All the best: Abang Johari (left) shaking hands with Hilmy after the swearing-in ceremony in Kuching. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: New Kuching North mayor Hilmy Othman will focus on efforts to improve child-friendly facilities and care for the elderly.
He said there is a need to balance the needs of children as well as an ageing society with the right infrastructure.
“We want to emphasise matters related to community well-being, for example the safety of children.
“Then, we have an ageing society, so we have to look into infrastructure that is blended towards the needs of these two segments of society,” he told reporters after being sworn in at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.
Hilmy said efforts to make Kuching friendly to children are already under way after the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) signed a memorandum of understanding with Unicef on its child-friendly initiative earlier this year.
He said other municipal councils in the state, including Kuching South City Council (MBKS), are also working with Unicef on the same initiative.
“We will put greater efforts into this and look into setting up a task force.
“We will also engage with the relevant ministries and work with them on this issue,” he said.
Hilmy also said DBKU welcomes collaboration with the private sector to provide elderly care centres and facilities.
In addition, he said DBKU will work with other councils, particularly MBKS, on similar initiatives and policies.
“With proper planning and strategies, I believe Kuching city will be better in future,” he said.
Hilmy, 64, took his oath of office as the eighth Kuching North mayor witnessed by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He was appointed for a two-year term, taking over from Datuk Junaidi Reduan, who retired after serving for four years.
Hilmy was previously Kuching South deputy mayor from 2017 and MBKS councillor from 2000 to 2008.
