31 teenagers, aged below 17 years old, sworn-in as child council members of Kuching South City Council for a three-year term

KUCHING, Oct 3 2026: Thirty one teenagers aged below 17 years old were sworn-in as Kuching South City Counncil's child council members before Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dr Sim Kui Hian this morning.

Caption: Xavier Ng receiving his letter of appointment as a child council member from Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian. Seen at left is MBKS mayor Wee Hong Seng

They were selected from applicants from secondary schools in Kuching.

Ten of the child council members have their three-year term extended for the period 2026-2028.

Dr Sim, who is also the deputy premier, stressed the importance of child council, saying that it is part of a leadership training for them.

"We want to give you a head start. Next time when you become councillors, leaders, politicians, civil society leaders, you will have a lot of experiences, not just dealing with the locals but also internationally," he said.

"This is what nation-building is all about," he said.

Dr Sim also noted that seven out of 11 child-friendly cities in Malaysia are in Sarawak, indicating the importance placed by the state government in maintaining  child-friendly cities.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Wee Hong Seng said he does not want to see the child council are for meetings, photographs or ceremonies.

"I want you to tell us what you see," he said.

"If you think that our parks can be better, tell us. If you see problems affecting children, raise them. If you have ideas on safety, health, environment, technology, sports, arts or activities for children, share them with us," Wee said.

He said adults look at a city very differently from children, saying "what we think is good may not always be what you need. That is why we need your voice."

"But remember, being a child council member is not only about telling MBKS what you want. It is also about asking yourself: what can I contribute?" he asked.

"You can be a voice for other children. You can encourage your friends to care for the environment, You can promote kindness and respect. You can help us to make Kuching South safer, healthier and more inclive.

"This is now nation-building begins. It starts with people who care about the place they call home and who are prepared to contribute something to make it better," he stressed.