(Kuching, 24th) Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on local councils and Sarawakians to abandon the "culture of laziness," actively maintain urban greenery, and reduce the use of cement in city planning.
He said that one of the reasons for increased urban carbon emissions is the excessive use of cement in recreational and public spaces.
"Cement is one of the main culprits.
In other words, when constructing recreational facilities, we should use less cement and adopt structural designs that allow plants to grow, so public spaces can regain their greenery."
He made these remarks yesterday while attending the opening ceremony of the 11th International Conference of Low Carbon Asia (ICLCA 2025) at Kuching Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC).
Abang Johari pointed out that many people are overly reliant on cement because they are "too lazy to prune branches or vegetation."
"However, we must abandon this culture of laziness and not let laziness ruin our urban greenery.
City planning must provide good green recreational spaces."
He also urged local authorities to incorporate low-carbon design elements into township planning, such as building pedestrian walkways, planting trees along major roads, and preserving natural waterways to soften the urban landscape.
"Good city planning should balance carbon emissions and oxygen production to ensure healthier, more livable cities.
Our cities should be designed so that oxygen output exceeds carbon emissions—that is a truly green city."
He cited Singapore's Ang Mo Kio as an example, illustrating how integrating natural waterway systems can improve urban environments.
He said that one of the reasons for increased urban carbon emissions is the excessive use of cement in recreational and public spaces.
"Cement is one of the main culprits.
In other words, when constructing recreational facilities, we should use less cement and adopt structural designs that allow plants to grow, so public spaces can regain their greenery."
He made these remarks yesterday while attending the opening ceremony of the 11th International Conference of Low Carbon Asia (ICLCA 2025) at Kuching Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC).
Abang Johari pointed out that many people are overly reliant on cement because they are "too lazy to prune branches or vegetation."
"However, we must abandon this culture of laziness and not let laziness ruin our urban greenery.
City planning must provide good green recreational spaces."
He also urged local authorities to incorporate low-carbon design elements into township planning, such as building pedestrian walkways, planting trees along major roads, and preserving natural waterways to soften the urban landscape.
"Good city planning should balance carbon emissions and oxygen production to ensure healthier, more livable cities.
Our cities should be designed so that oxygen output exceeds carbon emissions—that is a truly green city."
He cited Singapore's Ang Mo Kio as an example, illustrating how integrating natural waterway systems can improve urban environments.