KUCHING: The state government is encouraging the real estate industry in Sarawak to go a level up – to build buildings based on the Green Building Index (GBI).
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this would increase the value of the building in terms of city planning and provide a conducive environment for the citizens.
“At the moment, we are implementing a green approach for us to develop our cities and the rest of Sarawak. We are fortunate to have a rainforest which acts as a carbon that allows us to have other avenues to produce clean fuel for Sarawak.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was here last week, and he asked me to share about our green economy with the federal Cabinet.
“Hopefully, we will be able to produce green energy as we have the strength and against that background, we are also encouraging our real estate developers to produce GBI buildings as it will automatically increase the value of the buildings itself,” he said.
He was officiating at the 25th Asean Valuers Association (AVA) Congress 2023 gala dinner at Grand Margherita Hotel here last night (Sept 19).
With this plan in mind, Abang Johari said the state government would engage with valuers, architects, and engineers for a common methodology for city planning conducive to the citizens.
He expressed optimism that Asean could have a common methodology in terms of accessing the value of a property.
“Of course, this will depend on the location because even if you have a good locality, and the environment is not conducive, the price (of the property) may not be as much as you expect.
“What’s important is that we create a conducive and good living (environment) for the citizens.
“This is why city planning is important in Sarawak as it is our desire to have our cities not to be too cramped, but more widespread,” he said.
Touching on Sarawak’s green economy where emphasis is given to the environment, Abang Johari said this was in light of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) towards 2030.
“It is also our desire to establish smart cities that not only take advantage of technological advancement, but also to make sure that the environment is looked after at the same time,” he said.
