BINTULU (July 12): The Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) has embarked on a significant journey together with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) Malaysia by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).

The momentous occasion took place at Wisma BDA yesterday, with general manager Datu Muhamad Yakup Kari signing for BDA and Robert Gass representing Unicef Malaysia.

Witnessing the signing ceremony were BDA secretary Wan Ibrahim Wan Ali and Unicef Malaysia Social Policy specialist Yin Yee Tham.

“This is part of BDA’s responsibility as a Local Authority participating in the Sarawak Social Well-being Index (State Level).

“I hope that through this strategic partnership with Unicef in the CFCI, BDA can encourage more children participation in ensuring cities are safe, inclusive and supportive environments for children to grow and thrive.

“This CFCI will also complement the Smart City concept and Environmental Sustainability Green Programme that we are implementing based on BDA strategic plan 2024-2030,” said Yakup.

Furthermore, he said the BDA strategic plan 2024-2030 is in consistency with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, thus ensuring BDA’s strategies are aligned with global and local objectives.

“With proper planning and strategies, I believe Bintulu will be better for the existing generation and future generations,” he said.

Yakup expressed confidence that Bintulu’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a prime economic growth region will benefit both existing and future generations.

He said that this strategic partnership with Unicef aligns with BDA’s vision for Bintulu as a model of inclusivity, liveability and sustainability.

For the record, he said BDA’s establishment and function are very unique, as it is the only agency in Malaysia to hold the responsibilities of both local authority and a development agency.

“As a Local Authority, BDA functions as a state statutory body that administers governance and services under its designated territory,” he said.

With this role, BDA has started to work alongside children through various programmes organised by BDA Library.

“Apart from that, as a local authority, BDA functions as a caretaker and maintenance of estimated 70 neighbourhood parks and playgrounds approved in Bintulu.

“As a Development Authority, BDA is also responsible for the physical planning and development within the designated area,” said Yakup.

Under this function, he pointed out that BDA plans recreational space for the communities of all ages including children’s facilities and also recommends various projects related to children such as schools, clinics and others.

According to him, BDA has also approved 17 kindergartens, 21 nurseries and four childcare centres under its delegated power for early childhood development in Bintulu.

“BDA also fulfils a stewardship role in early childhood education by operating our own kindergarten and nursery exclusively for our staff.

“Currently in this newly built facility, we have a total of 36 children enrolled in our kindergarten and four children registered in our childcare centre,” he explained.

Furthermore, he said the Tumbina Park functions both as a recreational park open to all for enjoyment and as an educational resource for children to learn about the importance of the environment.

“Our record indicates there are 24,353 children visiting the park this year,” said Yakup.

The CFCI is endorsed by the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak, the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak, and the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit.

Bintulu is the sixth local authority in Sarawak to implement the CFCI alongside Miri City Council, Kuching South City Council, Kuching North City Commission, Padawan Municipal Council and Sibu Municipal Council.