By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 5: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has reached another milestone at the 2026 JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Awards (JCIM SDA), winning two of the 10 awards presented this year.
According to a press release, the achievement was particularly significant as MBKS was the only local authority among the 10 award winners, after three of its initiatives were earlier named among the top 29 finalists nationwide.
The two winning initiatives were ‘Ausome Park: From Inclusive Play to Inclusive Cities – Leaving No One Behind’, under SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 10: Reduced Inequalities, and ‘Kuching Natural Farmers Market: Growing Livelihoods, Cultivating Sustainable Communities’, under SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
MBKS’ third initiative, ‘MBKS Smart Pole Initiative: Transforming Public Parks into Smart, Safe and Low-Carbon Communities’, under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, was also recognised among the top 29 finalists.
The press release said the achievement reflects the council’s ongoing efforts to translate the United Nations SDGs into practical programmes that the community can see, experience, and benefit from.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the recognition is especially meaningful because the three projects address different needs within the city.
“Winning two out of the 10 awards presented this year is certainly something we are very proud of. Being the only local authority among the winners makes this recognition even more meaningful to us. More importantly, these projects are creating real impact on the ground,” he said.
He added that the Kuching Natural Farmers Market provides opportunities for local farmers and small producers to earn an income while strengthening the local economy.
As for Ausome Park, he said it creates an inclusive public space where children of different abilities can play, interact, and grow together.
He said the recognition of the Smart Pole Initiative as a finalist also shows how technology can improve the management, safety, and sustainability of public spaces.
Meanwhile, Wee stressed that the SDGs should not remain international goals discussed only at conferences or confined to reports.
“The SDGs must be brought down to the local level. People must be able to see them in our markets, our parks, our neighbourhoods and our communities,” he said.
He added that MBKS would continue integrating the SDGs into its future programmes and development planning. — DayakDaily
