By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, May 9: Aspiring young leaders in Kuching South now have the chance to make their voices heard, with applications for the new Kuching South Child Council (KSCC) intake now open from May 8 to 28.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng encouraged children aged 12 to 16 to step forward and become representatives for the younger generation in the community.
“This is an opportunity for children to share their ideas, represent the voices of young people, and contribute towards building a more child-friendly city,” he said during a press conference at the MBKS headquarters in Jalan Padungan yesterday (May 8).
Wee said the KSCC serves as a key platform under the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), enabling children to participate in discussions and decisions that affect their lives and well-being.
He also highlighted that MBKS is the first city in Sarawak and the second in Malaysia to be awarded Candidate City Status under the CFCI.
The council will comprise 30 members aged between 12 and 16, representing seven zones in Kuching South, including special quota seats for children from vulnerable and underrepresented groups.
Wee stressed that the council is open to children from all backgrounds and is not limited to high-achieving students or school prefects.
“We want the council to truly reflect the diversity of children in Kuching South, including children with disabilities and those from welfare-supported institutions,” he said.
Applicants must either reside or study within Kuching South, obtain consent from a parent or guardian, and demonstrate an interest in community and child-related issues.
They are also required to commit to attending meetings and official programmes, while maintaining good disciplinary records.
Successful applicants will serve a two-year term and must attend at least 70 per cent of meetings and programmes to remain active members.
Meanwhile, Wee expressed appreciation to the outgoing KSCC members who have served since 2024, commending their active involvement in community programmes, environmental initiatives, leadership activities, and awareness campaigns organised by MBKS and its partner agencies.
Application forms can be downloaded from the official MBKS website at MBKS Official Website or collected from the Information Counter at the MBKS headquarters in Jalan Padungan.
Completed forms must be submitted before 4pm on May 28 to the Public Relations and Corporate Development Unit, Level 3, MBKS, Jalan Padungan, or emailed to request@mbks.gov.my. — DayakDaily
