KUCHING: The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has been urged to establish a community-focused committee to foster greater local engagement and collaboration following the success of events like the Telaga Air Festival.
Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, highlighted the need for a structure similar to the Friendly Neighborhood Committee (JKM) of Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) to enhance local programmes and initiatives.
“I am confident that the administration under MPP should form such a committee to allow activities or programmes to be organised jointly with the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).
“Take, for example, the Telaga Air Festival held today (Dec 22), which has become livelier and more vibrant when organised in collaboration with MPP.
“Therefore, we can discuss establishing it (the committee) next year … it doesn’t necessarily have to be called JKM, as long as the objective is the same,” he said at the closing ceremony of the MPP Telaga Air Festival 2024 at the Main Stage of Kampung Telaga Air here today.
Meanwhile, MPP chairman Tan Kai remarked that the festival is an initiative that benefits the local community.
“Various activities were held during the festival, involving all segments of society to enliven the programmes organised.
“Apart from engaging with the local community, we can also improve their living standards through food and beverage sales in conjunction with the festival,” he said.
The 18th edition of the Telaga Air Festival, organised by the JKKK in collaboration with MPP, was held for three days, from December 20 to 22.
