The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) is strengthening community involvement in urban development through the rebranded Smart City Friends programme.
Formerly known as the Rakan Bandaraya initiative introduced in 2002, the programme is now open to all segments of society, including students from higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), trader communities, neighbourhood watch groups, senior citizens, youth and the general public.
Mayor of Kota Kinabalu, Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, said the programme’s expansion is vital due to the vast area under DBKK’s jurisdiction and the limited number of available personnel.
“Today, we are holding a certificate presentation ceremony for representatives of institutions who are new members of the Smart City Friends programme, an initiative aimed at expanding the network of smart communities in this city.
“We opted to present certificates in groups to organisational representatives with the hope that they will disseminate information and the benefits of the programme to their staff, students and members,” he said after launching the programme’s rebranding on Tuesday.
Sabin explained that members of the programme can assist DBKK by reporting infrastructure damage or other urban issues directly to the authorities.
“For example, if there is any damage in the Telipok area, members residing there can promptly lodge a report through a dedicated platform,” he said.
The updated platform is more user-friendly, interactive, and offers various benefits based on members’ contributions. These may include discounts on parking fees, hall rentals and other incentives. Members will also have the opportunity to earn reward points for submitting reports or feedback.
Access to the platform is available via QR codes, making participation easier for the general public.
Sabin urged more residents of Kota Kinabalu to register as Smart City Friends and contribute to building a smarter, more responsive, and resilient city.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Mariah Doksil
Quelle/Source: The Borneo Post, 13.05.2025
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