Recoda committed to integrate green infrastructure into S’wak’s Northern Coastal Highway

KUCHING (Oct 17): The Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) is committed to integrating green infrastructure into its flagship initiative, the Northern Coastal Highway (NCH) in Sarawak.

This commitment was highlighted in a session led by Recoda’s CEO Datuk Ismawi Ismuni, titled ‘Sustainable Development Through Green Infrastructure’, during the 7th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (Idecs) 2024 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.

Ismawi underscored the significance of the NCH as a key initiative that connects communities and facilitates the integration of AI technology.

He noted that enhancing connectivity is crucial for building an ecosystem that supports AI, aligning with the objectives of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Before talking about AI and digitalisation, the first priority must be roads, accessibility, and connectivity.

“Only then can communities benefit from digitalisation and eventually, AI technologies,” he said.

He shared how the NCH is pivotal in fostering trade and investment while supporting environmental sustainability.

“So even when we do the viaduct design, the key consideration here is that we want to make sure it is locally sourced.

“The materials are locally sourced and we are talking about durability and longevity, making sure it can last for a long time.

“And it is friendly-designed in such a way that it is friendly for maintenance and operation,” he said.

Furthermore, the 88km dual carriageway of NCH incorporates elevated infrastructure designed to minimise environmental disruption while enhancing connectivity — not just among northern Sarawak’s communities, but also across the region, linking Sarawak with Brunei, Sabah and Indonesia.

“The NCH is pivotal in fostering trade and investment while supporting environmental sustainability,” he emphasised.

Recoda’s participation in Idecs 2024 reinforces its ongoing commitment to the conference, where it also serves as a Gold Sponsor.

As a state statutory body managing the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy Development Plan, Recoda remains dedicated to advancing sustainable development.

Its initiatives contribute to the growth of the green economy through infrastructure projects and socio-economic programmes that focus on biomass, biotechnology, green tech and the digital economy.