Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has been recognised as an Early Adopter under Malaysia’s Smart and Sustainable City Framework, affirming its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.
Addressing the 37th Kuching City Day celebration at Pangkalan Sapi today, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng called it a proud recognition of the Council’s transformative journey from a quaint riverside town to a global model for liveable, sustainable urban development.
“Today marks a very special moment. Aug 1 is more than just a date on the calendar. It is the 37th anniversary of Kuching’s elevation to city status,” he said, reflecting on the city’s humble beginnings in the 1980s and celebrated its transformation into one of Malaysia’s most beautiful, cleanest, and liveable cities.
He credited the city’s progress to the united efforts of residents, civil servants, community leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), businesses and the private sector, emphasising that “this celebration is not just about city status, it’s about how far we’ve come together.”
Wee highlighted MBKS’ 5R guiding principles of Resident Centric, Responsive, Reliable, Resourceful, and Resilient as the core of its service-driven approach.
These values, he said, have shaped the Council’s forward-thinking initiatives, from revitalising public parks and infrastructure to digital engagement and international partnerships.
Key projects include the installation of solar-powered streetlights, energy-efficient buildings, and the deployment of smart traffic light systems.
“Two newly deployed smart poles at Kuching Park are now equipped with air quality sensors linked to the Sarawak Integrated Operation Centre (SIOC) for real-time environmental monitoring,” he said.
MBKS also continues to invest in the upgrading of drainage and road infrastructure, particularly in areas where systems have aged and deteriorated.
“Over the past two years, we have successfully implemented more than 50 targeted improvement projects. In Kenyalang, we are upgrading old infrastructure. In Bintawa, we are tackling drainage and flood risks. In Jalan Song and Tabuan Jaya, we are improving traffic flow,” he shared.
On community engagement, Wee pointed to the success of the iPeople app, used by over 26,000 residents for real-time feedback and reporting, and the iBuyBack app, which has driven over 66 tonnes of recyclables through 48 campaigns in the past year.
As a member of the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities, UNICEF’s Child-Friendly Cities Initiative, and the Alliance for Healthy Cities, MBKS has transformed public parks like Hui Sing into inclusive spaces with multi-generational community centres offering wellness, education, and cultural programmes.
“Public health and animal control remains a priority, with MBKS registering over 7,620 dog owners and vaccinating 4,387 dogs as part of a comprehensive rabies prevention strategy,” he added.
With Kuching’s designation as a World Craft City, he pointed out that MBKS is now investing in the creative economy by supporting artisans, celebrating traditional crafts, and linking local heritage with global visibility.
Calling for continued collaboration, Wee invited the private sector and civil society to co-create solar gardens, inclusive playgrounds, and smart waste solutions, reinforcing that Kuching’s future lies in shared stewardship.
“We want a smart city, but also one that is kind. A city that is connected, but also grounded. A city that leads, but never forgets where it came from,” he said.
The Kuching City Day celebration commemorates the city’s official declaration in 1988 as the first city in Sarawak. This year’s event was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman were among those present.
Beyond honouring Kuching’s achievements, the celebration also aims to foster unity, civic pride, and appreciation for the collective role of all communities in building a peaceful, clean, and sustainable city.
---
Autor(en)/Author(s): Shikin Louis and Karen Bong
Quelle/Source: Dayak Daily, 01.08.2025
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
