PADAWAN: Sarawak underscored the need for integrated development in its efforts to establish smart cities that are environmentally friendly and conducive to healthy living.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the five local authorities in Kuching and neighbouring areas, namely the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), and Serian District Council (MDS), must work together to provide a sustainable, healthy, and liveable urban environment for future generations.

According to him, although each of the five councils operates under its own jurisdiction, it is vital that they establish interconnections to ensure comprehensive and long-term development planning.

“DBKU, MBKS, MPP, MPKS, and MDS must pursue seamless development. While they each have authority over their own areas, there must be interconnection among the five as this is about planning for our future.

“This is because our Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system will utilise a route from Kuching to Serian, passing through Kota Samarahan in phases,” he said.

He said this when speaking to officiate the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new MPP Office, here on Thursday.

The Sarawak Premier stressed that the development must be guided by the smart city concept, which is not only free from carbon emissions but also eco-friendly and does not compromise public health.

“Secondly, what is emitted in the city must not affect health, because one of the reasons more people are falling ill is due to smoke and polluted air, which in turn harms our health,” he added.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Stakan Assemblyman, Datuk Hamzah Brahim, Batu Kitang Assemblyman, Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), Datu Elizabeth Loh, MPP Chairman, Tan Kai, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews