By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 25: Kuching is moving toward ageing-city status by 2028, with private-sector partnerships now central to boosting senior support, says Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
According to a press release, he shared the council’s commitment to building a stronger ageing-care ecosystem.
“A healthy city is built not only through hospitals or clinics but also through clean surroundings, safe public spaces, strong community relationships, and daily environments that support healthy living.
“MBKS is working closely with private sector partners to strengthen support systems for senior citizens.
“The Hospital-Led Home Care programme by Borneo Medical Centre, which delivers hospital-level services directly to the homes of seniors, including rehabilitation, therapy, medication support, and recovery planning that reduce hospital readmissions,” he said during the World Health Organisation (WHO) Mayors’ Meeting on Strengthening Healthy Settings under the Alliance for Healthy Cities (AFCC) in Penang on Nov 25–26.
He also highlighted the Senior Retirement and Community Living development by Elica Equity, designed as a modern lifestyle space for seniors, offering independent and assisted living, rehabilitation, dementia care, and long-term nursing support, complete with activity areas, therapy facilities and trained caregivers.
Wee added Ibraco’s elderly-friendly apartment project, which includes senior-safe layouts and age-friendly facilities, and sits close to a medical centre and the ART station for easy access.
On public-sector initiatives, he noted MBKS’s upgraded Pay and Go Smart Parking System, with the new “Elderly Easy Payment” (EEP) feature that gives seniors automatic plate recognition after one registration.
Fees are deducted digitally, removing the need for manual payment or mobile apps.
Wee said these combined efforts — from home-based medical care to purpose-built living spaces and easier accessibility — form a strengthening progression of care for Kuching’s ageing population.
“The true measure of a city lies in the well-being of its people and encourages future leaders to build cities centred on compassion, inclusivity, and forward-looking planning,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
