KUCHING: A new ordinance concerning building construction is set to be tabled this year as part of the region's move towards environmental sustainability.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian said that Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg has mandated that the Green Building Index (GBI) must be incorporated into building construction.

According to him, the GBI will monitor all processes and building features, including construction materials, to certify buildings as green and environmentally friendly.

"The GBI does not only assess completed buildings but also evaluates the entire ecosystem, including the cement used in construction.

"You (property developers) may have a very green building, but if your cement is not environmentally friendly, you need to look at your energy production—whether it is eco-friendly or not," he said.

He made these remarks during the launch of d’Isabelle, Sarawak’s first green condominium, at a prominent hotel here on Saturday.

The Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) added that the new ordinance will transform the approach to development in Sarawak, aligning with the region's goals of sustainable and eco-friendly progress.

For the record, GBI is Malaysia’s largest and first certification body, renowned for its stringent criteria, developed by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) and the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM).

According to RJ Group Director, Ryonna Chuo, while only 35 percent of submitted buildings currently achieve GBI accreditation, d’Isabelle has successfully overcome this challenge, setting a new benchmark for green building development in Sarawak.

Also present were CEO of RJ Group of Companies, Datuk Lily Lim, Sheraton Kuching Hotel Owner, Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng, Executive Director of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Tan Sri Wilson Baya Dandot, President of the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Datuk Abang Openg, Batu Kitang Assemblyman, Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council Chairman, Datuk Peter Minos, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews