Kuching has taken a major step towards smarter and healthier urban living with the launch of its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Smart Poles, designed to provide real-time air quality monitoring at two public parks managed by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
The pilot project was officially launched on Saturday by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the MBKS lobby.
Dr Sim said the ESG Smart Poles mark an important advancement in integrating environmental monitoring with public health protection, particularly in open recreational spaces frequented by families, senior citizens and fitness enthusiasts.
“Air quality is closely linked to public health, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Providing real-time information allows people to make better decisions to protect their health,” he said.
The two parks were selected for the pilot phase due to their high public usage and importance as key spaces for recreation, exercise and community activities.
Each smart pole is equipped with a digital display board that allows park users to instantly view current air quality levels, helping them decide whether outdoor activities are safe, particularly during periods of haze or fluctuating environmental conditions.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the initiative reflects a shift towards preventive and proactive public health management.
“Rather than responding only after health issues arise, we are empowering the public with timely information so they can better protect their well-being. This project also demonstrates how ESG principles can be meaningfully implemented at the local level,” he said.
He expressed hope that the pilot project would pave the way for the expansion of smart monitoring systems and ESG-driven infrastructure throughout Kuching and across Sarawak.
“With reliable data, local authorities and policymakers will be better equipped to plan interventions, strengthen urban resilience and improve overall quality of life,” he added.
Meanwhile, MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the smart poles would also enhance public safety, as they are equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and panic buttons to provide greater security and peace of mind for park users.
He added that the system is integrated with MBKS platforms such as iPeople and iBuyBack, supporting smarter environmental management.
“The data collected helps us better understand the relationship between cleanliness, waste management and air quality. All information is linked to the MBKS Smart City Command Centre, allowing us to plan more effectively, respond faster and manage the city better,” he said.
Wee also thanked Plan Malaysia for funding the installation of the two ESG Smart Poles, noting that the collaboration highlights the benefits of strong cooperation between federal agencies and local councils for the public.
