Need to reduce hill cutting for new buildings: Musa
Published on: Monday, July 27, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: In light of the recent earthquakes, there is a need to reduce hill cutting and deforestation for the construction of new buildings, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.In line with this, he said new buildings should integrate architectural design with the natural landscape. He said this in his speech read out by Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang at the Sabah Institute of Art's (SIA) 25th Anniversary gala dinner at Hakka Hall in Likas, here, Saturday.
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Noting that the 5.9-magnitiude earthquake that hit Ranau on June 5 caused much damage including to school buildings, Musa said the earthquake should serve as a reminder to all that there is a need to look into designing structures that can absorb the impact of tremors. "The Government is aware of new natural threats and is studying measures to reduce the impact of future earthquakes," he said. As such, Musa encouraged SIA to delve into revising their architectural programme and include topics on seismic-resistant designs to cater for the State's future needs."SIA should also do research in introducing a green building management programme to create graduates with specific talents as more new buildings aim to acquire the Green Building Index Certification."
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Musa said the Government would continue to support the creative industry and ensure the development of the industry to contribute to a higher GDP. "Due to the State's advantage as a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups, there is much to offer the creative industry by harnessing local culture, unique motives, music and history.
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"It ties in also with the State Government's efforts to promote edu-tourism which is driven by the growing number of local education institutions among foreign students and those from other parts of Malaysia," he said, adding that last year the Federal Government had also announced the setting up of the RM100 million Digital Content Industry Fund in recognition of the creative industry as a strategic growth sector.Musa also urged local higher learning institutions to adapt their own methodologies to reflect the new reality of a world characterised by technical advancement and globalisation and to make the necessary changes to keep up with the best practices available.Meanwhile, SIA President Datuk Dr Wilson Yong, in his speech, said that SIA was geared towards offering more tertiary programmes and variety based on current trends and demands.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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