Sibu Child Council to have 15 children aged 13-16 as members, says councillor

SIBU (Aug 17): Fifteen children aged 13 to 16 years here will be recruited as Child Council members, said councillor Kiing Teck Ho.

The taskforce chairman of Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) in Sibu pointed out that the recruitment is in line with the implementation of CFCI.

He, however, said Child Council members will be selected from a pool of potential candidates who have applied.

“Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is collaborating with Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) to announce the recruitment of the Child Council.

“We invite all interested candidates aged between 13-16 years old to apply for a position in the Child Council. The application process will involve an interview, after which successful candidates will be selected.

“The closing date for those keen to register is Aug 28. Sibu District Education Office (PPD) is also assisting to identify the potential candidates from respective schools.

“For the first batch of Child Council members, we will select 15 candidates aged from 13 to 16 years old for a two-year term. And if there is an overwhelming response, we may consider to increase (the number of participation in the Child Council) in future,” Kiing told a press conference here yesterday.

He explained that children aged 17 years old will not be involved in this initiative, as they will be sitting for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam.

On the Child Council, he explained it will serve as a platform for children to voice their opinions, contribute to decision-making processes, and actively participate in initiatives that affect their lives.

“Currently, seven councils in Sarawak are implementing the Child Council.
“At the moment, only MBKS (Kuching South City Council) had their swearing-in ceremony. The others (to follow suit) will be Padawan (Municipal Council), DBKU (Kuching North City Commission), Miri (City Council), Kota Samarahan (Municipal Council) and Bintulu (Development Authority), as well as SMC.”

Kiing said one of the key roles of the Child Council will be to provide input on the design and improvement of public facilities, including gardens, parks, playgrounds, toilets, and hand-wash basins.

“We believe that children’s perspectives are crucial in creating spaces that are not only functional but also welcoming and enjoyable for young users.”

SRDC secretary Ng Siang Wei, meanwhile, said local councils are looking at community-based approach.

“But this (Child Council) is a step further, in line with Unicef’s initiative, we involve children, we engage with them, listening to their voices, as they also have a say,” said Ng.

Earlier, Kiing delved on CFCI and the role of local government.

He also shared on community programmes supporting CFCI.