KUCHING: The Sarawak government plans to build gated community quarters for both state and federal civil servants as part of its commitment to improve public sector housing.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the concept involves shared facilities, where housing will be built within a secure, well-managed environment equipped with essential amenities.
He added that the new housing could take the form of apartments or condominiums complete with recreational hubs and facility management services.
“This is especially important in areas, for example, with many doctors. We must provide them with proper living quarters.
“These quarters will not just be buildings, but integrated spaces with quality infrastructure and services for our officers,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating the International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today (May 13).
Separately, Abang Johari said Sarawak is in the process of forming a committee to work with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on sustainability-related initiatives.
He said the idea came following a meeting with top LSE lecturers during a state delegation’s visit on May 1, where they discussed environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and a new concept called natural capital.
“Natural capital refers to our environmental assets, like forests and rivers, which hold value and must be preserved,” he explained.
He added that such value increases when paired with human capital — people with creativity and innovation to unlock the full potential of these resources.
“To take this further, Sarawak and LSE will each form their own teams to develop the concept, particularly in the context of Borneo.
“In the tropics, we are rich in natural capital – our rainforests, rivers and biodiversity. But we need new ways to manage these on a global scale.
“This is something new. We’re still discussing the framework,” he said.
