By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Oct 3: Let us ensure that our children inherit not just our wealth, but also a cleaner Kuching and a strong sense of civic responsibility towards it, says Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Dato Wee Hong Seng.
Speaking during the World Environmental Health Day 2025 held at the council headquarters today, Wee said that clean air is fundamental to good health and wellbeing as polluted air increases our risk to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even the impacts of climate change.
“Each of us has a role to play in protecting the air we breathe. Through sustainable practices, responsible choices, and strong advocacy, we can make a difference.
“At the same time, policies by the State and council supported by active participation from the community are crucial to reducing pollution, safeguarding public health, and building resilience against the challenges of climate change,” he said.
He also further reiterated the council’s committed to building a cleaner and healthier city, such as by improving rubbish collection and waste management, as well as to promote recycling through programmes like iBuyBack app and Bank Sampah.
“We reduce plastic waste by encouraging everyone to use eco-bags and carry reusable bottles, and I am very proud to say that we are the first council that banned plastic straws,” he stated.
At the same time, Wee also said that MBKS is working with supermarkets to adopt biodegradable plastic bags with bioavailable wax, encouraging the public to use eco-bags and carry their own water bottles.
Additionally, he said that MBKS focuses on public health programmes which include mosquito control, cleanliness campaigns, free health checks, and rabies awareness, as well as through their efforts to plant more trees, improve parks, and create safe spaces for families.
“I believe communication is the key to expressing your thoughts in the right way. Only then can we achieve our goals,” he elaborated.
He added that MBKS has also introduced innovation through Smart Poles with air quality monitoring sensors at Kuching Park and Taman Palmarium, the first of its kind in Sarawak.
“If we put all of us together, it becomes a big change for Kuching. Step by step, action by action, we will be able to build a cleaner, healthier city, not only for us, but for our children and for our next generation.
“It’s not just about leaving your children money—after all, you can’t use money to buy clean air. The best inheritance you can give them is a healthy environment you’ve helped to protect.
“Together let us protect our health, save our environment, love our city, and let’s be earth friends, not only today, but every day,” he said. — DayakDaily
