KUCHING: The city’s new ESG Smart Poles combine air quality sensors, CCTV and panic buttons to boost health, safety and environmental management in public parks.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the initiative was designed to benefit people directly.
“It is about families exercising together, seniors enjoying the park with confidence, and parents knowing whether it is a good day for their children to be active outdoors,” he said in his speech during the launching ceremony at MBKS Lobby today.
For the record, the ESG Smart Pole project was first showcased during the 2025 International Mayors Forum in Toyota City, Japan, where city leaders from around the world saw how Kuching South was applying Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in a practical way to improve residents’ daily lives.
“What was shared on the international stage is now becoming a reality at home,” he said.
He added that the poles monitored air quality, measuring PM2.5, carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity, allowing visitors to make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
“The poles are also equipped with CCTV cameras and panic buttons while also supporting smarter environmental management.
“Through integration with MBKS systems such as iPeople and iBuyBack, the data collected helps us understand the connection between cleanliness, waste management and air quality.
All this information is also connected to the MBKS Smart City Command Centre, allowing us to plan better, respond faster and manage our city more effectively,” he added.
In addition, Wee expressed appreciation to Plan Malaysia for funding the installation of the two poles, highlighting how collaboration between federal agencies and local councils delivered tangible benefits to the community.
“This project also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially good health and well-being, sustainable cities, climate action and strong governance.
“But more importantly, it supports what matters most to us, the quality of life of our community,” he said.
