Dr Sim: Kuching embarking on journey to become age-friendly city

KUCHING (Oct 14): The city of Kuching is embarking on a transformative journey towards becoming an age-friendly city, said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The Deputy Premier said this initiative comes following the admission of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) as a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) network.

“Kuching is the fifth city in Malaysia to be part of this network, which is a global community aiming to foster age-friendly community development around the world and promote healthy ageing.

“Even though we are the fifth one, hopefully we can very soon become a shining example of an age-friendly city that takes into account the needs and interests of all age groups, not only in Sarawak but also in Malaysia and even the region,” he said at the launch of MBKS as an AFCC member at MBKS Building here today.

Also present were Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, deputy mayor Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili, and WHO representative Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, who is also the head of WHO Country Office to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

Dr Sim said Sarawak’s vision to be a thriving, prosperous society by 2030 is inclusive to all Sarawakians.

“Being age-friendly and child-friendly are also part of inclusivity and as such, we want to make sure that these are of international standards of recognition,” he said.

Earlier, Wee said the designation of MBKS as a member of AFCC reflected the Sarawak government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of all senior citizens in the state.

“This remarkable milestone not only recognises the hard work of everyone involved but also signals Kuching’s readiness to embrace an inclusive future, one that considers the wellbeing of both the young and the elderly.

“It is also a significant step forward in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through this Age-Friendly City initiative, including good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and fostering partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

“It reflects our city’s dedication to building an environment that supports people of all ages, ensuring a harmonious and sustainable quality of life for every resident,” he said.

He pointed out that more than 12 per cent of the population in Kuching are aged 60 and above and that by 2028, Sarawak is expected to become an ageing society, two years ahead of other states in the country.

“With this reality, comes the responsibility to ensure that our elderly live not just longer lives, but better ones.

“Being a member of the AFCC is a testament to the progress we have made and the vision we share for the future. It signals our dedication to transforming the City of Kuching South into a place where older adults are valued when their contributions to society are recognised and where they can thrive in a safe, accessible and supportive environment.”

Wee said in addition to infrastructure and policies, Kuching’s journey towards becoming an age-friendly city also centred on the community, care, and culture as well as ensuring that the elderly have access to safe public spaces, reliable healthcare, supportive housing, and opportunities for meaningful social participation.

“In collaboration with the Clinical Research Centre (CRC) team and with the great assistance from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) geriatrician Dr Ling Jia Nee and WHO technical officer Dr Nazirul Shamsudin, we are putting plans into action that not only address the immediate needs of our elderly population but also prepare for the future, ensuring sustained support and care as Kuching transforms into an age-friendly city.

“We are also looking at proactive measures that ensure the elderly are supported in every facet of life from free medical checkups under the Kenyalang Gold Card initiative to better public transport and elderly-friendly amenities,” he said.

The WHO AFCC developed in the Global Age-Friendly Cities Guide proposes eight interconnected domains that can help to identify and address barriers to the well-being and participation of older people.

These domains include outdoor spaces and building; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; civic participation and employment; communication and information; and community support and health services.