KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has made tangible progress in public health and animal control, particularly through rabies prevention efforts.
In stating this, Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said between 2023 and 2025, the council has registered 7,620 dog owners, vaccinated 4,387 dogs, issued 2,983 licenses, implanted 1,747 microchips and facilitated 139 neutering registrations.
“These efforts are part of our comprehensive strategy to promote responsible pet ownership and protect public health,” he said at the 37th Kuching City Day celebration at Pangkalan Sapi here on Friday.
On other initiatives, Wee said the council is implementing smart traffic light systems to improve flow and safety.
“Two newly deployed smart poles at Kuching Park come equipped with integrated air quality sensors and are connected to the Sarawak Integrated Operation Centre (SIOC) for real-time environmental monitoring,” he said.
On environmental sustainability, he said MBKS is actively promoting recycling and waste management through awareness campaigns and digital solutions like the iBuyBack app, which links households and recycling centres in an efficient, reward-points-redeemable system.
“In the last 12 months alone, MBKS has organised over 48 community recycling drives, successfully collecting more than 66.44 tonnes of recyclable materials,” he said.
He added that MBKS also continues to invest in the upgrading of drainage and road infrastructure, particularly in areas where systems have aged and deteriorated.
“Over the past two years, we have successfully implemented more than 50 targeted improvement projects.
“In Kenyalang, we are upgrading old infrastructure. In Bintawa, we are tackling drainage and flood risks. In Jalan Song and Tabuan Jaya, we are improving traffic circulation.
“And across our markets and public spaces, we are making them more accessible for persons with disabilities,” he said.
He added that the council is also working to close the digital divide, with initiatives like providing free WiFi, digital literacy programmes for seniors, and targeted outreach to vulnerable groups as just part of its commitment to inclusivity.
Wee said the council is inviting the private sector and civil society to join it in co-create solar gardens.
“Let us build inclusive playgrounds. Let us bring smart waste solutions to our backyards. Together, we can build a city that is not just liveable but loveable,” he said.
Reflecting on Kuching being declared as a city 37 years ago, Wee said the city was not made of buildings but by the people.
“The question we must all ask ourselves is, what kind of city do we want to leave behind?
“A city that is smart, yes. But also one that is kind. A city that is connected, but also grounded. A city that leads, but never forgets where it comes from.
“To our state leaders, to our civil servants, to our youth, and to every single citizen who has walked this journey with us, I thank you. This is your city. This is your legacy.
“Let us continue to grow, to listen, to learn, and to lead. Let us build a city that our children will be proud to inherit. A Kuching that inspires and that endures,” said Wee.
