Badly mutilated body of 64-year old man found, believed to be crocodile victim

MARUDI, May 8 2026: The  badly mutilated body of a  64-year old senior citizen has been found floating on Sungai Ridan by a search party this morning.

Caption: The badly mutilated body of a 64-year old senior citizen, covered with plastic bag, was found by a search party 

Marudi Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) spokesman, in a statement, said the man is believed to have been mauled by a crocodile while he was fishing at Sungai Ridan here yesterday.

“Only his head, two legs and one hand are still attached to the badly mutilated body, “ the spokesman said.

According to him, Marudi Bomba received a call from the man’s younger brother about 9.20pm last night, informed him that his brother had not returned home.

He said the younger brother was informed by the villagers that the victim had left his motorcycle by Sungai Ridan.

He said the victim’s clothes and fishing gear were found under the bridge.

“Initial search efforts were carried out at the scene, but still failed to find the victim,” the spokesman said.

Female hiker, 41, loses consciousness while ascending Bukit Selabat

KUCHING, May 8 2026: A female hiker, 41,, lost consciousness while she and her seven hikers were ascending Bukit Selabat, here, this morning.

Caption: Firemen using a stretcher to bring down the female hiker to the foot of Bukit Selabat 

Tabuan Jaya Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), in  statement, said it received a emergency call about 6.10am, requesting for assistance to bring down the hiker to the foot of Bukit Selabat.

Upon arrival at the scene, the firemen found the woman unconscious while hiking up the mountain.

The statement said the firemen then brought the victim down the steep mountain slope. 

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, the firemen transferred the victim to a stretcher to be taken to the registration site area and then handed over to the emergency medical response services unit  for follow-up action.

 

Sarawak Metro, operator of KUTS, expresses regret for inconvenience caused by water supply disruption in Tabuan Jaya and surrounding areas

KUCHING, May 7 2026:  Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd, the operator of Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) has expressed its regret for the inconvenience caused by yesterday's water supply disruption to residents of Tabuan  Jaya, Tabuan Desa, Jalan Wan Alwi and surrounding areas.

 

A statement issued by Sarawak Metro explained that the disruption was caused by an accidental damage to a water pipe during construction works for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project’s Blue Line Package 2, yesterday.

“Sarawak Metro takes the matter very seriously and upon being notified of the incident immediately worked closely with the Blue Line Package 2 contractor – the joint venture company of Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd and CRBC (M) Holdings Sdn Bhd – and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd to facilitate repair works to restore water supply to the area as swiftly as possible,” the statement said.

It said as construction activities continue to intensify, particularly within the city and residential area, such challenges remain a possibility due to the complexity of works being carried out around existing underground utilities and infrastructure.

“At the Jalan Wan Alwi area, the ongoing construction involves the development of piers for the elevated guideway, as well as a long-span structure crossing the major traffic intersection, which will become one of the significant features of the KUTS project.

“Trial pit works and utilities relocation activities are a necessary part of the construction process,” the statemen said, stating that the utilities relocation works in the area are expected to complete in the next three months, subject to site conditions, utilities coordination, traffic management requirements and approval from the relevant authorities.

The statement also explained that as the KUTS project progresses into a more active phase of construction, Sarawak Metro remains committed to minimising disruptions to public utility services and surrounding communities.

It assured that Sarawak Metro will continue to review and strengthen its operational procedures to further improve coordination among contractors, enhance on-site supervision, and reduce the risk of similar incidents recurring in the future.

“This includes ongoing engagement, comprehensive utility mapping and close coordination with utility providers and their respective contractors, particularly prior to excavation works near identified underground pipes and cables,” the statement said.

It added other measures taken include continuous site inspection and risk assessment as well as preparing the emergency response and rectification readiness for swift mitigating procedures.

The statement also said Sarawak Metro greatly appreciates the cooperation and support extended by the relevant government agencies and utility providers in ensuring the KUTS project is implemented as smoothly and safely as possible.

“Sarawak Metro is also grateful for the patience, understanding and continued support from the public as efforts continue towards developing a modern and sustainable public transport system for Greater Kuching,” the statement concluded.

The water supply disruption started before noon yesterday and was restore before 5am today. 

Batu Lintang rep wants KUTS contractors and Sarawak Water to give full explanation on water supply disruption in Tabuan Jaya and surrounding areas

KUCHING, May 7 2026: Batu Lintang State Legislative Member (SLM) See Chee How has said he will be requesting a full explanation from KUTS contractors and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd regarding the circumstances surrounding the water supply disruption in Tabuan Jaya, Tabuan Desa and the surrounding areas.

Caption: Batu Lintang SLM See Chee How says his service team is prepared to assist the business community and residents affected by the water supply disruption 

He said based on the information that he has received, the disruption is believed to have been caused by damage to a water pipe during construction works.

“My service team is prepared to assist affected merchants and residents in compiling complaints, records of losses, and other relevant documentation should further legal action or compensation claims become necessary,” he said in a statement, posted on his Facebook.

He said disruption due to the water pipe burst does not appear to be an isolated incident.

He added reports have also been received from various other affected areas experiencing similar disruptions from time to time during the course of the project implementation.

“Repeated incidents of this nature raise serious concerns regarding construction coordination, risk management, and public utility protection measures,” he added.

“Making matter worse, many affected residents and traders have reported difficulties reaching the relevant hotlines during the period of intense distress, including attempts to contact both the KUTS project hotline and the Sarawak Water hotline for updates and assistance.

“During emergencies affecting essential public utilities, communication channels must remain responsive, accessible, and capable of providing timely updates to the public,” he said.

See said following the water disruption incident affecting the surrounding areas during the implementation of the KUTS ART Blue Line project, his service centre has received numerous complaints from residents and local business operators regarding the severe inconvenience and losses suffered from yesterday morning until early this morning.

He added many businesses experienced operational disruptions, while residents were forced to endure hours without water supply for basic daily needs.

“Such incidents should not be taken lightly, especially when they affect the livelihoods and wellbeing of the community,” he said.

Water supply disruption started before noon yesterday and it was only restored just before 5am today.