KUCHING: Staff at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) have been told not to rest on their laurels but to move forward by thinking out of the box.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian reminded them that is no longer business as usual.
In this context he said gone are the days when they worked in silo and even to the extent of being complacent.
Dr Sim who is Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister said the council plays an important role and that they are the front-liners of the state.
“In Kuching everything falls under MBKS, the lighting, the roads, and other infrastructures.
“Anyone who arrives in Kuching can tell if Sarawak is doing well by just looking at all the development and infrastructures that we have.
“If everything is good, then they will say Sarawak is doing very well,” he said at the MBKS Annual Dinner here Monday.
He said with MBKS being recognised as a smart city according to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, staff should always strive for excellence.
“MBKS staff should be proud of their achievements as they are not just working for the local council but one which has achieved world standards.
“It is also the biggest council in the state. You are like a big brother to other councils. Other councils can emulate you and that is what Sarawak nation-building is about,” he said.
He reminded them that the government wants them to do well, hence their work is no longer business as usual.
Meanwhile, Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the MBKS management team and staff have always been the core of the council’s success.
“It is because of your tireless efforts that we have been able to deliver impactful initiatives, improve public services, and ensure a better quality of life,” he said.
Reflecting on 2024, Wee said the council achieved key accomplishments, including a five-star rating in the Local Authorities Star Rating System (SPB-PBT), given its commitment to excel in governance, service delivery and public engagement.
Apart from that, MBKS became a member of the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC), reflecting its dedication to creating a city that supports residents’ well-being across all age groups.
MBKS also received the Asean Clean Tourist City Award, underscoring its efforts in maintaining cleanliness, sustainability, and hospitality, making it a top choice for visitors, and was also honoured with the Asean Sustainable Urban Tourism (Gastronomy) accolade, celebrating its commitment to promoting the city’s rich culinary heritage while fostering sustainable tourism practices.
The council’s achievements also include the JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award 2024 for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), which recognises its success in implementing responsible waste management and recycling initiatives, setting a benchmark for sustainable development.
“These achievements are a testament to the unwavering commitment of every individual in MBKS and the trust and support of our community,” he said.
Wee said for this year, the council looks forward to its commitment to aligning with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Also present at the event were Ministry permanent secretary, Dato Elizabeth Loh, and deputy mayor, Dato Zaiedi Suhaili.
