KUCHING: The new mayor of Kuching North, Hilmy Othman, has announced plans to enhance the availability of child-friendly and elder care facilities in the city. He emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of both children and an aging population through appropriate infrastructure. Hilmy highlighted the need for community well-being and child safety, as well as the challenges faced by an aging society, during his swearing-in ceremony at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on September 1.
Hilmy revealed that efforts were already underway to make Kuching more child-friendly, as Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) had previously signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Unicef this year in relation to the child-friendly initiative. He also noted that other municipal councils, including Kuching South City Council (MBKS), were collaborating with Unicef on this initiative. Although still in the early stages, Hilmy expressed the intention to establish a task force and engage with relevant ministries to further these efforts.
Additionally, Hilmy expressed DBKU’s openness to partnering with the private sector to provide elder care centers and facilities. He further stated that DBKU would collaborate with other councils, particularly MBKS, to implement similar initiatives and policies. Hilmy believes that with proper planning and strategies, Kuching city will improve in the future.
Hilmy, who is 64 years old, took his oath as the eighth mayor of Kuching North in the presence of Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He will serve a two-year term, succeeding retired mayor Datuk Junaidi Reduan. Previously, Hilmy served as the deputy mayor of Kuching South from 2017 until August 31, as well as a MBKS councillor from 2000 to 2008.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
