KUCHING (Jan 11): The Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government plans to integrate the Green Building Index (GBI) into the Buildings Ordinance, which is expected to be tabled in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) later this year.
In announcing this, its minister Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted that significant changes would be introduced to the ordinance, with GBI inclusion as a key priority.
“When I spoke to the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg), the first thing he emphasised, even before reviewing the proposed changes to the Buildings Ordinance, was to ensure the inclusion of the Green Building Index.
“I had also proposed provisions for EV (electric vehicle) charging stations and AEDs (automated external defibrillators) to be installed in public areas under the updated ordinance.
“The Premier is committed to ensuring that not only is our electricity green, but that we also adopt the Green Building Index. That’s what the Premier wants in the Buildings Ordinance we are going to table this year,” said the Batu Kawah assemblyman.
He said this to reporters when met after officiating at the grand launch of d’Isabelle — Sarawak’s first GBI-certified residential high-rise by RJ Group of Companies — at Sheraton Hotel Kuching here today.
On d’Isabelle, Dr Sim commended the private sector for stepping up to address the housing needs of Sarawakians.
“I’m very happy to see them (private sector) step forward, be innovative and meet the needs of the people to own a home.
“Today, we have d’Isabelle, which is the first GBI-certified condominium, and we’ve heard about its unique features, from its design and orientation to energy efficiency and other systems,” he said.
Dr Sim also stressed the importance of fostering a sense of community within residential developments.
“When you buy a condominium like this, you’re not just buying a home — you’re buying into a community.
“A property where your neighbours interact and uphold shared values make for a happier living experience. Community values matter,” he added.
Also present were RJ Group of Companies chief executive officer Datuk Lily Lim, RJ Group director Ryonna Chuo, Sheraton hotel owner Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng, and Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Datuk Abang Openg.