Universities to lead study on Child-Friendly City Initiative

KUCHING: A study by Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, and Curtin University for the implementation of the Child-Friendly City Initiative (CFCI) will begin this year.

Through this study, proposals on how local authorities (PBT) can implement initiatives to comply with CFCI will be discussed.

The study is sponsored by the Emergency Fund for International Children of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).

Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the effort aims to meet facilities needed by children while emphasising their involvement in expressing their opinions.

“Usually, proposals for providing facilities for children come from us adults. This time, we want them to be involved too in sharing their views on this matter.

“So, how to ensure this can be implemented? We will discuss together while emphasising their safety,” she said after paying a courtesy visit to the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) office on Monday (Jan 22).

In connection with this, she also revealed that five local councils have been identified to implement the initiative namely DBKU, Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Miri City Council (MBM), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), and Sibu Municipal Council (MPS).

“Local councils play a crucial role in spearheading this desired initiative. Therefore, we are very pleased that all five local authorities have agreed to implement this initiative,” she explained.

Additionally, Fatimah expressed hope that the city could emphasise age-friendly features as Sarawak approaches aged state status by 2028.

“In other places, such as Abu Dhabi, seating is provided in various places to allow the elderly to rest briefly, promoting inclusivity.

“I would like to suggest the local councils advise building owners (shopping centres) to provide such facilities.

“Through this effort, seniors can go out with their families and take a short break when needed, providing seemingly ordinary facilities that benefit the public,” she added.

Present during the visit were her Deputy Ministers Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, Datuk Rosey Yunus as well as Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and DBKU Mayor Hilmy Othman.