Kiing, flanked by Ng (seated, second left) and Sait, joins others in promoting the Sibu Child Council 2026-2028 recruitment drive.
SIBU (April 18): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) have opened applications for the Sibu Child Council for the 2026-2028 term, with a renewed focus on inclusivity, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Child Council Task Force chairman and SMC councillor Kiing Teck Ho said the new intake will prioritise participation from persons with disabilities and students from underprivileged backgrounds to ensure broader representation in youth participation.
“We strongly believe that a truly child-friendly city must listen to the voices of those most vulnerable, giving every demographic a place in the discussion,” he told a press conference at SMC headquarters here on Friday.
He added that participation will also be expanded to include students from Independent Chinese schools (UEC) and national schools, reflecting the diversity of Sibu’s youth population.
Kiing said the previous term had successfully provided a platform for children to directly voice their views to local authorities, contributing to community policy improvements.
Among notable initiatives was collaboration with Bike Commute Malaysia to advocate safer road designs in school zones, including a proposed 30km/h speed limit around schools such as SMK Rosli Dhoby, Methodist schools and SJKC Rajang Park.
He said future plans include working with the Sibu Division Health Department to introduce school-based campaigns on healthy lifestyles, nutrition and mental health awareness.
To further empower members, the programme will include training in parliamentary procedures, debate, public speaking, as well as modules on cybersecurity and anti-bullying advocacy.
Participants will also engage with organisations such as Agape Centre Sibu, Destiny of Children, and the Sibu Autistic Association (SAA), with an engagement session scheduled for April 25.
Applications are open to students within the SMC and SRDC jurisdictions, closing on June 30.
Invitations and application guidelines will be distributed through the Sibu District Education Office and Independent Chinese school management boards.
SRDC secretary Ng Siang Wei and SMC deputy secretary Sait Enggang were also present.
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