KUCHING: Efforts to make local councils child-friendly under the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) framework are a key component of Sarawak’s broader nation-building agenda, rather than a standalone initiative.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the recognition of six out of seven councillors as candidates under the Child-Friendly City Initiative reflects Sarawak’s commitment to inclusive and long-term development.
“This is not just about being recognised as a candidate for a child-friendly initiative. It is part of Sarawak nation-building, and that is why it is important,” he said at the Child-Friendly City Initiative Candidate City Recognition Ceremony held at UCSI Hotel Kuching yesterday (Feb 8).
Dr Sim said the UNICEF initiative requires clear action plans, cross-agency collaboration and adherence to strict timelines.
“Being a candidate means you must have an action plan. It is inclusive, involves all relevant stakeholders and is not open-ended.
“If the requirements are not met within the given timeframe, the candidacy can be withdrawn,” he said.
He said workshops conducted as part of the process have led to more than RM58 million in committed action plans for children’s programmes, which he described as a strong starting point.
Dr Sim also highlighted issues raised during discussions, including vaping, broken street lights and the lack of safe spaces around schools, noting that these concerns reflect the role of local councils as frontline agencies for community issues.
“Even when street lights fall under other agencies, people still come to the council. That shows the council is recognised as the first point of contact,” he said.
Dr Sim said only 11 councils nationwide have been identified as candidates under the Child-Friendly City Initiative, with seven from Selangor.
He added that Sarawak’s participation forms part of a gradual approach that will eventually extend to municipal and district councils.
“We want to benchmark ourselves not just to local standards, but to international standards.
“And I am confident Sarawak can go beyond that, because we have our own character and values,” he said.
He said UNICEF benchmarks, including nutrition, bullying and age-appropriate infrastructure such as parks and public spaces, must be addressed holistically, including emerging challenges such as online bullying.
Dr Sim also stressed the importance of leadership development among youth and child councillors, saying sustained prosperity depends on preparing future leaders.
“At this stage, prosperity is no longer the question. The challenge is whether we can sustain it, particularly through Sarawak’s heavy investment in education, including financial support for students pursuing higher education,” he said.
He said collective effort is crucial to ensure continued progress.
“This requires everyone to come together. Nation-building cannot happen if we are constantly divided, and this child-friendly city initiative is designed to ensure Sarawak continues to progress the Sarawak way,” he added.
