KUCHING: The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) will expand its Friendly Neighbourhood (KJM) initiative into areas with significant Chinese community presence, as part of its efforts to foster inclusivity through community and social programmes.
Mayor Hilmy Othman said that the expansion would include Sungai Maong and Old Kuching Town, which will launched coinciding with the Moon Cake Festival.
This move aims to bolster the current list of 51 KJMs, enabling DBKU and the local community to collaborate on a variety of activities that invigorate the city.
In preparation, Othman had engaged with several Chinese associations in Kuching Old Town and the India Street Pedestrian Mall Merchants Association, laying the groundwork for a revitalisation of the area.
“We want to upgrade the Kuching Old Town area to make it more lively,” he said during an exclusive interview with New Sarawak Tribune at the DBKU headquarters on Monday.
The initiative seeks to address the current lack of vibrancy in these neighbourhoods, particularly noticeable during evening hours.
Through KJM, DBKU plans to introduce open and night markets on weekends, alongside the promotion of local crafts at the Main Bazaar, which remains open until 11 pm.
