KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak will come up with solutions addressing sustainability challenges especially in construction projects.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the state is navigating difficult times brought on by climate change, limited resources, and the growing demand for high-quality infrastructure.
“Actually we are now looking at how to do core sustainable projects.
“For example, we are going to have elevated roads especially in the peat area and we are looking at the possibility of constructing a tunnel in the hilly area because it is very important that we preserve our environment.
“So these are the challenges that we face and I’m very confident with this international conference of this nature, we will be able to learn from other countries and that will help us to move forward in our construction industry in Sarawak,” he told reporters after officiating at the 9th International Conference of Euro Asia Civil Engineering Forum at DeTAR Putra, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak here today.
Uggah, who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, said the state government has already introduced policies promoting green technologies to improve project execution.
He noted that the Sarawak government, through key agencies such as the Public Works Department (JKR), has pioneered innovative research, including the development of advanced building materials and components.
These include polymer modified bitumen, stabilisation technology, concrete-filled bamboo, enhanced concrete with fungal biosurfagctant admixture, and green asphalt made from single-use plastic waste for pavement construction.
“These trailblazing efforts reflect Sarawak’s commitment to building a sustainable future,” he said.
Uggah added that JKR has also led the way in establishing new construction technologies such as soil stabilisation technology for pavement construction, and advanced testing tools including the falling weight deflectometer.
