The Healthy City Programme continues to sustain and the Concept is widely spread and better known to the agencies, departments and the general public. The annual Inter-Agency Conference continues to play its role as a forum for discussion on issues related to urban development with the view to recommend solutions.
The Sixth Inter-Agency Conference marked the seventh year of the Kuching Healthy City programme. The programme have increased its scope and dimensions, which at the initial stage, focused very much on the physical in nature, such as landscaping, improvements in physical infrastructure, drains and etc.
In 2000, the emphasis was given to safety and security. The theme “Kuching City - A Safe City” was chosen to enhance awareness and concern of the members of public, government and non-government organisations, and the community at large on the importance of creating a safe and secure city. The Conference was organised in Miri from 20-22 June 2000, which attracted more than 60 agencies and departments from Sarawak and few representatives from Peninsula Malaysia who have came to learn about Kuching Healthy City.
A review on the progress of the Healthy City Programme from the last Conference was presented. Presenters from various agencies were also invited to share their knowledge and experiences, such as Health Department, Police Department, Environment Department, Fire and Rescue Department and few other related Departments. Among others, the areas of concern cover the following:
· Freedom from crime · Freedom from fire · Freedom from diseases · Road Safety · Safety at home · Safety at workplace · Safe Environment
At the end of the Conference, the State Secretary was briefed on the outcome of the Conference workshop. In return, the State Secretary shared his vision of an ideal city in the State that is physically attractive and mentally stimulating, stressing that the concept of a healthy city should be the dream of everyone. He also point out the concern to practice sustainable development, as conservation is most probably the key to success.
