Child Friendly Cities
In Malaysia
Introduction
Imagine a city built with and for children. Imagine a city where children can grow up safely, and happily. This is the spirit of the Child Friendly Cities Initiative.
The Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) is a global movement led by UNICEF to make sure every child grows up in a city or community where they feel safe, included, and heard. It is about local governments working hand-in-hand with families, schools, civil society organizations, businesses, and children themselves to put children’s needs and rights at the centre of city life.
A child friendly city is one where children can play safely in parks, walk to school without fear, take part in activities that interest them, and have a real say in decisions that affect their lives. It is also a place where services such as healthcare, education, and protection are available and accessible to every child, no matter who they are or where they come from.
CFCI is a promise from city leaders to make children’s rights part of everyday decisions, planning, and services. By doing so, cities become healthier, fairer, and better places to live, not only for children, but for everyone.
CFCI Pillars
The Child Friendly Cities Initiative in Malaysia is built on key pillars that guide cities to make life better for children.
Raising awareness about children’s rights
Everyone, from parents and teachers to businesses and community leaders, needs to understand and respect children’s rights.
Including children in decisions
Children are experts in their own lives. Through child councils and other platforms, children can share their ideas, give feedback, and take part in shaping the community. This ensures that decisions made by adults truly reflect children’s needs and perspectives.
Creating child friendly environments
Being child friendly means safe streets and parks, supportive communities, and healthy, green spaces. Cities must care for the built environment, the social environment, and the climate so that every child can grow and thrive.
CFCI in Malaysia
In Malaysia, more and more cities are joining the CFCI family. Their commitment goes beyond simply signing a memorandum of understanding with UNICEF. It also includes working with communities and children to draft action plans, and importantly, allocating budgets to put these plans into action. This means local governments are not just making promises on paper. They are setting aside resources and taking real steps to make their cities safer, fairer, and more welcoming for children.
| Local government | State | Status | MOU signing date | Recognition as candidate city date | Recognition as child friendly city date |
| Petaling Jaya | Selangor | Recognised UNICEF Child Friendly City | 27 November 2019 | TBC | 13 October 2023 |
| Kuching South | Sarawak | MOU signed | 27 October 2022 | ||
| Miri | Sarawak | MOU signed | 31 October 2022 | ||
| Kuching North | Sarawak | MOU signed | 2 February 2023 | ||
| Padawan | Sarawak | MOU signed | 12 April 2023 | ||
| Sibu | Sarawak | MOU signed | 14 August 2023 | ||
| Kota Samarahan | Sarawak | MOU signed | 10 July 2024 | ||
| Bintulu | Sarawak | MOU signed | 11 July 2024 | ||
| Penang Island | Penang | MOU signed | 13 February 2025 | ||
| Kota Kinabalu | Sabah | MOU signed | 6 May 2025 | ||
| Kuala Lumpur | Federal Territory | MOU signed | 14 August 2025 |