By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Nov 7: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) will install signboards at 17 local bus stops to promote public awareness of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The objective of the SDG bus stop signboard initiative is to enhance a local bus stop by installing a prominent signboard that highlights the 17 SDGs, said MBKSnmayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.

According to Wee, the project combines education with visual aesthetics, transforming a standard bus stop into an informative space that will inspire community engagement with the global sustainable development agenda. 

"Since there are 17 SDGs, we are putting up (signboards) for 17 bus stops. Right now, presently we have already finished three (bus stops), which means there are 14 (bus stops) to go. Hopefully we will finish them by this year. 

"This bus stop (located opposite 'The Frame of MBKS') is number one (SDG Goal 1-No Poverty). So, currently we have one, four (SDG Goal 4-Quality Education), and eight (SDG Goal 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth)," Wee told reporters when met following the launch of the 'SDG Goal 1-No Poverty' bus stop today at Jalan Padungan here. 

In response to a question regarding the locations of the remaining SDG bus stops, the mayor stated that two more are situated in close proximity to Premier 101 Food Centre and the Spring Shopping Mall, in addition to Jalan Padungan. 

"Looking at the overall SDG awareness campaign, there is a need to let people know why we are so serious about it. Simple (reason) is the SDGs aim to transform our world. 

"So there are calls to action to end poverty, inequality, and of course protect the planet, and ensure that all the people enjoy health, justice, and prosperity. So, it is crucial that no one is left behind too. 

"So this is the awareness that we are trying to do in order to get people to be aware of what the 17 SDG goals are all about." 

Wee disclosed the council will soon introduce water harvesting and other initiatives at Stutong Community Market. 

"We hope that the market will become a study place for students. At least they will know from a young age what SDG is all about," he added. 

The mayor also stated that while there is no SDG Day at the moment, every day should be an SDG Day as part of one's daily routine. 

"So that's why I think it's time that while we are talking about basically the environment, cleanliness, and all that, we must have all these to be inclusive of it and then make sure that everything is sustainable," he remarked. 

The SDG bus stop signboard initiative is in collaboration with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Kuching. 

It was reported that MBKS has achieved a significant milestone in sustainability by winning the 2023 JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award under SDG Goal 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities. This prestigious recognition was conferred for the 'Upgrading of Traffic Garden, Recreation Garden and Open Spaces of Kenyalang Park Housing Estate' project. - DayakDaily