By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 4: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and all local councils in Sarawak must revisit and relook at children’s needs in urban planning so that, despite coming from the ‘jungle of Borneo, Sarawak can become the first in Malaysia to be declared a Child Friendly City.
Making this call, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian reminded that councils must “walk the talk” by ensuring children’s participation is not symbolic but meaningful.
He said MBKS’ Children Council, established two years ago, was a significant step as its young members were sworn in just like councillors.
“But symbolism is only the beginning. We want real change guided by our children’s voices,” he stressed when officiating the recognition ceremony for MBKS as a Candidate City of UNICEF Malaysia’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) at MBKS Lobby today.
Backed by Swinburne University, MBKS has now developed a 2026–2029 Child Friendly Cities Plan of Action, aligning with the tagline ‘Kuching is your city, my city, our city’ and Sarawak’s overall 2030 development vision.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, stressed that Sarawak aims not only to meet but potentially exceed UNICEF standards.
“Despite being from the jungle of Borneo, we want to meet at least the minimum UNICEF standard. If we can go beyond it, we will proudly share with the world,” he said.
He stressed that Sarawak’s push for child-friendly development reflects the broader spirit of Sarawak nation-building, adding that seven of Malaysia’s 11 councils participating in UNICEF’s programme are from Sarawak alone.
“With this effort, together we can help the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) achieve Sarawak’s 2030 vision,” he added, urging everyone to embrace mindset change and ensure “for every child, no one is left behind”.
In his address, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said today’s recognition marks another milestone in Kuching’s journey towards becoming a city where every child feels protected, included and empowered.
“Today is a reminder that our future is not built by buildings or roads. It is built by our children, by their laughter, courage, dreams and hope,” he said.
Wee noted that since 2022, UNICEF has served as MBKS’ “guide, partner and mirror,” helping the council assess its strengths and gaps. MBKS became the first local council in Sarawak and in Borneo, and the second in Malaysia, to join the global Child Friendly Cities movement.
“If we were the first to step forward, then let us also be the first to finish strong as a fully designated Child Friendly City,” he said.
Wee emphasised that MBKS’ 2026–2029 action plan is grounded in a comprehensive situation analysis by Swinburne University and focuses on gastronomy, cultural engagement, healthy ageing, sustainability, smart city development, digital literacy and unity building.
“A child friendly city must also be a future ready city,” he said.
He stressed that MBKS cannot achieve this mission alone and called for support from ministries, government agencies, police, NGOs and the private sector.
“With unity, we can build a city that protects, nurtures and empowers our children, a city they can proudly call home. Let us build a Kuching South that shines for every child,” he said.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and UNICEF Representative to Malaysia Robert Gass were present. — DayakDaily
