By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 4: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed confidence in Kuching’s ability not only to uphold its status as one of the top cleanest cities in the world but potentially ascend in global rankings, given its hydrogen transition, autonomous rapid transit (ART) green mobility and commitment to preserving forest reserves, all pivotal components of Sarawak’s sustainability agenda.
In light of this, he called on Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the city’s citizens to safeguard Kuching’s recognition as the 11th cleanest city in the world by emphasising both physical cleanliness and prioritising air quality, especially through adoption of clean fuel technology to promote green mobility.
“Apart from physical cleanliness such as roads and good waste management as part of sustainable urban development, one of the aspects easily neglected is air cleanliness, meaning reduced carbon emissions, which is a pivotal metric of a city’s cleanliness.
“Sarawak is among the states (in Malaysia) focusing on environmental friendly fuels, and that’s why we have embarked on hydrogen for our public transportation,” he said when addressing DBKU Aidilfitri celebration at a hotel last night (May 3).
Abang Johari was commenting on Kuching being named the 11th cleanest city in the world by Swiss air quality technology company IQAirs in January this year.
He hopes under the Sarawak roadmap, vehicles would progressively shift towards green fuels like electric or hydrogen, to ensure genuine cleanliness in both physical environment and air quality within the urban ecosystem.
With Sarawak leading in hydrogen adoption, Abang Johari outlined that the ART mobility would spearhead the use of clean hydrogen, thus mitigating air pollution.
He also underscored the integration of designated natural reserves and parks into the city’s environmental sustainable agenda, such as Bukit Siol Nature Park in DBKU and Sama Jaya Nature Reserve in MBKS jurisdiction.
Additionally, there is Piasau Nature Reserve in Miri, Bukit Lima Forest Park in Sibu and Similajau National Park in Bintulu.
“All our towns must have sustainable recreational and nature parks. With this approach, it would foster a better living,” he said.
Recognising DBKU’s rapid development, Abang Johari emphasised the imperative of sustainability, necessitating commitment from both the government and resident.
Menawhile, IQAir, which operates AirVisual, a real-time air quality information platform, ranked Kuching as the world’s 11th cleanest city with 18 air quality index (AQI) points. The city outranked Kuala Lumpur which was placed at 84th with an AQI of 88 points.
This is in addition to the ‘Asean Clean Tourist City Standard Award – National Level 2024-2026 award which further solidifies Kuching’s reputation as a highly livable city. — DayakDaily
