CYBERJAYA, March 30 (Bernama) -- What more do Malaysians know about
Cyberjaya besides being the nucleus to the nation’s Multimedia Super Corridor
(MSC) programme?
This city is built on Green Technology Township concept reflecting the
government’s commitment in promoting efficient land development that is
environmentally sound through sustainable practices.
Another city developed on the same concept is its neighbour, Putrajaya.
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (SD)?
The United Nation’s Brundtland Commission’s Report in 1987 defined
sustainable development (SD) as development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
This means any development must undergo thorough study on present and
future requirement and have to conduct impact assessments for the present and
future.
In 1992 the Declaration of Rio on Environment and Development listed three
elements, which are social development, environmental protection and economic
growth.
A good SD project is the one that is able to balance all three elements.
Success in doing this will protect the environment and its resources and
fulfill economic growth while satisfying human material and immaterial needs.
SELANGOR’S CURRENT STATE
This is where the success of Cyberjaya development is crucial to the state
and the country in applying SD concept in development projects.
"Cyberjaya will be developed as a model intelligent city offering
eco-friendly, sustainable environment, encouraging minimal pollution emissions,
energy saving development and harmonious integration of development with the
existing environment," said Rashid Mat, General Manager of Business, Corporate
Communications and Planning of Cyberview Sdn. Bhd.
In order to achieve the above, various steps are being taken by the company
entrusted by the government to build Cyberjaya according to the aspirations.
ECO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
One will be amazed to realise that all buildings here are set to balance the
business and social demand, concurrently promoting green environment.
Cyberview has allocated 40 per cent of land for open space and greenery. To
achieve this, developers are required to allocate a minimum of 30 per cent of
their space for landscape provision.
Besides, integrated development is highly encouraged. For example, the
Shaftsbury Square that incorporates 145 shop lots, 774 SOHO/ service apartment
units and three enterprise use blocks will be ready in stages from 2011 to 2015.
Such development is expected to reduce travel needs that is commonly
associated with pollution. It is also good for business and social health.
District cooling system is proven to reduce the buildings’ electricity
use and maintenance cost. Tenants benefit by being able to maximise the use of
building space.
Mohd Hafiz Mohd Harun, 27, who has been working here for more than a year
is happy with the balanced development in Cyberjaya but feels that the place is
in need of more amenities.
THE FOURTH ELEMENT
Cyberview added one element on top of UN’s current three elements in their
SD approach – study.
Besides being the home of various MNCs, the city also hosts some local and
international learning institutions. Among them are the Limkokwing University of
Creative Technology (LUCT), Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences
(CUCMS) and smart school Sekolah Seri Puteri.
For Cyberview, ability to offer facilities satisfying vast types of needs
while upholding the residents’ quality of life is an added value to property
ownership here.
Two Multimedia University students from Botswana, Tshepo Setlhare, 22, and
Georg Leaname Schulte To Brinke, 21, said that the city is too quiet at times
but it is good for place to study.
"The shuttle bus service arrives and leaves on time, there might be delay in
rush hour but it is still effective," said Setlhare.
No fare is charged for shuttle bus service within Cyberjaya and a
fare of RM2 is charged for a trip to Putrajaya.
"I would suggest people to stay in Cyberjaya, but I hope there will be a
shopping mall and maybe a cinema for entertainment here in the future," added
Georg Leaname.
SMART ENGAGEMENT
The ‘iGreet’ sessions is among Cyberview’s efforts to keep surrounding
community updated with the city’s latest news. Held once every two months, the
session attracted various organisations and individuals.
This session is also being telecast live at its online tv www.cyberjaya.tv
for those who wish to follow the session from a distance.
Currently the company is engaging other private entities for tree planting
programme and possibility to cover its open public car parks with solar panel to
generate electricity for domestic use.
WALKING FORWARD
Should Cyberjaya’s development pursuit remain on track, the city will be a
landmark case for the nation in town planning and development.
SD is a global agenda, Malaysian government deserves a credit for its
continuous effort towards SD. With local models like Cyberjaya, studies for SD
will be easier for other local authorities here.
It is not too late to start studying the recipe of Cyberjaya development and
start adapting the idea for the betterment of all Malaysians.
-- BERNAMA
AIM PR RON