AUSTRIA: Sarawak is looking to adopt international best practices in sustainable urban planning and renewable energy development from Austria to support the future growth of Limbang and Lawas.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said insights gained during the state’s official visit to Vienna would help guide the preparation of the Limbang-Lawas Local Plan in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He said the visit forms part of Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to implement PCDS 2030, which emphasises economic prosperity, social inclusivity, environmental sustainability, innovation and data-driven development.
“Our visit to Aspern Seestadt is highly relevant as it demonstrates how a modern urban development project can integrate housing, public transport, commercial activities, green spaces, community facilities and smart urban design within a comprehensive planning framework,” he said during a dinner hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Vienna on Thursday (June 18).
He noted that the experience at Aspern Seestadt offers valuable references for the development of Limbang and Lawas, particularly in creating liveable, resilient and well-connected towns capable of supporting economic growth while improving the quality of life of local communities.
The Sarawak delegation also visited the Freudenau Hydropower Plant, where they gained insights into integrating renewable energy infrastructure with river management, environmental protection and urban development planning.
“The expected outcome from this visit is to identify suitable planning approaches that can inform the preparation of the Limbang-Lawas Local Plan, particularly in the areas of integrated land-use planning, sustainable town development, renewable energy, riverfront planning, green infrastructure, public facilities and implementation strategy,” he said.
Awang Tengah added that the knowledge and experience gained from Vienna would assist Sarawak in transforming Limbang and Lawas into competitive, sustainable and liveable border towns while strengthening long-term energy security, environmental resilience and regional economic development in northern Sarawak.
