KUCHING — Kuching marked another meaningful milestone today as the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) was formally recognised as a Candidate City under UNICEF Malaysia’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), reinforcing the city’s long-term commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive and nurturing environment for every child.
The recognition was announced during a special ceremony attended by key state leaders, partners and community representatives. The event served as a reminder that a city’s true progress is not measured by buildings, highways or rapid development alone, but by the well-being, dreams and safety of its children.
Sarawak Deputy Premier, YB Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, was present to witness the ceremony. His continued leadership and encouragement were acknowledged as a driving force behind MBKS’ efforts to serve with greater purpose and responsibility. Also in attendance was YB Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, whose ministry has long championed the welfare of children and families across Sarawak. Her guidance, MBKS said, strengthens the council’s determination to keep children at the heart of city planning.
UNICEF Malaysia was represented by Mr Robert Gass, who reaffirmed the organisation’s support and partnership. Since 2022, UNICEF has worked closely with MBKS—providing guidance, frameworks and assessment tools to help the council understand its progress and identify areas that still require improvement.
MBKS first joined the Child Friendly Cities Initiative in 2022, becoming the first local council in Sarawak and Borneo, and the second in Malaysia, to take on this global commitment. Today’s recognition as a Candidate City marks a renewed push for Kuching to eventually achieve full designation under the initiative.
One of MBKS’ biggest accomplishments under the CFCI framework is the establishment of the first Child Council in Sarawak in August 2024. The council is not symbolic; it serves as an active platform for young people to voice their ideas, raise concerns and propose improvements to their city. Members of the Child Council also took part in the 80th Anniversary of Sarawak’s Liberation, proudly representing the younger generation.
On the ground, MBKS has implemented several child-friendly upgrades, including improved walkways, enhanced play areas and greener public spaces in BDC Open Space and Lorong Bayor Bukit. Another significant achievement is the creation of the Autistic Park, a safe and inclusive recreational space designed specifically to support children with diverse needs.
MBKS emphasised that a truly child-friendly city is one where no child feels excluded, whether due to physical limitations, economic challenges or social circumstances. The council said it is committed to expanding these efforts as it works towards becoming a fully certified Child Friendly City.
As Kuching continues this journey, the recognition from UNICEF serves as both an honour and a challenge—one that MBKS says it is ready to embrace with full determination.
