KUCHING: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with Kuching South City Council (MBKS) on healthy ageing initiatives.
WHO Representative for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, led a delegation during a courtesy call on Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
The delegation was received by Wee at the MBKS headquarters, with councilors, Judy Kho and Othman Bujang, also attending the meeting.
WHO was represented by Dr Ruben Ramakrishnan and Dr Isabel Espinosa, who joined discussions focusing on healthy ageing and age-friendly communities.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on MBKS initiatives aimed at preparing Kuching South for an ageing population.
Discussions centred on creating supportive environments for older persons through accessible public spaces, social participation, community engagement and active living programmes.
Wee shared MBKS experiences and initiatives while highlighting the importance of considering older persons’ needs when planning future urban development.
He said preparing for an ageing society required cooperation across sectors, while ensuring older persons were given opportunities to contribute their voices.
Wee also stressed the importance of adopting a life-course approach by introducing healthy ageing concepts from an early age, including among schoolchildren.
He said an age-friendly city should benefit everyone, noting that safer, accessible and inclusive environments would improve daily life across generations.
The meeting also explored opportunities for greater cooperation and knowledge sharing, including how Kuching South’s experiences could support healthy ageing efforts across Sarawak.
As part of the visit, Wee handed over MBKS’ Age-Friendly City Action Plan to Dr Rabindra, outlining planned initiatives for Kuching South.
The action plan sets out measures aimed at building a healthier, more inclusive and age-friendly city while responding to the needs of an ageing population.
MBKS said it looked forward to continued engagement with WHO and relevant stakeholders to strengthen healthy ageing initiatives throughout Kuching South and Sarawak.
