By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 11: Limbang is being considered for development as a low-carbon city in northern Sarawak, drawing inspiration from the transformation of Darul Hana in Kuching.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said images and videos captured during his visit to Limbang today would be brought back to Kuching to support planning efforts.
“After taking photos and videos this morning, I will bring them back to Kuching so we can plan what comes next. If we can develop Darul Hana in Kuching city, why can’t we develop Limbang as a low-carbon city in the northern region?
“This can also become a trendsetter, as Lawas is already being developed based on low-carbon principles, with less smoke and lower carbon emissions, ensuring better public health,” he said when speaking during the Sarawakku Sayang programme, broadcast live on YouTube by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Earlier, Abang Johari led a casual brisk walk covering approximately 3.5 kilometres, with the route stretching from the Limbang Waterfront to the Limbang Museum.
He noted that from the balcony of Purnama Hotel after dawn prayers, he viewed Kampung Seberang and the road leading towards the Limbang Bridge, which is expected to be completed between September and October this year.
Citing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, he said the completion of the bridge will significantly enhance connectivity in Limbang, linking it more effectively with neighbouring Brunei Darussalam.
“To facilitate smoother cross-border movement, we will engage in bilateral discussions between Malaysia and Brunei to establish a designated entry point, particularly benefiting residents of Limbang,” he added.
Abang Johari further said that Limbang will also be linked to Lawas via a dual carriageway, complemented by an elevated highway and a new bridge currently under construction across Sungai Lawas.
He remarked that the infrastructure, including the proposed elevated highway, would reflect the standards of developed nations, describing the northern development agenda as featuring world-class roads.
“By 2029, when the road is completed, people will see for themselves the level of development achieved—whether it resembles a rural setting or a modern city like New York,” he stressed.
Emphasising that the plans are not mere rhetoric, Abang Johari stressed that billions of ringgit have already been allocated to realise these projects, which will also include essential utilities such as water and electricity supply.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof and wife Datin Amar Ruziah Tahir; Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and wife Dato Baduyah Bujang. — DayakDaily
