Latest news with #KuchingSouthCityCouncil
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching Festival returns with youth-centric highlights this Aug
Wee (eighth right), Zaiedi (seventh right), Ruslan (fifth left), Tow (fourth left) and councillors in a group photo after the press conference. KUCHING (May 29): Three new programmes will debut at this year's Kuching Festival to cater to evolving community interests, especially among the younger generation, said Datuk Wee Hong Seng. The Kuching South mayor said they are the MBKS Mayor's Pickleball Championship, Cosplay Competition, and K-Pop Dance Cover Competition. He said the inaugural pickleball championship will be held from Aug 2 to 3 at Picklepro Kuching, Tabuan Laru Family Club. 'This fast-growing sport will feature several categories: Women's Doubles Open, Men's Doubles Open, Mixed Doubles Open, and Veteran Men's Doubles Open,' he told a press conference at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) building yesterday. Attractive prizes, including cash, sports equipment, medals, trophies, and certificates await the winners. Wee said to raise awareness of the sport, MBKS will also run a Community Pickleball Month throughout July. 'Activities will be held every Saturday morning from 9am to 11am at PicklePro Kuching, promoting better health and community bonding among Kuching South residents. 'There will be free coaching across four courts for anyone who wishes to learn how to play. Further details on the competition and coaching programme will be announced on our Facebook page,' he added. Meanwhile, the Kuching Festival Cosplay Competition will take place on Aug 2 at the MBKS Theatre in Kuching Park. 'This will be a spectacular gathering of creativity, colour and costume, as participants transform into their favourite characters,' said Wee. On Aug 3, the Kuching Festival K-Pop Dance Cover Competition will light up the same venue, bringing together high-energy dance crews from across the region. The competition is open to participants from outside Sarawak. Wee emphasised that the Kuching Festival remains a cherished annual tradition that brings the community together. 'It is more than just a series of events – it reflects who we are as a city: diverse in culture, rich in creativity, and united in our purpose to grow, connect, and thrive together.' The festival will run from July 25 to Aug 17, and the ever-popular Kuching Festival Fair will take place nightly from 6pm to 11pm at Dewan Masyarakat MBKS. This fair features three main attractions: the food fair with hundreds of stalls offering local and international delicacies; trade fair showcasing products and services from local entrepreneurs; and nightly entertainment featuring cultural shows, music, dance, and family-friendly performances. Wee also announced the return of Kuching's Got Talent, which promises bigger prizes and more incredible local talent. 'This year also marks the 10th anniversary of our Kuching Zumba Fiesta, first introduced in 2015,' he added. To mark the occasion, a record-breaking event is planned on Aug 2 from 7pm to 11pm at the Sarawak Hockey Stadium, with a target of 10,000 participants to break the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest Zumba participation. Other festival highlights include the Garden Show, Mayor's Walk, Folk Dance Night, martial arts display, traditional music night, International Friendship Cities Night, fishing competition, Kuching Half Marathon, and Yuanji dance performance. Also present at the press conference were Kuching South deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, MBKS councillors, and Kuching Pickleball Association president Ruslan Bujang and his deputy Alexander Tow Ah Lek.
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Mayor urges animal lovers to follow laws on strays
Datuk Wee Hong Seng KUCHING (May 25): Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng has appealed to animal lovers, both individuals and organisations, to comply with existing legal provisions when addressing issues related to stray dogs. He emphasised that animal lovers should not interfere with enforcement officers carrying out their duties. 'Do abide by our laws and do not get in the way of our enforcement. This is to help bring down the risk of rabies infections so as to ensure the safety of all,' he said during his Facebook live session 'Shall WEE Talk' yesterday. Wee shared a recent incident where Kuching South City Council (MBKS) enforcement officers responded to a public complaint about a stray dog in a residential area. However, when the MBKS team arrived at the site and prepared to take the necessary action, a group of individuals intervened, preventing enforcement officers from carrying out their duties. '(As a result,) our enforcement team had little choice but to leave without taking any action,' he said. Wee reiterated the importance of responsible pet ownership, reminding pet owners to keep their dogs within their resident compounds and not allow them road freely. 'If you stand to protect and love animals, you of all people should comply with the laws. If you intend to take good care of animals, you should find them a proper place rather than allowing them to roam freely, which may cause anxiety to the community,' he said. Wee said he could understand the need to protect stray animals but emphasised the city council's obligation to safeguard the public from potential risks. Wee admitted to facing a dilemma—if enforcement officers did not take action, complainants would fear for their safety, but when measures were enforced, certain individuals would step forward to obstruct the process. 'I have nothing against animal protection. What I do believe is that these animals should be properly kept at home or a designated place.' He further emphasised that the authorities act with empathy when addressing rabies-related issues, noting that organising mass anti-rabies vaccination campaigns is one such initiative aimed at reaching out to the community, particularly pet owners. Wee regretted that rabies cases persist despite continuous efforts to contain the deadly disease. 'I totally get your love for animals. We all love animals. However, human lives are equally precious.' Over the past week, Wee noted that two rabies cases had been reported near SJK(C) Batu Kawa and a retail outlet in Mile 10, both involving stray dogs. He urged the community to remain vigilant with the Gawai festive season approaching. 'Be more alert when you're hanging out and pay attention to your environment. Public safety and welfare are our utmost concern,' he said. animal lovers lead stray dogs wee hong seng
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak Assembly passes bill to increase councillors in 5 municipal councils
