneo is also working on reliability for its Rural Air Services network after recent disruptions. The airline currently uses 14 turboprop aircraft for RAS flights: eight ATR 72-500s and six Twin Otters. It carries about 60,000 to 70,000 passengers a month on the network. Megat Ardian said lower-demand rural routes may be consolidated to give aircraft more maintenance time, but he said this does not mean routes will be closed. Location: Kuching / Sarawak air routes Details: RM375 all-in Kuching-Kuala Lumpur fare; RAS schedule review expected after talks with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/07/08/airborneo-defends-rm375-kuching-kl-promo-fare-following-public-feedback/ What do you think?

[image: 1783472671494-sejingkat-bridge.jpg] Sejingkat Bridge is now 94% complete and could open earlier than planned this October. The 1.2km bridge is being positioned as a major new link for Kuching and Sarawak's Second Trunk Road network. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said the project is about one per cent ahead of schedule. The original completion date was October 22, but the remaining works are now mainly focused on road approaches at Sejingkat and Tanjung Bako. Why it matters Once completed, the bridge is expected to handle about 15,000 vehicles a day. It will connect Sejingkat, Kuching to the wider Second Trunk Road network, giving travellers from coastal and interior areas a stronger route into Kuching. The project is also tied to future plans around Tanjung Embang, including the proposed new Kuching airport and deep-sea port. Location: Sejingkat, Kuching / Tanjung Bako Details: 1.2km bridge, 94% complete, early October 2026 target, estimated 15,000 vehicles daily Source: https://dayakdaily.com/sejingkat-bridge-nears-completion-at-94-pct-expected-to-open-ahead-of-schedule-this-oct/ What do you think?

Sarawak's vast geography and heavy reliance on diesel transport make the federal government's 200-litre monthly subsidy cap unworkable, says social activist Voon Shiak Ni. Speaking on Friday (June 27), Voon said the Budi Madani Diesel programme — which offers subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre up to 200 litres per month — fails to account for Sarawak's unique circumstances as an oil-producing state with enormous logistical challenges. "A one-size-fits-all approach may not reflect the realities of different regions. Sarawak's contribution as an oil-producing state and its unique logistical challenges should be considered," she said. [image: 1782522151104-diesel-subsidy.jpg] Lorry drivers and transport operators would be the hardest hit. One lorry driver told Voon he uses over 2,000 litres of diesel a month just transporting stones from Paku, Bau to Jalan Stephen Yong — ten times the proposed cap. Location: Sarawak Details: Budi Madani Diesel subsidy cap at 200 litres/month — activist calls it unsuitable for Sarawak's geography and logistics needs Source: Borneo Post Online What do you think?