MBKS joins WHO’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities

Dr Sim (first row, left) officiating at the ceremony to mark the recognition of MBKS as a member of WHO's AFCC at the Council Chambers on Oct 14, 2024.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Oct 14: World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated Kuching South City Council (MBKS) as a member of its Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC).

This designation recognises MBKS’ efforts to create an age-friendly community.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian in his speech lauded MBKS for its hard work and for achieving another milestone for the council in making Kuching City the fifth in the country to be an AFCC member.

Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, hoped MBKS would be the best council to carry the AFCC programme for senior citizens in the city.

He urged MBKS to use the opportunity given by WHO and work together to enhance the city infrastructure for the elderly.

He said all the councils in Sarawak should look at MBKS as a ‘big brother’ and it must take the lead in the AFCC programme so that other councils could follow suit, and more cities in the State can achieve such designations.

Dr Sim also wanted the council to complement the Sarawak government’s nation-building efforts and to work together with the medical fraternity and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“The medical fraternity is willing to work together with the council, and so are the NGOs. Everyone must play their role to achieve success for the betterment of Kuching,” he said.

Dr Sim made these remarks at a ceremony to mark MBKS becoming an AFCC member at the Council Chambers here today.

WHO Representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, said they were keenest to work with MBKS on the eight proposed WHO Age-Friendly Cities Framework developed in the Global Age-Friendly Cities Guide’s interconnected domains, namely outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health series.

“This guideline could help identify and address barriers to the participation of older people, and WHO hopes that MBK could conduct a study on the domains and implement the most relevant aspects to suit the needs in Kuching City for its senior citizens,” he said.

MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng added that the designation given to the council reflected the Sarawak government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its senior citizens.

“This recognition is not simply a badge of honour—it’s a reflection of our commitment to building a society where age is no barrier but a stage of life supported with dignity, care and respect, he said.

More than 12 per cent of Kuching’s population are aged 60 and above, and Sarawak is expected to be an ageing society by 2028. — DayakDaily