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
Sarawak plans to open trade and tourism office in Abu Dhabi
By DayakDaily Team ABU DHABI, Nov 6: The Sarawak government is planning to open a Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of its efforts to strengthen strategic cooperation with the country. According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that a suitable location for the office in Abu Dhabi is still being identified. If the plan materialises, he said the office will be managed by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy). “The office placement plan also aims to enhance cooperation with countries in the Middle East and other ASEAN regions, as well as share technology with Abu Dhabi. “Abu Dhabi already has a data centre powered by renewable energy through solar, and they have partnerships with investors. “If we find compatibility between the Middle East and us, there is potential at the ASEAN level to foster close cooperation between the Middle East and Asia,” he said during a press conference following his visit to Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday (Nov 5) as part of his working visit to the UAE. Also present 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, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Sharbini Suhaili. Additionally, the Sarawak Premier noted that the Sarawak office in Abu Dhabi would function similarly to the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB), and the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Kalimantan. – DayakDaily
Premier: B40 housing proposal underscores inclusivity in Kuching’s urban development
KUCHING (Nov 10): The Sarawak government plans to allocate a land in Kuching to be developed into affordable housing for the B40 (low-income) group. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlights this as underscoring the government’s commitment to integrating the B40 group into Kuching’s urban development. “We do not want those who are unable to afford houses to be pushed outside of Kuching, to live in distant areas. “Our policy is one of inclusivity; regardless of social status, all citizens should live together. “For the B40 group, the government must provide the necessary assistance for them to acquire houses,” he said during his speech for Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda)’s Excellence Awards 2024, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Saturday night. Adding on, Abang Johari emphasised the importance of providing affordable housing in the urban areas to the B40 group, which would allow them to enhance their livelihood. “If B40 families reside near quality educational institutions, it will offer a better future for their children. “By 2026, if their children are eligible for university education at Sarawak-owned universities, we will cover their university fees. “This initiative will elevate our fellow Sarawakians, equipping them with knowledge so they can pursue any career of their choice and improve their livelihoods,” he explained. On another subject, Abang Johari announced that the state government would allocate land for the construction of new Sheda headquarters. He added that the proposed headquarters building would be located alongside those other professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), the Bumiputera Engineers Association, and the Board of Surveyors and Town Planners. “We have allocated land to these professional organisations, so the Sheda headquarters should ideally be in the same vicinity.” Abang Johari also said a cluster for professional organisations was being planned within the Kuching area, which would feature enhanced connectivity. “This area will include a new route extending from the rear of Unimas (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak) to Pending, eventually linking to the Sejingkat Bridge. The route is expected to be ready by late 2025 or 2026. “With this new route, the area will be effectively integrated into Kuching, with just a 20-minute drive to the city centre. “The Sheda headquarters will be located there,” he said.
InvestSarawak jalin kerjasama dengan Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad dan UNGCMYB
