KUCHING: Kuching will soon become the first city in Borneo to install smart poles equipped with real-time air quality sensors, said Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
The pilot project will see two smart poles installed at Kuching Park and Palmarium Park, enabling the public and authorities to monitor live air quality data.
“This will be the first in Sarawak and the first in Borneo.
“With real-time air quality data, we can better safeguard public health,” Wee said when officiating the World Environmental Health Day 2025 celebration at MBKS headquarters today.
Themed ‘Clean Air, Healthy People’, the event highlighted the urgent need for collective action to combat air pollution.
Wee reminded that air pollution is a “silent threat” to health, but one that can be overcome if the government and community work hand in hand.
“When our air is clean, our people are healthy. When our people are healthy, our city will prosper,” he said.
He pointed out MBKS would continue to strengthen waste management, promote recycling and eco-bag use, and pioneer plastic reduction initiatives.
“I am proud to say MBKS was the first council to ban plastic straws,” he noted.
On future measures, Wee revealed that biodegradable plastic bags that decompose in less than 24 months will soon be supplied to supermarkets.
However, he urged the public not to rely on them, stressing that bringing one’s own reusable bag remains the best practice.
Wee also pledged more upgrades to leisure parks across Kuching, noting that public spaces should be vibrant and inclusive.
“Parks are not just for jogging, they are common spaces, open to all and must be filled with activities that give soul to our city,” he said.
He further highlighted MBKS’ rabies awareness drive, which has expanded from two to five campaigns annually.
“Rabies is 100 per cent preventable, yet still deadly. Pet owners must act responsibly. If you cannot manage your pets, you do not deserve to own them,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, several booths exhibition were also held in conjunction with the World Environmental Health Day.
The exhibitors were from NREB, Sarawak River Board, DID, WELDA, Trienekens, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, ZHA Environment, Persatuan Seni Jahitan Kreatif Malaysia, Divisional Health Office Kuching, Naked Wonders, and Soka Gakkai Malaysia.
