Awang Tengah, delivers his speech. Photo: TVS

KUCHING: Strong urban planning not only involves the physical aspects of development but also encompasses economic, investment, education, and social development sectors.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said a holistic approach is essential to ensure balanced and sustainable development.

According to a news report by TVS, Awang Tengah shared his experience during a visit to Bergen, Norway, where he was given a briefing on comprehensive and well-structured urban planning.

“During my time in Bergen, Norway, the state delegation and I attended a lecture on urban planning.

“I found that their planning council system is very strong because it not only covers responsibilities in urban planning but also in economic, investment, education, and social development sectors,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the LANDAS Summit 2025 at a hotel here on Wednesday (Feb 26).

Awang Tengah said effective urban planning should be based on two key steps, as he learned from a university professor responsible for reviewing Bergen’s urban planning.

“If we want to plan something, we must have two main steps: developing a master plan and formulating an implementation programme,” he said.

Without a clear master plan and a well-organised implementation programme, Awang Tengah said urban planning efforts might face challenges in terms of effectiveness and impact on the community.

“To ensure that every urban planning and settlement development project runs smoothly, three key principles must be applied.

“Three main principles must be incorporated, namely functionality (functional), guaranteed health standards (healthy), and appealing aesthetics (beautiful),” he said.

He said every planned urban area must fulfil effective functionality to ensure that the provided infrastructure and facilities truly meet the needs of residents.

“Additionally, health aspects should be prioritised, such as maintaining a clean environment and ensuring adequate access to healthcare facilities.

“By adhering to these principles, we can ensure that every planning project undertaken is well-organised, beneficial, and of high quality,” he added.

Recently, Awang Tengah led an official delegation to Oslo, the capital of Norway, which is renowned for its sustainable urban planning, as a reference in refining the Kapit Master Plan.

In this regard, he and the state’s delegation received a briefing from Oslo authorities on the city’s development, including infrastructure strategies and urban planning that could serve as a benchmark for Kapit’s growth.

During the visit, Awang Tengah also held discussions with urban planning experts and representatives of Oslo’s local government to examine the best approaches in ensuring that Kapit’s development aligns with the concept of sustainable development.

The discussions covered aspects such as transportation, environmental conservation, green energy usage, and the effectiveness of urban planning systems in improving the well-being of residents.