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14 fined RM3,500 each over armed riot at Kampung Resak junction
Fourteen people were fined RM3,500 each, in default 12 months' jail, by the Serian Magistrate's Court for rioting while armed with stones at a road junction in Kampung Resak, Serian, on Aug 28. Two of them were fined an extra RM4,000 each for damaging a Proton Saga, whose rear windscreen was smashed and a passenger slightly hurt. The court heard the riot stemmed from accusations over the alleged theft of oil palm fruit.
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SAINS signs MoU with 8nabler to expand voice AI use
Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) signed a memorandum of understanding with Malaysian voice AI firm 8nabler in Kuching to widen voice AI use in ICT customer support services. 8nabler's Panacea platform handled 4,056 ICT support calls for civil servants without human assistance over two months. The two parties will run a scoping and testing phase to find use cases across SAINS-supported application systems.
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AIM 25 heads to Kuching for the first time, RM950,000 in prizes
The 25th Anugerah Industri Muzik will be held in Kuching, Sarawak, for the first time on 26 September, tied to Malaysia Day celebrations. The Borneo Convention Centre Kuching show will feature Siti Nurhaliza, Hael Husaini, Hujan and Indonesian singer Fajar Noor, with RM950,000 in funding for 16 main categories.
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Deputy minister: digital transformation must improve public services
Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said at the Digital Government Exchange 2026 in Kuching that digital transformation must make public services more seamless, accessible, inclusive and responsive. He said 445,000 civil servants are targeted for training under Nationwide AI Network 2.0, covering generative AI, productivity and workflow automation. The event, organised by Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd, focuses on AI and data-driven governance.
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DAP Sarawak questions 99-seat DUN expansion without more parliamentary seats
DAP Sarawak has questioned the rationale for raising the number of Sarawak state seats from 82 to 99 without a matching increase in parliamentary representation. Its chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the party objects on three grounds, including unequal voter distribution and unfair ethnic representation, and spoke at a press conference at the party's Sarawak headquarters in Kuching.
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13 held, RM15,915 in drugs seized in Kota Samarahan narcotics op
Police in Kota Samarahan arrested 13 people during a special narcotics operation carried out in the area from 7 September until yesterday. Officers seized 1.9 grams of syabu and 88 grams of liquid believed to contain drugs, worth an estimated RM15,915. All suspects were brought to the Kota Samarahan Court for further action.
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Two men including soldier plead not guilty to possessing 38.62g of meth in Serian
Two men, one an army personnel, pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court in Kuching to possessing 38.62 grammes of methamphetamine in Serian on May 16. The case is set for pre-trial case management on Oct 9, and both accused are remanded at Puncak Borneo Prison.
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Sarawak targets RM15,000 monthly household income by 2030
Sarawak aims to raise average household income to RM15,000 a month by 2030, up from about RM6,900 now. State Utility and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the target needs effort from all sides, speaking at the Sebuyau district education incentive ceremony at Dewan Kampung Sampat, Sebuyau.
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SIDC targets Q3 2027 launch, aims to be regional pandemic preparedness hub
The Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) is targeting an official launch of its facility in the third quarter of 2027, according to CEO Prof Dr Ivan Yap Kok Seng. He spoke at the Sarawak SHInE International Conference 2026 at Imperial Hotel, Kuching, launched by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Five strategic cooperation documents were signed, including with Institut Pasteur du Cambodge and BIOTEC Thailand for infectious disease research and regional pandemic preparedness.
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10,000 cups of Milo to be given out at Malaysia Day celebration in Kuching
A total of 10,000 cups of Milo will be distributed free to visitors at the 2026 Malaysia Day Celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Sarawak on Sept 16. The initiative is part of Milo's target to give out 100,000 free drinks nationwide during National Month, and the celebration will feature cultural performances and be broadcast live.
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Sarawak strengthens innovation ecosystem through SHInE 2026
In Kuching, Sarawak is strengthening its research and innovation ecosystem through the SHInE 2026 conference held from 9 to 11 September at Imperial Hotel Kuching. Organising chairman Dr Peter Morin Nissom said SRDC aims to move Sarawak from being a technology user to a creator and owner of intellectual property. Sarawak's geographical challenges were also discussed in ensuring equitable access to science and healthcare.
