Timbalan Premier Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian berucap semasa Majlis Pengiktirafan Sebagai Bandar Calon Bagi Insiatif Bandar Mesra Kanak-kanak 2026 di Kuching pada Ahad. Foto TVS   KUCHING, 8 Feb: Pengiktirafan tujuh bandar di Sarawak sebagai calon bagi Inisiatif Bandar Mesra Kanak-Kanak (Child Friendly Cities Initiative – CFCI) oleh Tabung Kanak-Kanak Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNICEF) menandakan satu lagi pencapaian penting ke arah pembangunan bandar yang lebih inklusif, prihatin dan responsif terhadap keperluan kanak-kanak. Timbalan Premier Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian berkata, kerajaan negeri menghargai peranan UNICEF serta semua pihak berkaitan yang membimbing pihak berkuasa tempatan sehingga mencapai status bandar calon CFCI. Menurut beliau, semua bandar yang dicalonkan perlu memastikan Pelan Tindakan Inisiatif Bandar Mesra Kanak-Kanak dilaksanakan dengan berkesan mengikut garis masa ditetapkan bagi mengelakkan pencalonan terbatal. “UNICEF memberi kita garis masa, bukan sekadar terbuka begitu sahaja kerana jika pada masa tertentu kita tidak melakukan dengan betul pelan tindakan itu maka pencalonan ini akan dipadam. “Oleh itu, saya sangat gembira anda mengikuti bengkel tadi kerana melalui bengkel tadi sekurang-kurangnya lebih daripada RM58 juta dalam pelan tindakan akan diberikan untuk anak-anak kita ini dan itu sebagai permulaan yang baik, juga terima kasih kerana menekankan isu vape dan lampu jalan rosak,” katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika merasmikan Majlis Pengiktirafan Bandar Calon Inisiatif Bandar Mesra Kanak-Kanak 2026 di Kuching pada Ahad. Tambah beliau, Sarawak yang merekodkan tujuh daripada 11 bandar yang dikenal pasti untuk pencalonan CFCI sekali lagi membuktikan kesungguhan negeri itu untuk berada di barisan hadapan pembangunan bandar berteraskan kesejahteraan kanak-kanak di Malaysia. Menurutnya, pengiktirafan ini hanyalah permulaan dengan perancangan jangka panjang bagi memperluaskan pelaksanaan CFCI ke peringkat pihak berkuasa tempatan lain termasuk majlis perbandaran dan majlis daerah. Pada Disember lalu, Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan (MBKS) mencatat pencapaian awal apabila menerima pengiktirafan UNICEF sebagai bandar calon CFCI. Hari ini, Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU), Lembaga Kemajuan Bintulu (BDA), Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MCC), Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP), Majlis Perbandaran Sibu (SMC) dan Majlis Perbandaran Kota Samarahan (MPKS) turut disenaraikan sebagai bandar calon dalam inisiatif tersebut. — TVS

Pengerusi MPP, Tan Kai (tengah), menunjukkan poster promosi kempen cabutan bertuah ‘Bayar Cukai Taksiran dan Menang’ majlis tersebut yang menawarkan hadiah bernilai RM20,000. KOTA PADAWAN, 4 Mac: Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) akan melaksanakan kempen cabutan bertuah khas ‘Bayar Cukai Taksiran dan Menang’ yang menawarkan hadiah keseluruhan bernilai RM20,000 bagi menggalakkan pembayar cukai menjelaskan bil tahun 2026 dengan segera. MPP dalam satu kenyataan memaklumkan program insentif itu terbuka kepada pemilik hartanah dan penghuni di bawah bidang kuasa majlis yang membayar cukai taksiran 2026 sepenuhnya, merangkumi bil penggal 1 dan 2. Pihak majlis menjelaskan bahawa peserta juga perlu menjelaskan sebarang tunggakan pada atau sebelum 31 Mei untuk melayakkan diri bagi cabutan tersebut. “Inisiatif ini diperkenalkan sebagai tanda penghargaan kepada pembayar cukai yang bertanggungjawab memenuhi kewajipan mereka lebih awal dan secara penuh. Ia juga mencerminkan pendekatan proaktif dan mesra pelanggan pihak majlis dalam memupuk budaya pembayaran tepat pada masanya,” jelas kenyataan itu. Cabutan bertuah tersebut dijadualkan berlangsung pada akhir Jun 2026 dengan menawarkan pelbagai hadiah menarik kepada pembayar cukai yang layak. Penyertaan terbuka kepada semua pegangan berkadar yang didaftarkan di bawah pemilikan individu dalam sistem MPP, manakala pihak majlis turut menyatakan bahawa ini merupakan kali pertama program seumpama itu dianjurkan. “Kami amat menggalakkan semua pemilik hartanah dan penghuni di kawasan MPP untuk menjelaskan cukai taksiran mereka secepat mungkin sebelum tarikh tutup pada 31 Mei bagi melayakkan diri untuk cabutan bertuah ini,” tambah kenyataan itu lagi. Menurut pihak majlis, pembayaran cukai taksiran yang tepat pada masanya menyumbang secara langsung kepada keupayaan majlis untuk menyelenggara kemudahan awam, menambah baik perkhidmatan perbandaran serta meningkatkan kualiti hidup komuniti Padawan secara keseluruhan. – TVS

