By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 5: Kuching aims to increase its ranking as one of the cleanest cities in the world from 11 to nine, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
To maintain the city’s status, he said the Sarawak government has implemented environmental sustainability policies such as the use of hydrogen as it is among the cleanest energy sources, thus mitigating air pollution.
“Therefore, we must look at Kuching not only from its physical cleanliness but also its air quality.
“We were able to beat other cities because they produce a lot of carbon that polluted their air quality while Sarawak’s air quality remains ‘clean’. Thus, we were ranked at 11.
“Next, we are aiming to increase our current ranking to 10 or nine. That is why I am implementing Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), which is powered by hydrogen–the cleanest energy in the world,” he said during the Aidilfitri Thanksgiving ceremony with Islamic agencies held at Sarawak Islamic Complex here today.
Also present were Abang Johari’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (Utility) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi who is also in charge of DBKU and Islamic affairs, Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, and Sarawak Islamic Council (SIC) president Datu Misnu Taha.
On January 21, 2024, Swiss air quality technology company 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
