KUCHING: Sarawak is moving towards a new era of green urban planning by focusing on achieving a balance between modern development and nature through reducing the use of cement and expanding natural landscape areas in public spaces.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said this approach is part of the state government’s strategic effort to realise low-carbon urban development that can curb carbon emissions while improving air quality through the natural functions of plants.

“A well-planned city should have more oxygen than carbon so that the people can enjoy fresh air and lead healthier lives,” he said when officiating the 11th International Conference on Low Carbon Asia (ICLCA) here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari noted that building materials such as cement are among the main contributors to carbon emissions, and therefore their use should be minimised in modern urban development.

“We cannot rely entirely on cement as it contributes to carbon emissions. Instead, allow plants to thrive in public areas and move away from the lazy habit of covering the ground with cement simply to avoid mowing the grass,” he added.

At the same time, he also emphasised the importance of well-planned drainage systems and the provision of green recreational facilities as part of sustainable and liveable urban design for the people.

Also present were Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Hata Rasit, UNIMAS Board of Directors Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (Sarawak) Datu Abdullah Julaihi, and UTM Low Carbon Asia Director cum Chair of the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Iskandar at UTM, Chin Siong Ho. -UKASnews

Reporter: Grace John Lee
Translator: Uilson Ng
Photographer: Shahril Haqim Hamka