The town of Kapit in the Malaysian state of Sarawak could be transformed into a green township inspired by the Norwegian city of Bergen under a new development plan announced by Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg, Free Malaysia Today reports.
Abang Johari said the idea came after he visited Bergen and noticed similarities between the Norwegian city and Kapit. Following the visit, a Norwegian professor was invited to review Kapit’s local development plan and help shape its future as an environmentally sustainable town.
“We will review Kapit’s local plan so that it becomes an environmentally sustainable town, similar to what they have in Norway,” Abang Johari said, according to The Borneo Post.
The proposed redevelopment will begin with the construction of a bridge linking Kapit with the opposite bank of the Rajang River. The state government also plans to invest in riverside infrastructure, smart traffic lights, upgraded public facilities and a proposed three-star hotel as part of the revised development plan.
“We are blessed with abundant natural resources, and we must plan our towns in a way that balances development with environmental sustainability,” Abang Johari said.
The project is intended to create a modern green township while preserving the area’s natural environment, drawing inspiration from Bergen’s approach to sustainable urban development.