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Batu Kitang gets over 1,200 streetlights since 2016, says assemblyman
More than 1,200 streetlights have been installed across Batu Kitang since 2016 to improve security in back lanes and housing estates, assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang said. Six CCTV cameras have also been fitted along Arang Road and in the Third Mile area. A community dialogue on security and infrastructure will be held at Choon Foh Kopitiam, Capital Garden, this Saturday.
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Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival returns Sept 15-26 at Carpenter Street
The Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival 2026 will run at Carpenter Street from Sept 15 to 26, with more than 100 vendors expected for the 12-day celebration. Organising chairman Kapitan Lim Chuan Chan said the festival will be officially launched on Sept 15 by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
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Kuching South council helps Kenyalang residents clear homes after strong winds
Strong winds damaged several homes and blew off roofs in Kenyalang, Kuching. The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) stepped in to help residents, particularly the elderly, clear debris and damaged belongings, and provided bins for waste disposal.
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Sarawak to host IDECS26 conference in Kuching next month, focusing on AI and semiconductors
Sarawak will host the ninth International Digital Economy Conference (IDECS26) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching from October 5 to 6. The conference will focus on AI, semiconductors, digital talent and the space economy, as the state aims to create greater economic value from its technology investments.
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Kuching man arrested with 569g cannabis faces drug trafficking charge
A 30-year-old man in Kuching was arrested on Monday after police found 569g of suspected cannabis on him. He faces a possible drug trafficking charge under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. The suspect is being remanded for five days to assist investigations.
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Sarawak invites Brunei to join Borneo Quran recitation event in Kuching
The Sarawak government has officially invited Brunei to participate in the Borneo Cities Quran Recitation Assembly (MTQBB) 2026, scheduled for October 26-29 in Kuching. The invitation was delivered during a courtesy call to Brunei's Minister of Religious Affairs in Bandar Seri Begawan. The main event will be held at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall, with the opening ceremony by the Sarawak Premier on October 27.
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Siti Nurhaliza dominates AIM25 with 14 nominations
Siti Nurhaliza has received 14 nominations for the 25th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM25), the highest number for this edition. The awards ceremony will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak on 26 September. Other leading nominees include Aisha Retno with six nominations, and Hael Husaini and Mimifly with five each.
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Sarawak Malaysia Day events moved indoors as haze persists
Several Malaysia Day programmes in Sarawak are being adjusted to limit outdoor exposure due to persistent haze. The main celebration will proceed as planned at the indoor Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), while other events like the exhibition in Kuching have been relocated to Plaza Merdeka.
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AIM25 to proceed in Kuching despite haze, organizer hopes API improves
The organizer of the 25th Music Industry Awards (AIM25) confirmed the event will proceed at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on September 26 despite the haze affecting Sarawak. Committee chairman Rosmin Hashim expressed hope that the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings will improve by the night of the awards.
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AIM25 Silver Jubilee Night in Kuching, Siti Nurhaliza Among Performers
The 25th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM25) will be held for the first time in Sarawak at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on September 26. The main night will feature hosts Awal Ashaari and Scha Alyahya, along with performers including Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza. The event received a RM1 million grant from the Sarawak government and RM950,000 from the Communications Ministry.
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AIM25 in Kuching: Awal, Scha and Sheera named as hosts
The 25th Music Industry Awards (AIM25) will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak on September 26. Married couple Awal Ashaari and Scha Alyahya, along with TVS personality Sheera Abang Mansur, will host the Silver Jubilee edition's main night. The first-time event in Sarawak has received a RM1 million grant from the state government and RM950,000 from the Communications Ministry.
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Kuching's Lien Heng Cup lion dance aims for 30 teams, RM25,500 prize pool
The 3rd Lien Heng Cup lion dance championship in Kuching is targeting 30 participating teams, up from 23 last year. The event, scheduled for Sept 26-27 at The Hills, Kuching, will feature a traditional Southern Lion Dance competition with a total cash prize pool of RM25,500. A concurrent photography contest offers an additional RM4,000 in prizes.
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Kuching property buyers prioritise price, loan eligibility over location
At the SHEDA Property Expo 2026 in Kuching, property agents say younger buyers are interested in homes priced between RM300,000 and RM500,000 but are constrained by loan eligibility. Existing debts and irregular income often reduce the amount they can borrow, making early financial screening important. Buyers are now more price-sensitive and value-conscious than in 2025.