KUCHING: The Sarawak government remains committed to sustainable development, particularly in the property and housing sectors.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government has plans for affordable housing development aimed at economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
“The solutions we seek regarding property development and affordable housing must balance economic growth with environmental care.
“Whether discussing quotas for payment amounts or mechanisms for optimal efficiency, we will address these issues holistically within the context of the industry and in relation to achieving development in the relevant sectors,” he said.
He said this in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the opening ceremony of Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) Property Expo 2024 held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today (Sept 6).
Abang Johari added that the government and developers must work together to decouple Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth from unsustainable energy use and resource consumption.
However, he acknowledged that the government also understands that this transition in perspective and practice cannot happen on its own.
“In the meantime, let us continue exploring new ways of doing business and testing new technologies in our efforts to extract value where there were previously costs.
“Sarawak has declared its ambition to step forward as a leader in sustainability to the world. Negative narratives have no place in our conversation if we wish to be unstoppable,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang; Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Sarawak Business Federation president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg, Sheda president Augustine Wong, and organising chairman Steve Tan Chen Hang.