KUCHING: The Sarawak legislative assembly has unanimously passed the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving public service delivery across the state. The bill, tabled by Deputy Premier and Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, amends the Local Authorities Ordinance in response to Sarawak's growing population and increasingly complex community needs. "There are currently 27 councils under my ministry, including the newly-established Gedong, Sebuyau, and Siburan district councils. "All operate under the councillorship system to serve their local communities," he said. Eight assembly members took part in the debate involving key amendments to Sections 10 and 11 of the ordinance to increase the number of councillors in five major councils. Under the amendment, the Kuching South City Council, Miri City Council and the municipal councils of Sibu, Padawan and Kota Samarahan will each have 33 councillors, up from 30. "This number excludes the mayor, deputy mayor, and deputy chairman," he said. Dr Sim said the increase in councillors was necessary to manage the rising workload, particularly in urban areas where public demands are becoming more varied and complex. "This move will boost grassroots participation, strengthen community engagement, and enhance service delivery to the rakyat," he said. An amendment to Section 172A also empowers the State Cabinet to revise all schedules under the ordinance, allowing greater flexibility in managing local government affairs. Dr Sim reiterated the importance of the councillorship system in promoting inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring development is people-centred and locally relevant. "With this amendment, councils will be better equipped to meet expectations for efficient and effective service delivery," he emphasised. – Bernama
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DUN sitting: Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed, increasing councillor numbers for local authorities
Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (May 20): The Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been passed to increase the number of councillors in several local authorities across Sarawak. These include the Kuching South City Council and Miri City Council, as well as three municipal councils: Sibu Municipal Council, Padawan Municipal Council, and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council. The number of councillors for each of these councils will be increased from 30 to 33, excluding the Mayor and Deputy Mayor (for city councils) and the Chairman and Deputy Chairman (for municipal councils), said Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The latest amendment to the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996 [Cap.20] was made in 2020, he said in his winding up speech upon the passing of the Bill after its third reading at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. 'After five years, it is necessary to update the Ordinance to reflect current developments and amend the provisions to meet present-day changes and expectations,' he said. 'Currently, there are 27 councils in Sarawak under my Ministry including the newly created councils namely, Gedong District Council, Sebuyau District Council and Siburan District Council. All of these 27 councils are practising the councillorship system in their administration to serve the public and community in their respective jurisdictions,' said Dr Sim, who is also Deputy Premier of Sarawak. 'As the population grows particularly in areas under the jurisdiction of major councils such as City Councils and Municipal Councils, the needs of the constituents become more diverse and complex.' 'It is essential for local representation at the community level be increased to better serve the needs of the people,' he insisted. He said the amendments to Sections 10, 10A, and 11 of the Ordinance were intended to facilitate this increase in councillor numbers. He added the amendment to Section 172A on the other hand, is to empower the State Cabinet (or Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri) to amend all the schedules in the Ordinance. The roles and functions of councillors have increased tremendously in recent years, as the public expects them to solve problems or issues on the ground expeditiously beyond ordinary working hours, he said. 'The City and Municipal Councils are currently overburdened by various workloads, resulting in slower response time which triggers dissatisfaction of the people toward services rendered by the councils. 'By increasing the numbers of councillors in major councils, it will ensure grassroots participation, community engagement and more effective service delivery to the people,' he added. 'Councillors play a vital role in local governance and policy-making. They are responsible for ensuring that local priorities and needs are reflected in council decisions,' he said. 'They monitor council services, follow up on complaints, push for improvements, and uphold service delivery standards. The councillorship system promotes inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring that development is people-driven and locally relevant,' he added. 'In conclusion, with the passing of this amendment Bill to increase the number of councillors, we can better meet public expectations for efficient and effective local government services.'
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Sarawak assembly passes bill to increase councillors in five major councils
KUCHING: The Sarawak legislative assembly has unanimously passed the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving public service delivery across the state. The Bill, tabled by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, amends the Local Authorities Ordinance in response to Sarawak's growing population and increasingly complex community needs. 'There are currently 27 councils under my ministry, including the newly established Gedong, Sebuyau, and Siburan district councils. All operate under the councillorship system to serve their local communities,' he explained. Eight assembly members took part in the debate involving key amendments to Sections 10 and 11 of the ordinance to increase the number of councillors in five major councils. Under the amendment, the Kuching South City Council, Miri City Council and the municipal councils of Sibu, Padawan and Kota Samarahan will each have 33 councillors, up from 30. 'This number excludes the mayor, deputy mayor, and deputy chairman,' he added. Dr Sim said the increase in councillors was necessary to manage the rising workload, particularly in urban areas where public demands are becoming more varied and complex. 'This move will boost grassroots participation, strengthen community engagement, and enhance service delivery to the rakyat,' he said. An amendment to Section 172A also empowers the State Cabinet to revise all schedules under the ordinance, allowing greater flexibility in managing local government affairs. Dr Sim reiterated the importance of the councillorship system in promoting inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring development is people-centred and locally relevant. 'With this amendment, councils will be better equipped to meet expectations for efficient and effective service delivery,' he emphasised.
