By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 28: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on architects, consultants and developers to embrace smarter and more sustainable planning by preserving existing trees instead of cutting them down during construction projects.
Speaking at the earth-breaking ceremony for Padawan Municipal Council’s (MPP) new headquarters at Mile 12, Jalan Kuching-Serian today, Abang Johari stressed that green elements must be prioritised in urban development to support Sarawak’s vision of becoming a smart and green city.
“When planning to build in areas with many trees, plan properly. Don’t cut the trees. If the space is not used, retain them.
“If you need to move them, extract the trees and relocate them to other areas that need greenery,” he said.
He further suggested introducing a concept of “circular economy” for greenery, whereby extracted trees can be temporarily stored and replanted elsewhere or even sold at affordable prices.
Additionally, Abang Johari explained that preserving trees is vital as they absorb carbon and release oxygen through photosynthesis, which helps reduce carbon emissions.
“Trees take time to grow. If you cut it down, the tree will die. Isn’t that a foolish thing to do? I want consultants to be smarter and follow new methods.
“It may be easy to cut down trees, but now, no. Extract the trees, store them and replant elsewhere. People need growing trees. This is what we call thinking outside the box,” he added.
He also emphasised the importance of balancing development with environmental sustainability to elevate Sarawak’s grading in smart city benchmarks.
“Don’t settle for 60 per cent; aim for an A—90 per cent. But that means doing your homework and planning in harmony with the environment,” he said, referring to Sarawak’s municipal councils’ current Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) score of 60 per cent.
Earlier, Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian revealed that Sarawak’s local authorities are performing above the national average in achieving SDGs.
According to recent findings from the SDG Roadmap for 24 local councils, Sarawak’s city councils achieved 67 per cent compliance with SDG indicators, compared to Malaysia’s national average of 57 per cent.
Meanwhile, municipal councils in Sarawak recorded 60 per cent compliance, surpassing the national average of 46 per cent.
Also present were Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government I (Public Health and Housing) Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; the Ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh; and MPP chairman Tan Kai.
— DayakDaily
