By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 30: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the Methodist Church are set to explore joint community programmes focusing on youth development, social welfare, and senior care, following a dialogue between local authorities and church leaders.
The delegation, comprising 23 pastors from the Kuching West District of the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC), The Methodist Church in Malaysia, was led by District Superintendent Rev. Tan Chung Kiat during a courtesy call on MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
The two-hour session centred on establishing practical partnerships between the council and faith-based groups to foster a safer, healthier, more caring, and sustainable city.
Emphasising the need for collective responsibility, Wee noted that civic transformation requires active participation from all sectors of society, including government agencies, religious bodies, resident groups, and key stakeholders.
“To make Kuching a better and more sustainable city, we need everyone to work together. The Council can provide the platform and support, but the true strength of the community comes from its people,” he said.
The discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of priorities, including child and elder welfare, youth and family development, neighbourhood safety, mental health support, environmental awareness, and civic responsibility.
Highlighting specific social needs, Wee noted that children and senior citizens remain core demographics requiring continuous care and focus.
“For our children, we need to provide a safe and supportive environment in which they can grow, learn, and participate in the community, while for our senior citizens, we must ensure they remain connected, active, and properly cared for,” he explained.
He added that partnering with churches and community organisations enables MBKS to broaden its outreach, particularly to vulnerable individuals who require additional assistance.
Looking ahead, the mayor stressed that collaboration must extend beyond discussions and yield tangible benefits for local residents.
“What matters most is that we work together, understand the community’s genuine needs, and take decisive action,” he said. — DayakDaily
