KUCHING: Deputy Premier, Dato Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian stressed on the importance of early planning for public housing and transportation as part of Sarawak’s nation-building efforts.
In his Facebook accounts, he stated that these initiatives are vital as Sarawak moves towards achieving the goals under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), focusing on economic prosperity, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
Dr Sim said that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), Sarawak is proposing to raise the target for affordable housing from 3,000 units to 20,000 units. “Achieving this ambitious target will require the teamwork of different government agencies as well as partnerships between the public and private sectors,” he said.
He led a delegation comprising representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak, the Housing Development Corporation Sarawak, the Sarawak Planning Authority, Land and Survey Sarawak, the Land Custody and Development Authority Sarawak, and the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association.
During the visit, the delegation observed several successful urban regeneration projects in Manchester, including New Islington in Ancoats, a former industrial site transformed into affordable council housing with green spaces and enhanced connectivity through canals and public transport, the Hulme Crescents Redevelopment Project, an example of urban renewal focused on sustainable public housing communities, and Heaton Park, one of Europe’s largest municipal parks covering 600 acres.
Dr Sim said the visit provided valuable insights into sustainable urban planning and the importance of integrated infrastructure in building vibrant communities. “Sarawak can learn from Manchester’s experience as we strive to create inclusive, sustainable, and well-connected living environments for our people,” he added.
By Connie Chieng