Dr Abdul Rahman, flanked by Hilmy (seated, second left) and Salwa, seen with other guests and workshop participants in a photo-call. — Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit

KUCHING (Nov 5): The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) recently hosted the ‘Neighbourhood Empowerment Workshop’, a key initiative aimed at enhancing leadership within local communities.

Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi highlighted that this initiative supported DBKU’s vision of transforming Kuching into a ‘Clean, Beautiful, Safe, Smart, and Sustainable City’.

“This platform not only fosters community skills but also encourages the delivery of improved and friendlier services for residents.

“The workshop provides invaluable opportunities for interaction, idea-sharing, and enhanced cooperation between residents and the DBKU, particularly in the areas of safety, cleanliness, and overall city well-being,” he said in his closing speech for the event here yesterday.

The three-day workshop, which concluded last Sunday, was designed to help neighbourhood leaders plan their activity calendars for 2025, as well as to establish strategic goals meant to enhance urban well-being.

The participants engaged in informal discussions with Kuching North Datuk Bandar Hilmy Othman, attended briefings on the DBKU Neighbourhood Empowerment Programme 2025, and the DBKU Neighbourhood Special Programme 2025.

A total of 54 neighbourhood groups, represented by their chairpersons and committee members, gathered to exchange ideas and insights meant for the planning of Kuching’s future.

Also present was acting DBKU director Salwa Pauzi.