KUCHING: More than 1,200 children and parents gathered at Farley Kuching here today (May 17) for the fourth edition of the supermarket’s annual Children’s Colouring Contest.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, who officiated at the event, highlighted the steady progress of the city’s Child-Friendly City initiative amid the overwhelming public response to the programme.
Wee said MBKS had fulfilled most of the requirements under the initiative while continuing to strengthen programmes involving children, families and community participation.
“So far, so good. I think we have actually put up what we are supposed to do and fulfilled most of them,” he told reporters after officiating at the event.
He said MBKS was also looking to collaborate more closely with private sector organisations that actively organised meaningful programmes for children and families.
“We will approach them so that these initiatives can become stronger and more recognised on the world stage,” he said.
Wee added that the strong turnout at the colouring contest reflected growing community support for child-centred programmes, with participants from different races, religions and areas including Siburan taking part in the event.
During his speech, Wee described colouring activities as more than just recreation, saying they also helped children develop patience, confidence, focus and creativity in a positive environment.
“We continue to organise educational, environmental, sports and road safety programmes as part of our efforts to support children’s growth under the Child-Friendly City initiative,” he said.
Apart from the colouring contest, visitors also enjoyed stage magic performances, food sampling sessions, free health screenings, mobile dental services, Bomba exhibitions, police vehicle showcases and a K-9 police dog demonstration throughout the day, turning the programme into a vibrant weekend outing for families.
