(Kuching, 19th) – Seven cities in Sarawak have been awarded the title of “Candidate Cities” under the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), further solidifying their leading position in Malaysia's child-friendly city initiative.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Dato Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian, stated that this recognition reflects the state government's ongoing commitment to creating safer, more inclusive, and development-friendly urban environments for children.
According to him, the cities honored with this distinction are the Kuching South City Council, Kuching North City Hall, Bintulu Development Authority, Miri City Council, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Sibu Municipal Council, and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS).
“The Kuching South City Council received recognition on December 4, 2025, while the remaining six local authorities (PBT) will attain the same status on February 8, 2026.”
“This puts Sarawak in a leading position among the 11 cities in Malaysia recognized for the Child-Friendly City Initiative (CFCI), with seven coming from Sarawak.”
“We not only hope to meet Sarawak's standards, but also aspire to achieve international benchmarks, such as those set by UNICEF and the World Health Organization.”
During today’s departmental summary, Dr. Sim pointed out that all seven participating PBTs have jointly developed the ‘2026-2028 Child-Friendly City Action Plan’ with UNICEF and strategic partners, to guide the implementation of more inclusive and child-friendly urban development.
He explained that the action plan focuses on four main themes: ensuring every child survives and thrives, receives education, is protected, and has the opportunity to participate in community development.
“Ongoing initiatives include providing safer public spaces, launching digital literacy education programs, building inclusive recreational facilities, implementing child protection measures, and setting up child councils at the community level.”
He also revealed that his ministry is considering extending the Child-Friendly Community Initiative (CFCI) to several selected district councils to strengthen the development of child-friendly communities throughout Sarawak.”
According to him, the cities honored with this distinction are the Kuching South City Council, Kuching North City Hall, Bintulu Development Authority, Miri City Council, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Sibu Municipal Council, and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS).
“The Kuching South City Council received recognition on December 4, 2025, while the remaining six local authorities (PBT) will attain the same status on February 8, 2026.”
“This puts Sarawak in a leading position among the 11 cities in Malaysia recognized for the Child-Friendly City Initiative (CFCI), with seven coming from Sarawak.”
“We not only hope to meet Sarawak's standards, but also aspire to achieve international benchmarks, such as those set by UNICEF and the World Health Organization.”
During today’s departmental summary, Dr. Sim pointed out that all seven participating PBTs have jointly developed the ‘2026-2028 Child-Friendly City Action Plan’ with UNICEF and strategic partners, to guide the implementation of more inclusive and child-friendly urban development.
He explained that the action plan focuses on four main themes: ensuring every child survives and thrives, receives education, is protected, and has the opportunity to participate in community development.
“Ongoing initiatives include providing safer public spaces, launching digital literacy education programs, building inclusive recreational facilities, implementing child protection measures, and setting up child councils at the community level.”
He also revealed that his ministry is considering extending the Child-Friendly Community Initiative (CFCI) to several selected district councils to strengthen the development of child-friendly communities throughout Sarawak.”