Pat on the back for DBKU, MBKS
CM commends the two local authorities for using latest tools to be with city folks
I wish to thank the two city councils for trying to make use of advanced technology in their communications with the people in the city. I believe that by utilising technology in communications, we will be closer to the people. Hence, we will be able to provide a better and more effective service to the people. Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister
KUCHING: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg commended Kuching North City Commission ( DBKU) and Kuching South City Council ( MBKS) for their efforts in utilising technology for communicating with city folks.
The Chief Minister believed that the usage of technology will bring the two city councils closer to the people besides providing more effective services through feedback from the people.
“I wish to thank the two city councils for trying to make use of advanced technology in their communications with the people in the city.
“I believe that by utilising technology in communications, we will be closer to the people. Hence, we will be able to provide better and more effective service to the people,” he said at the launching ceremony of 29th Kuching City Day Celebration at Stadium Perpaduan here yesterday.
DBKU yesterday launched its ‘ DBKU Metropolitan Free WiFi’ named ‘Free WiFi for Rakyat’. The first phase of this project covers areas around Padang Merdeka and Waterfront. The free WiFi service will be extended to other areas in stages.
The other project that was launched was the DBKU WhatsApp hotline ( 016- 8864466), which provides an alternative for city folks to forward information, complaints and suggestions to DBKU faster, accurately and in a more systematic way.
Noting that the world today has embraced technology, Abang Johari said nobody could avoid technological transformation in their daily tasks.
“That is why the state government has made a bold proposal to build a Light Railway Transit ( LRT) in Kuching that wil l be connected with Kota Samarahan and Serian.
“Al thoug h the cos t (of construction) will be massive, I’m sure with smart people around us, we will be able to implement this project effectively within the next 10 years and I’m sure we will be able to upgrade the infrastructure.”
He said the state government hoped that the public transport operators in the city would make use of technology such as electricity-powered bus as a way to maintain the cleanliness of the city and reduce smoke emission that pol lutes the environment.
“We will try to use the latest technology, including electricity that will be used by our public transport in the city. We have a lot of energy resources. We have acquired Bakun Dam, it is now owned by the state government and Sarawakians.
“With this abundant energy, we must optimise and utilise the resources to move forward... These will be implemented by the government. With the cooperation between local government and city councils, we will transform our city to be better and more environment- friendly. Then, we will be able to provide good environment ( for the people) to live in Kuching.”
The Chief Minister also said the state government would upgrade a few recreational areas in the city to enable city folks to interact with each other.
KUCHING: Kuching North City Commission ( DBKU) yesterday launched the DBKU Metropolitan Free WiFi, the Free WiFi for Rakyat ( Rafi) initiative, to provide WiFi coverage in the city.
According to Datuk Bandar of DBKU Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, the free WiFi will greatly benefit the people, in tandem with the state government’s commitment towards embracing the digital economy.
“The first phase will see free WiFi to Padang Merdeka and the Kuching Waterfront, and we do hope that this effort will have some impact on the development of the digital economy in the state,” said Abang Abdul Wahap.
He was speaking at the 29th Kuching City Day celebration at Stadium Perpaduan here yesterday.
In his speech, Abang Abdul Wahap announced the DBKU WhatsApp hotline ( 0168864466) for the public to lodge reports, make suggestions and ask for information.
“This system will complement other existing systems such as email, SMS, telephone and over the counter meet-up, which will also further improve our delivery system,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kuching South City Council ( MBKS) mayor Datuk James Chan said MBKS is fully committed to making Sarawak a digital state.
“MBKS is constantly reengineering ourselves on how we and our resources and facilities can be better utilised and maximised,” he added.
MBKS, according to Chan, will continue to improve Kuching City, and to ensure the city remains green, environmentally sustainable, healthy, liveable and economically vibrant.
“I also would like to assure our Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg that we at MBKS will uphold his bold vision of ‘ Digital Sarawak’,” he added.
The event yesterday also saw the presentation of appointment letters to seven new ‘ Kejiranan Mesra’ areas under the jurisdiction of DBKU – Kampung Semariang Batu, Kampung Semariang Pinggir, Kampung Sungai Midin, Kampung Santubong, Kampung Temedak Jalan Patingan, Taman Family Park and Taman Intan Bandar Baru Samariang.
With the new appointments, DBKU now has 29 ‘ Kejiranan Mesra’ areas.
Themed ‘Unity in Diversity’, the Kuching City Day celebration will see various programmes lined up from August until December.
Among the programmes are the Kuching City Street Parade (Aug 12), Pre Asia Pacific Orchid Conference (Aug 23-27), Ride for Unity and Peace (Sept 16), Futsal Piala Datuk Bandar (Sept 16 to 17), Golf Piala Datuk Bandar (Sept 30), Siol Mountain Bike Challenge ( Nov 4 to 5) and the Kuching 7th International Cat Show (Oct 21-22).