By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 23: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on local councils and Sarawakians to discard the “culture of laziness” in maintaining urban greenery and to reduce the use of cement in city planning.
He said one of the factors contributing to carbon emissions in cities is the excessive use of cement, especially in recreational and public areas.
“Cement is one of the culprits.
“In other words, use less cement in our recreational activities and construct blocks that allow greenery to grow in public spaces,” he said when speaking at the 11th International Conference on Low Carbon Asia (ICLCA) 2025 held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here today.
He noted that one of the reasons people use too much cement is because they are too lazy to trim or cut offshoots.
“However, we have to discard the culture of laziness. We cannot be that lazy.
“In city planning, we have to provide good green recreational facilities,” he added.
Abang Johari also urged local authorities to integrate low-carbon features into town planning, including dedicated walkways, tree planting along main roads, and natural waterways that soften the urban landscape.
He said proper city planning must strike a balance between carbon emissions and oxygen generation to ensure healthier and more liveable urban environments.
“Our city must be designed so that it produces more oxygen than carbon. That is what a green city should be,” he said.
Abang Johari also cited Singapore’s Ang Mo Kio as an example of how natural waterways can be integrated into drainage systems to improve the city environment. — DayakDaily
