By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 3: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has achieved another significant milestone after three of its community-driven initiatives were named among the Top 29 Finalists of the 2026 JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Awards (JCIM SDA).
The recognition underscores MBKS’ ongoing commitment to translating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into practical programmes that deliver tangible benefits to the community.
The three shortlisted initiatives represent different pillars of sustainable development.
Under SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, the Kuching Natural Farmers Market: Growing Livelihoods, Cultivating Sustainable Communities initiative provides local farmers and small-scale producers with a direct platform to market their products, while promoting sustainable agriculture, strengthening local livelihoods and boosting the local economy.
The MBKS Smart Pole Initiative: Transforming Public Parks into Smart, Safe and Low-Carbon Communities, recognised under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, leverages technology to enhance public spaces through smart features that improve safety, environmental monitoring and park management.
Meanwhile, Ausome Park: From Inclusive Play to Inclusive Cities – Leaving No One Behind, shortlisted under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, promotes accessible and inclusive recreational spaces where children of all abilities can play and interact together.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the achievement demonstrates the important role local governments can play in advancing the SDGs at the grassroots level.
“The SDGs should not remain as international goals that people only read about. They must be translated into actions that people can see, experience and benefit from in their daily lives,” he said in a media release today.
“As the local authority closest to the community, MBKS has a responsibility to advocate the SDGs and turn them into practical initiatives.”
Wee noted that the three projects collectively address key aspects of sustainable development, ranging from economic empowerment and smart urban development to social inclusion.
“Through the Natural Farmers Market, we support livelihoods and our local economy. Through the Smart Pole Initiative, we use technology to make our public spaces safer, smarter and more sustainable. Through Ausome Park, we promote an inclusive city where no one is left behind,” he said.
He added that MBKS’ role extends beyond providing basic municipal services.
“A city council is not only about roads, drains, rubbish collection and enforcement. We must also be an advocate and catalyst for sustainable development. Every initiative, whether big or small, should contribute towards improving the quality of life of our people and building a better city for the next generation,” he said.
Wee also credited the achievement to MBKS councillors, staff, community partners and residents who have supported and participated in the council’s various programmes.
“Having three MBKS initiatives among the Top 29 Finalists is an encouragement for us to continue. More importantly, we hope these projects can show that the SDGs can begin at the local level, within our neighbourhoods, parks and communities,” he said.
MBKS reaffirmed its commitment to integrating the SDGs into its programmes and development initiatives as it works towards building a more inclusive, resilient, smart and sustainable Kuching South. — DayakDaily
