SIBU: The city is the latest in Sarawak to sign up for Unicef's Child Friendly Cities initiative, following Miri, Kuching South, Kuching North and Padawan.
“Through this journey, Sibu will transform into a city where every child enjoys every right, and no one is left behind," Unicef Malaysia Social Policy chief Dr Juanita Vasquez Escallon said at the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Sibu Municipal Council here on Monday (Aug 14).
According to the 2020 Census, 20.9% of Sibu’s population are children below the age of 14.
As a child-friendly city, Sibu would improve children’s lives by having safer neighbourhoods, efficient school and health systems, and enhanced infrastructure for the community.
Council chairman Clarence Ting said in creating a child-friendly city, it would focus on various aspects including urban planning, infrastructure and community engagement.
“We want to build a Sibu where children have a good start in life, grow up feeling safe and cared for, and have opportunities to express their opinions and influence decisions on issues that affect them.
"As a city, we are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order. This initiative will ensure we rebuild well," he added.
State Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Michael Tiang said the initiative is not just an idealistic vision but a practical necessity.
"By fostering environments that put children's needs at the forefront, we are not only shaping the future of our cities but also the future of our society.
"Let us work together to build a Sibu that is truly worthy of our children's dreams.
"Let us envision Sibu (as a place) where every child has the opportunity to flourish, regardless of background or circumstances," he added.
