By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 20: Healthy children will grow into capable, confident, and caring citizens, and the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is committed to promoting the health and well-being of children.
According to MBKS Mayor Dato’ Wee Hong Seng, times have changed; in the past, children spent more time playing outdoors.
Today, however, many children prefer to stay indoors, playing mobile or computer games for hours. While technology is useful, he said, a lack of physical activity can have serious consequences on both physical and mental health.
“Studies have shown that reduced physical activity can lead to obesity, stress, and even lower concentration in school. This is why programmes like ‘Merentas Desa’ are so important, they give our children a chance to move, to breathe fresh air, to build resilience, and to grow stronger in both body and mind,” he said.
He said this while officiating at the ‘Merentas Desa 7.0’ programme held at SRJK Chung Hua No. 3 here today.
Wee said that under the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), in partnership with UNICEF since 2022, the council has focused on providing safe and accessible public spaces that support physical activity and child development.
Some of the actions taken include upgrading public parks and open spaces to be more child-friendly and welcoming for families, installing and improving playground equipment, such as swings, slides, and climbing structures, and building walking and cycling paths to encourage outdoor activity in residential areas.
“A healthy city is one where children can grow up playing, learning, and living in a safe and supportive environment. MBKS is also open to collaborating with schools and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to organise more health and fitness programmes like today’s ‘Merentas Desa’, aerobics sessions, fun runs, or family sports days. This partnership between schools, parents, and local government is essential to building a stronger community,” he said.
He further encouraged the students to incorporate physical activities into their daily lives, whether by taking walks with their family, joining sports clubs, or playing outdoors.
Speaking on the event, which saw the participation of over 1,000 students, Wee said it stood as an example of how schools can play a vital role in encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle among their students, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3)—Good Health and Well-Being.
“I hope programmes like ‘Merentas Desa’ will continue to grow and reach more students every year. Let us not allow our children to grow up disconnected from nature and physical activity.
“Together, let us build a Kuching South that is not only beautiful, but also healthy, active, and truly child-friendly,” he said. — DayakDaily
