BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & NATASHA JEE
KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called for seamless development among the five local councils in Greater Kuching to ensure coordinated growth for the future.
He said despite each council having its own jurisdiction namely Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Padawan Municipal Council (PMC), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council and Serian District Council, their development plans must be interconnected.
“DBKU, MBKS, PMC, MPKS and Serian District Council must have seamless development.
“Even though they are under different areas, there has to be interconnection among the five,” he said when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new PMC office complex here today.
Abang Johari stressed that such coordination is vital to support long-term plans, particularly in line with the development of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system which will connect Kuching, Samarahan and Serian.
On another note, the Premier also highlighted the importance of transforming Greater Kuching into a Smart City that is both sustainable and environmentally friendly.
He said future development must prioritise reducing carbon emissions, with new government buildings including the upcoming PMC office complex designed to meet the Green Building Index (GBI) standards.
“Our cities must be smart, low-carbon and friendly to the environment. This is not just about infrastructure, but also about ensuring a healthy living environment for the people,” he added.
At the same time, Abang Johari reiterated the state government’s commitment to accelerate Sarawak’s digital transformation, pointing out that many services are already operating on digital platforms.
“People today are smart, they use smartphones for almost everything. That is why our services must also be smart.
“Assessment rates can be paid through Sarawak Pay, banking is smart, even buying rice through Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) is smart,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that the state’s digital push is designed to improve public services and prepare Sarawak for a data-driven economy.
