By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 1: Around 800 people attended a barbecue hosted by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) at the Traffic Garden in Kenyalang Park here, bringing families and residents together for an evening of food, entertainment, and community bonding.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the council organised the event following positive feedback from residents who attended the recent Mooncake Festival celebrations at the park.
“Residents requested more frequent activities, prompting MBKS to make greater use of this public space.
“We want to bring people together. First, we draw them close, talk to them, listen to them and then work with them,” he told reporters at the event held on Saturday (Oct 31).
Wee said he was pleased to see residents turning up in large numbers, particularly those from the surrounding neighbourhood.
He noted that the area comprises more than 1,500 households, alongside local businesses and traders, making it an ideal venue for community activities.
He said MBKS wanted to provide an affordable and convenient neighbourhood space where families could unwind after a busy day.
Wee also highlighted the importance of strengthening family bonds, particularly between parents and children.
“Technology is good, but we want people to connect again. We do not want children to depend on their handphones all the time,” he said.
He added that MBKS was encouraging young people to take the initiative in organising community events, with the council providing guidance and support.
“We do not want the council to organise everything on its own. We want everyone to chip in and make the event a success,” he said.
Wee described the Traffic Garden as more than just a venue for traffic education, saying it also served as an important communal space for the neighbourhood.
He said MBKS would review residents’ feedback when planning future activities and encouraged the public to use the park more for exercise and family outings.
He hoped the gatherings would strengthen neighbourhood ties, encourage greater use of public spaces and inspire more residents to take the lead in organising community activities.
Members of the Kuching South Child Council also helped prepare and serve food during the event.
Also present were Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping, Political Secretary to the Premier’s Department Kho Teck Wan, MBKS Deputy Mayor Dato Zaedi Suhaily, and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Chairman Tan Kai. — DayakDaily
