Sarawak’s unique geoengineering challenges necessitate innovative solutions that incorporate green technologies and sustainable practices. Highlighting these issues, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that the state’s geographical, environmental, and climatic conditions, such as extensive areas of peat soil, present significant construction challenges. Peat soil, characterised by high organic content, high compressibility, and low bearing capacity, leads to settlement and stability issues for structures built upon it.
Another major challenge is the alluvial soil found in river deltas and floodplains, which is soft and prone to consolidation and differential settlement. Additionally, Sarawak experiences high rainfall and annual flooding, leading to waterlogging and increased soil instability. This exacerbates erosion and landslides, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions.
Emphasising Green Innovation for Sustainable Development
During the opening of the International Conference of Tropical Geoengineering (TropICon 2024), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas emphasised that by developing innovative solutions to tackle the existing challenges, Sarawak can enhance its infrastructure, ensure environmental sustainability, and support the well-being of its communities.
“Green innovation, as we understand it, is not merely about technological advancements. It is about rethinking our approach to development and environmental stewardship,” said Uggah.
He also noted that green innovation involves integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and ensuring that solutions are inclusive and equitable.
“Our commitment to sustainable development is reflected in our policies and initiatives aimed at conserving our rainforests, promoting renewable energy, and supporting sustainable agriculture. However, we recognise that there is still much work to be done,” Uggah continued.
Sarawak’s dedication to sustainable development is manifested in initiatives in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable land use.
“By bringing together global experts and innovators, we are not just enhancing our knowledge base but also positioning Sarawak as a hub for sustainable geoengineering solutions in tropical regions. The insights and technologies shared here will undoubtedly contribute to our efforts in sustainable infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and economic growth,” Uggah stressed.
Road Construction on Peatlands
Sarawak, with its extensive 1.6 million hectares of peatland spread across the state, utilizes a significant portion of this area for constructing roads, particularly focusing on the development of the second trunk road and the coastal road. As of current, plans are in progress for the preparation and eventual construction of elevated roads in Sebuyau, ensuring that all necessary steps are being taken to move the project forward.
“We have three packages there, so we are going to do one of the packages. Now, one of our consultants is looking at it, and we hope that we will be able to present it to the Premier within a month’s time because the contract for the road construction has already been offered to the company,” Uggah stated.
He also clarified that cost evaluations are being made with the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg. Once the Sarawak Premier agrees, they will announce the project’s cost, ensuring that the project is very likely to be on stream.
TropICon 2024: A Platform for Global Collaboration
TropICon 2024, jointly organised by UTM Geotropik, Gabungan Jurutera Perunding Bumiputera Sarawak, and Concept P Jurutera Sdn Bhd, is themed ‘Green Innovation as a Sustainable Solution for Geoengineering Issues in Tropical Regions.’ The conference aims to share invaluable insights from esteemed international experts, including those from Kazakhstan, Australia, Indonesia, and India, as well as local experts.
Held for the first time in Sarawak, the event’s exhibition offers industries and researchers the chance to display their prototypes and green products aimed at solving tropical geoengineering issues. The purpose of the conference is to bring together green technology innovations that could solve the problem of construction in soft soil, especially in tropical areas, and serve as a platform for knowledge sharing among tropical geoengineering activists.
Meanwhile, Uggah highlighted that this conference holds significance in enabling the development of new cost-saving technologies aimed at stabilising the peat areas in Sarawak. Through exposure and networking opportunities provided by the conference, Sarawak strengthens its ties with international research communities and industries, fostering further innovation and investment in the state.
Also present during the event were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo; Co-Founder of Geotropik, Professor Ir Dr Ramli Nazir; Chairman of Gabungan Jurutera Perunding Bumiputera Sarawak and Patron for TropICon 2024, Ir Irwan Zulkarnain Hasbie; Director of Centre of Tropical Geoengineering (Geotropik) Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Chairwoman of TropICon 2024, Dr Dayang Zulaika Abang Hasbollah; and other distinguished guests.
As Sarawak continues to navigate its unique geoengineering challenges, the state’s proactiveness and dedication to green innovation and sustainable development remains steadfast, promising a future where infrastructure growth harmonizes with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
“Sarawak Advances Road Projects Amid Peatland Development Efforts”
“Conference told of Sarawak’s challenging peat soils”
“Sebuyau elevated road plans to be presented soon”
“Kerajaan Sarawak rancang bina jalan raya bertingkat di Sebuyau”
