KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called upon local engineers to explore environmentally friendly construction materials as a means to reduce carbon emissions, especially from sources like cement and construction.
Addressing the Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak branch during their annual dinner at Imperial Hotel last night (Nov 11), Abang Johari stressed the importance of shifting towards green materials and urged engineers to innovate in this direction.
“This really pollutes the environment. So what do you do? You need to shift to green material, perhaps the building material has to be green.
“So, this is where innovation and solutions come in, and I am sure the local engineers can do that. You can innovate,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister of Natural Resource and Urban Development, added that Sarawak is currently focusing on green and renewable energy.
“Today, engineers are building roads, with Sarawak supplying the money. The coastal roads and bridge projects cost RM12 billion and this is Sarawak’s own money.
“You have a lot of work to do such as building roads and bridges. But what about your power and water supply? It is going to be a huge investment in terms of infrastructure.
“Thus, we need more engineers, but then it must be within the framework of a new era, that is green,” he said.
Abang Johari also pledged his support for IEM Sarawak’s vision, promising government assistance in establishing a research centre for the institute.
“I promise you, IEM Sarawak, the government will help you to have a centre for your research and I’m going to give you the money.
“We have identified the land and you set up your building. You have your own hardware and software, and you try to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to explore new technology in engineering.
“You cannot do things the old way, the way of engineering is not the same anymore and you need to study and embrace the new technology,” he said.
He stressed that the state government is already embracing the new technology and believed the new breed of engineers today are also able to adopt new technology in line with the changing circumstances.
