Kota Samarahan is now an ‘age-friendly’ city

KUCHING: Kota Samarahan has become the 11th city in Malaysia to join the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to create a more inclusive and elderly-friendly urban environment.

Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali said the recognition, received on Nov 11, reflects the council’s commitment to strengthening the well-being of senior citizens through inclusive urban planning and community development.

“The membership gives MPKS the opportunities to expand strategic collaborations, share knowledge and plan more structured initiatives to meet the needs of our increasingly ageing population,” he said.

The certificate was presented by WHO representative to Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe during the MPKS 10th anniversary dinner at a hotel here on Wednesday (Nov 11). Also present was Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The initiative is aligned with the direction of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development in strengthening the active ageing agenda and creating environments that are more accommodating to senior citizens.

Abang Ismawi said the recognition was among several achievements recorded by MPKS since it was elevated from Majlis Daerah Samarahan to a municipal council on Nov 11, 2016.

“This is not merely a dinner celebration, but an opportunity for us to reflect on MPKS’s journey, achievements and transformation over the past decade, from 2016 to 2026,” he said.

Abang Ismawi said over the past decade, Kota Samarahan has experienced significant growth, with its population now approaching 200,000, accompanied by expanding residential areas, physical development and increasing economic and social activities.

“MPKS’s assessment tax collection had increased by 112 per cent, from RM7.6 million in 2016 to RM16.2 million in 2026, reflecting the expansion of its administrative area and growing development activities.

“The number of property holdings also rose by 26 per cent, from 39,837 in 2017 to 50,084 this year,” he said.

He said that among other achievements highlighted were the Smart Community Award, Technical Audit Excellence Award and Malaysia Smart City Level 1: Smart City Early Adopter 2026 recognition.

“MPKS had also established its Children’s Council to provide a platform for children to express their views, share ideas and participate in community development, in line with Sarawak’s Child-Friendly City initiative in collaboration with UNICEF.

“These achievements demonstrate that Kota Samarahan’s progress is not measured solely through infrastructure development and economic growth, but also through efforts to build an inclusive, prosperous society with a better quality of life,” he said.

Looking ahead, Abang Ismawi said Kota Samarahan’s development would continue to be supported by strategic projects under the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA), chaired by Abdul Karim.

“These include the completed Taman Tasik Desa Ilmu and Tambirat Hawker Centre, the ongoing Samarahan Boulevard project, as well as the proposed Samarahan Park, Stakan Hawker Centre and Sadong Jaya tourism project.

“Samarahan Park, covering approximately 404 hectares, is planned as part of Kota Samarahan’s transformation into a low-carbon township, with the development set to preserve green spaces near Samarahan Boulevard,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abang Ismawi stated the RM31 million Dataran Warisan Sadong Jaya project, whose design received the International Design, Green and Hub Award in October, will incorporate a waterfront, observation tower, community bazaar, heritage gallery and promenade.

On MPKS’s administrative development, Abang Ismawi said the council had secured approval this year for the construction of its new RM55 million headquarters beside Samarahan Boulevard and its existing office.

“The project, which was approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in 2019, is expected to begin construction next year, subject to the necessary approvals,” he added.

He said MPKS would also continue strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability through initiatives such as the use of body cameras by enforcement officers, anti-bribery pledges and integrity briefings for service contractors.

“Over the past 10 years, our journey has proven that success cannot be achieved overnight. It is built through visionary leadership, dedicated employees, government support and close cooperation with the entire community,” he said.

Abang Ismawi expressed confidence that MPKS would continue developing as an efficient, competitive and integrity-driven local authority while prioritising the well-being and quality of life of the community.