30-04-2025
Sarawak draws inspiration from UK's Greater Manchester housing model, says Dr Sim
Dr Sim (second right), his deputy ministers Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil (second left) and Datuk Michael Tiang (right), and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh (left) talk to officials from GMCA. – Photo via Facebook/Dr Sim Kui Hian
KUCHING (April 30): Sarawak can learn from Greater Manchester's approach to housing development, which is more applicable to the state's context than Singapore's, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said the housing strategy implemented by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), comprising 10 local councils, places emphasis on green belts and lower-density developments, with fewer land constraints compared to Singapore.
'Truly inspired by GMCA's focus on innovation and inclusive growth. Definitely broadened our perspective and will help in Sarawak's nation building for housing strategy beyond the scope of 20,000 affordable houses proposed by Sarawak Economic Planning Unit under 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030),' he said in a Facebook post.
The State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government was leading a Sarawak delegation to Manchester to study the region's housing and urban renewal models.
During a meeting with GMCA officials, the delegation discussed key topics such as housing supply, standards, investment from both the public and private sectors, as well as land use and construction industry capacity.
'Within 10 years, across 10 councils, GMCA had managed to plan 2 million office space, 3.5 million industrial space, 75,000 new homes and green belt with sustainability and low carbon (towards Net Zero).
'It coordinates the public transport, utilities and public infrastructure across 10 councils (as a Greater Manchester region),' he said.
