KUCHING (April 28): Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, is now in Manchester, United Kingdom, leading a Sarawak delegation on a special working visit focused on housing development and urban renewal models.
Dr Sim, who also holds the portfolio of Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, said through a Facebook post that Sarawak must start planning early to meet the growing demand for public housing and efficient public transportation. These efforts, he stressed, are crucial parts of Sarawak’s mission to achieve nation-building goals.
He pointed out that under Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the government is pushing hard to ensure economic prosperity, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
Looking ahead to the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), Dr Sim shared that Sarawak’s Economic Planning Unit (EPU) is aiming to increase the affordable housing target from 3,000 units to 20,000 units. He said this ambitious goal will require strong teamwork across government agencies, private sector players, and public-private partnerships.
The Sarawak delegation includes deputy ministers and senior officials from the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) Sarawak, representatives from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Sarawak, Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA), Land & Survey Department Sarawak, Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) Sarawak, and the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA).
During their working trip, they visited New Islington in Ancoats, Manchester, a former industrial area that has been transformed into a lively and sustainable neighbourhood with affordable council housing, green spaces, canals, and public transport links.
The delegation also learned about the Hulme Crescents Redevelopment Project, which Dr Sim described as another shining example of successful urban renewal that blends affordable housing with a well-planned sustainable community.
To add to their experience, the delegation toured Heaton Park, Manchester — one of the biggest municipal parks in Europe, covering around 600 acres of beautiful green landscape.
This trip reflects Sarawak’s strong commitment to learn from world-class examples as it continues its journey to build better homes and communities for the people.
