AUSTRIA: Sarawak is seeking to incorporate international best practices in sustainable urban planning and renewable energy development into the future growth of Limbang and Lawas through lessons gained during its official visit to Vienna.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the visit forms part of Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (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.

He was speaking at a dinner hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Vienna on Thursday evening, as he expressed appreciation to the Embassy for its hospitality and support throughout the delegation’s programme in their visit to Austria.

Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said the visit to Aspern Seestadt was particularly significant as it showcased how a modern township can successfully integrate housing, commercial activities, public transportation, green spaces and community facilities within a comprehensive planning framework.

He added that the experience offers useful references for the preparation of the Limbang-Lawas Local Plan, especially in creating liveable, resilient and well-connected towns capable of supporting economic growth while enhancing the quality of life of local communities.

The delegation also visited the Freudenau Hydropower Plant, where they gained valuable insights into the integration of 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.

Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said the knowledge and experience gained from Vienna would assist Sarawak in shaping 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. -UKASnews