Kuching: Sarawak could draw valuable lessons from China’s approach to balancing infrastructure development with ecological protection, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Uggah, who is also Sarawak Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development, emphasized China’s model as a demonstration of how modern engineering can coexist with nature while improving safety and connectivity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Uggah is leading a Sarawak delegation to study the Yakang Expressway in Sichuan Province, China. The aim is to explore sustainable road and tunnel construction methods suitable for Sarawak’s mountainous and environmentally sensitive regions. The 135-kilometre Yakang Expressway, which connects Ya’an City and Kangding, is renowned for its engineering feats, climbing nearly 2,000 metres through challenging terrains such as steep valleys and seismic zones. It is often referred to as the ‘Mount Everest of Highway Construction.’

Uggah noted that the project is nationally recognized for integrating safety, efficiency, and environmental protection, serving as a model for sustainable expressway construction in mountainous regions. He mentioned that the expressway aligns with Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 goals, and Sarawak plans to adopt similar approaches in future infrastructure projects.

During their visit, the delegation also explored the Tianquan Service Area and its Expressway Museum, where they were briefed on maintenance, operational management, and real-time monitoring systems. Among the key sites visited was the 13.4-kilometre Erlangshan Tunnel, which passes through multiple seismic fault zones and reduces travel across Mount Erlang from a day to just 15 minutes.

The delegation also examined the Labahe Tunnel Group and the Luding Da Du He Xing Kang Bridge, which showcase advanced tunnelling and bridge technologies designed to minimize environmental impact.