ADU DHABI: Kuching city hopes to emulate the Masdar City sustainable model in Abu Dhabi for future urban projects, particularly in new areas, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
This approach, he said, is crucial to transform Kuching into a sustainable, tech-driven city inspired by the carbon-neutral framework of Masdar.
“We see potential in learning about sustainable urban planning from Masdar City, which could be a model for development in Kuching, particularly in new zones.
“I believe we can adopt some of the measures implemented in Masdar City. We will discuss this further and may explore collaboration with Abu Dhabi,” he said after visiting Masdar City in Abu Dhabi with a delegation from the Sarawak government on Tuesday (Nov 5) during his official working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
During the visit, Abang Johari observed various technologies powered by solar energy that support low-carbon emissions and prioritise environmental balance.
He expressed confidence that the sustainable model developed by Abu Dhabi in Masdar City could transform Sarawak’s development landscape towards sustainability.
“They are utilising solar energy, and the buildings are designed to emphasise sustainable and eco-friendly development.
“I observe that this development places a high priority on environmental conservation, achieving low carbon emissions, and it integrates advanced institutions for higher education, commerce, and administration,” he added.
At the same time, he noted the potential for collaboration between Sarawak and Abu Dhabi to explore new economic opportunities.
He said he plans to present this initiative to the Sarawak Cabinet for further discussion on the direction of potential bilateral cooperation.
During the visit, the Premier and delegation also experienced the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), an autonomous electric vehicle system, and received a briefing on Masdar’s development from Suwaid Al Badi, head of procurement and contracts at Masdar City.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datuk Sharbini Suhaili.
Also accompanying the delegation are Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz Husain.
