What's happening around you
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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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Abdullah Saidol: distortion of Malaysia's history on social media a key challenge
Sarawak Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the distortion of Malaysia's formation history on social media is a key challenge ahead of Malaysia Day. He said the government will not hesitate to act against statements that break the law, are defamatory or could stir unease. He spoke after a preview session for the 2026 National Malaysia Day Celebration Exhibition at Plaza Merdeka, Kuching.
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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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Hari Malaysia 2026 exhibition at Plaza Merdeka Kuching
The Hari Malaysia 2026 exhibition is being held at the Main Atrium of Plaza Merdeka, Kuching from 10 to 16 September, presenting the history of Malaysia's formation through the Corridor of the Era of Malaysia's Formation concept. Sarawak Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Abdullah Saidol and Sarawak JAPEN director Sabri Said visited the exhibition. Mini exhibitions are also being held in 10 divisions in Sarawak as well as in Sabah and Putrajaya.
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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.
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HSL buys over 5,000 N95 masks as haze disrupts Kuching construction sites
Hock Seng Lee (HSL) has purchased more than 5,000 N95 masks for its workers in Kuching as persistent haze affects its construction sites. The company has tightened safety measures, including daily briefings on mask use and extra caution for drivers and crane operators, and has extended precautions to its office and retail staff.
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Swinburne Sarawak student numbers rise 44% to 6,484 after free tertiary scheme
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus in Kuching has seen its student population grow by 44 percent year-on-year to 6,484 in 2026, following the implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). The university said the increase was anticipated and is being managed through continued investment in facilities and support services, with 2,100 new FTES students enrolled this year.
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GA 2026 ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026
GA 2026 ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026. 15 October to 24 October 2026, at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
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5th International Conference on Pharmacy Education and Research Network (ASEAN PharmNET)
5th International Conference on Pharmacy Education and Research Network (ASEAN PharmNET). 8 September to 11 September 2026, at M Hotels, Kuching.
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World Melioidosis Congress 2027
World Melioidosis Congress 2027. 26 July to 29 July 2027, at The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching.
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50 Sarawak PGA officers undergo combat shooting training in Kuching
Fifty General Operations Force (PGA) personnel from the Sarawak Brigade underwent combat shooting training at the brigade headquarters in Kuching on September 8. The exercise, led by Sergeant Fadzlee Md Farid, focused on skills with the Walther P99 pistol and M4 combat rifle. Brigade weapons staff officer ASP Micheal Kilab stressed the importance of continuous training to maintain readiness.