Dr Sim (centre) presents a token of appreciation to Tan while others look on. KUCHING (Feb 7): Further developments are expected over the next five years around the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry in Batu Kawa here, with shopping centres projected to be built. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian said the commercial growth would complement existing and planned recreational facilities in the area, transforming it into a vibrant community destination. He noted that the site was once an abandoned quarry that ‘nobody wanted’, with a deep water body estimated to be about eight storeys deep beneath the former quarry floor. Despite its past condition, the state recognised the potential of the site, now dubbed ‘Blue Park’, and repurposed it into a multipurpose hall for public functions and community gatherings. “In the next five years, shopping centres are expected to be built along both sides of the road,” he said during the Heart Health 2026 programme, at the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry multipurpose hall here. Explaining the concept behind Blue Park, Dr Sim said the name was inspired by the blue-coloured water at the former quarry. The park itself spans about 20 acres and will feature facilities for various recreational activities. Across the road, another 40-acre park is planned, bringing the total green and recreational space in the area to about 60 acres. He also highlighted the popularity of the Batu Kawa Riverbank Park further down the road, which now draws between 500 and 1,000 visitors nightly. “Everyone can come and be healthy and exercise,” he said, adding that such developments play a key role in promoting healthier lifestyles among the public. With an ageing population, Dr Sim stressed that healthcare will remain a growing concern, underscoring the importance of accessible infrastructure that supports active living and overall community wellbeing. Also present was Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai, who was the venue sponsor for the programme.

MPP chairman Tan Kai (centre), deputy chairman Mahmud Ibrahim (right) and secretary Goh Thiam Ho promote the incentive programme. KUCHING (Feb 26): The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has rolled out a first-of-its-kind incentive programme to encourage residents to settle their assessment rates early, as part of efforts to strengthen revenue collection and improve municipal service delivery. Under the initiative, ratepayers who fully pay both the first and second halves of their 2026 assessment rates and clear any outstanding arrears on or before May 31 will qualify for a lucky draw offering prizes totalling RM20,000. The draw is scheduled to take place at the end of June and is open to all rateable holdings within MPP’s jurisdiction registered under individual ownership, subject to terms and conditions. “The initiative reflects a more proactive and customer-friendly approach to public engagement, while rewarding responsible ratepayers who consistently meet their obligations on time,” MPP said in a statement. The council hopes the programme will not only incentivise early payments but also raise awareness of the importance of promptly settling assessment rates. Timely collections, it noted, are vital to sustaining and upgrading public amenities, enhancing municipal services, and supporting ongoing development within the council’s jurisdiction. Residents and property owners are therefore urged to take advantage of the initiative by settling their dues ahead of the deadline. MPP added that the programme underscores broader efforts to cultivate a strong payment culture among ratepayers and reinforce the shared responsibility between the council and the community in maintaining a well-managed and liveable municipality.

Fazzrudin (third left) presents caps and aprons to one of the traders during the walkabout at the Emart Matang Ramadan Bazaar on Monday. — Photo by Roystein Emmor. KUCHING (Feb 23): The Emart Matang Ramadan Bazaar continues to provide space and opportunities for small traders to do business and sell their products throughout the holy month, said Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman. “The annual event plays an important role in supporting small and micro entrepreneurs to generate additional income ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations,” he told reporters after launching the bazaar and conducting a walkabout on Monday. He also thanked the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and Emart in collaboration with Maggi, for organising the bazaar every year. MPP chairman Tan Kai said the bazaar also serves as a platform to promote unity among the people of Sarawak. “The spirit of Ramadan is about togetherness. Many non-Muslims also visit the bazaar, and this reflects the unity we value in Sarawak,” he said, adding that all community projects should continue to emphasise unity as a core principle. Meanwhile, Emart Group head of property Lee Leong Peng said a total of 63 stalls are operating at the bazaar this year, with 16 selling beverages and the remainder offering a variety of food items, including grilled dishes. “The Emart Matang Ramadan Bazaar has been organised for more than 13 years to provide traders with business opportunities ahead of the festive season,” he said. The bazaar runs from Feb 19 to March 18. At the same event, Maggi distributed 500 cups of bubur lambuk to members of the public. During the walkabout, Fazzrudin also presented caps and aprons to participating traders.