Sarawak’s Kuching city to emulate UAE’s Masdar City as development model
By DayakDaily Team ABU DHABI, Nov 6: The advancements of Masdar City in Abu Dhabi will serve as a model for the future development of Kuching, particularly in new areas. According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised the importance of adopting the carbon-free city as a model for sustainable development, featuring cutting-edge technology. “We see the potential to learn from the sustainability practices of this city and use it as a model for the development we aim to implement in Kuching, especially in new areas. “I believe we can adopt what has been successfully executed in Masdar City. We will discuss this further and perhaps explore collaboration with Abu Dhabi,” he said during a visit to Masdar City in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (Nov 5), as part of an official working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Joining him were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) chairman Datuk Ibrahim Baki. During the visit, the delegation observed the use of new technology powered by solar energy, featuring low-carbon initiatives and a balance in environmental conservation. “They utilise solar energy, and the city’s infrastructure is built around sustainable and eco- friendly practices. “I noticed that the development here prioritises high standards of environmental conservation, focusing on low carbon emissions and incorporating advanced educational, commercial, and administrative facilities,” he stated. He further said that the sustainable city model developed by Abu Dhabi could transform Sarawak’s development landscape toward greater sustainability. At the same time, he envisioned potential cooperation between Sarawak and Abu Dhabi in exploring new economic opportunities. During the visit, Abang Johari and his delegation had the opportunity to ride the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), a driverless electric autonomous vehicle. They also received a briefing from Suwaid Al Badi, Head of Procurement and Contracts at Masdar City, on the city’s development. Also present were Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain, Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, and other senior Sarawak government officials. DayakDaily
