BY JAMES WONG and IDA NADHIRAH
KUCHING: Sarawak is striving to elevate Kuching to the ninth or tenth spot as the cleanest city globally, building on its commendable 11th position achieved earlier this year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said it is crucial for the citizens to play their role and cooperate with the city councils in maintaining cleanliness to achieve this goal.
“I have also implemented sustainable policies to minimise pollution to uphold our clean city status.
“We are using hydrogen, the cleanest energy source, for public transportation such as buses and Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) to ensure our air quality remains pristine.
“With this, we will surpass other cities, hence from the 11th position, we aim to reach the 10th or ninth spot,” he said during the State Muslims Agencies Aidilfitri Thanksgiving Ceremony held at Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall here today (May 4).
IQAir’s AirVisual, a real-time air quality information platform, ranked Kuching as the 11th cleanest city globally earlier this year, with an AQI of 18, indicating good air quality.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak’s peaceful environment that enables leaders to focus on economic progress.
“Alhamdulillah, from an economic perspective, Sarawak has earned recognition from the World Bank as a high-income state.
“Regarding our economic contribution to Malaysia, we stand third after Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, surpassing Johor Bahru. We have worked hard, and with continued effort, we may surpass Selangor soon,” he added.
Abang Johari also called for continued unity and mutual respect among Sarawakians, citing the inclusive practices during Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
“During the month of Ramadan, it wasn’t just Muslims breaking their fast. Non-Muslims also waited until after prayers to eat, demonstrating mutual respect for our customs.
“This is our culture in Sarawak, and Muslims warmly embrace our unity while celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri. We are incredibly rich in culture; there’s no other place like Sarawak. We not only cherish our culture but also share it,” he added.
Also present were the Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Utilities and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi and his deputy Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, and Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) President Datuk Misnu Taha.
