Lofty ideals as Kuching marks City Day

KUCHING: Mayors and the heads of various councils here have set lofty ideals for Kuching — they want to see it becoming a great and sustainable city.

In this respect Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Hilmy Othman, for instance, said that DBKU developed its Strategic Plan 2022-2030, based on the CBSSS (Clean, Beautiful, Safe, Smart, Sustainable) DBKU Plan.

“This year marks the third year of the implementation of the Strategic Plan, and through our annual reporting, it is clear that it is being carried out very well, focusing on the strategic 3P’s partnerships among government bodies, the private sector, and the public,” he said in conjunction with the Kuching City Day celebration.

“Additionally, the establishment of 51 Kejiranan Mesra (KJM) is to enhance community inclusivity in developing the local socio-economy.

“With the City Day theme celebration this year, “Bridging Generation – The Legacy of Our Kuching City,” or in Malay, “Merapatkan Jurang Generasi – Legasi Bandaraya Kuching,” we believe the DBKU Friendly Neighbourhoods or KJM is the best platform to manifest this theme.”

Hilmy

He said KJM activities emphasise the involvement of all age groups in the neighbourhood, from children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly, whether as organisers, secretariats, event participants, or as spectators or supporters if there are competitions and so on.

“This is the uniqueness of DBKU KJM, carried out with high support and commitment from the Sarawak government led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“Besides community inclusivity through KJM, DBKU is also collaborating with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“This is done to support the struggles of these NGOs, especially in raising public awareness on certain issues, particularly those related to urbanisation,” he added.

Hilmy said his great hope is that the initiatives designed by DBKU and other agencies will open a new chapter in efforts to make Kuching a low-carbon city.

“Through various plans, DBKU aims to create a low-carbon city in line with the Sarawak government’s direction to drive sustainable socio-economic development by 2030, in addition to becoming the best city in Malaysia and worldwide in terms of environmental conservation and preservation,” he added.

Peter

Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Datuk Peter Minos said thanks to the hard work shown by DBKU and Kuching South City Council (MBKS), the city has remained clean and neat throughout the years.

“It is not easy to look after the city, talking as MPKS chairman myself.

“The two city councils have put in great effort in cleaning and greening the city.

“Kuching is fondly described as a cultural city. It is and thus a nice place for tourists to visit. They see the cultures of many races and they enjoy the wonderful food. Happy Kuching City Day,” he added.

Tan Kai

On another note, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Tan Kai said under the umbrella of Greater Kuching, MPP hoped to work closely with other councils to improve the living standard as the new common challenge now is climate change.

“We are lucky to live in Sarawak as we can achieve nett zero due to renewable energy and wide forest cover, however extreme weather still affects us.

“We look forward to mutual cooperation between government and city residents, we will adhere to the 2030 Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS2030) in order to make our  Sarawak great,” he added.