A delegation from Sarawak visited Norway last week to explore innovative urban planning strategies in Oslo and Bergen that could be applied to the development of Kapit.

Kapit is a town and the capital of Kapit District in Kapit Division, Sarawak, Malaysia, on the south bank of the Rajang River. The district comprises 15,595.6 square kilometres and, as of 2020, has a population of 65,800. Kapit is accessible by boat, light aircraft, and most recently by road.

The delegation was led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who also serves as the Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development II.

According to the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), the visit aimed to refine the Kapit Master Plan by incorporating sustainable urban planning practices. RECODA CEO Datuk Ismawi Ismuni presented the plan, highlighting commitments to environmental sustainability, economic vitality, and cultural heritage.

During the visit, the Sarawak delegation attended a briefing with Oslo city officials. Ingeborg Tennes, Political Advisor to Oslo’s Vice Mayor for Urban Development, outlined the city’s vision for a resilient, connected, and green urban environment. Planning Advisor Peter Austin shared insights into integrating public transport, digital planning tools, and climate-adaptive infrastructure to support sustainable growth.

“Oslo was chosen for its innovative approaches to urban planning, zoning, and infrastructure projects, which could provide valuable benchmarks for Kapit’s development,” said Awang Tengah.

Following their engagements in Oslo, the delegation traveled to Bergen to gain further insights into sustainable development strategies. Bergen, known for its emphasis on environmental sustainability and urban resilience, provided the delegation with valuable perspectives on managing infrastructure in a coastal setting.

The visit to Bergen included discussions on green transportation initiatives, sustainable housing solutions, and digital urban planning frameworks. The  renowned Norwegian architect and urban planner Hans-Jacob Roald, who is also a lecturer at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences,  explained Bergen’s approach to integrating electric public transportation, which could inform future mobility plans for Kapit. Additionally, the delegation explored waterborne transport innovations that align with Sarawak’s interest in eco-friendly river-based transit.

Datuk Ismawi Ismuni emphasized that Bergen’s experience in balancing heritage conservation with modernization offered key lessons applicable to Kapit. He noted that the insights gained from both Oslo and Bergen would be instrumental in shaping a comprehensive and forward-looking urban development plan for Sarawak.

The exchange of knowledge is expected to contribute to Sarawak’s long-term vision for sustainable rural development, ensuring that Kapit’s transformation is guided by global best practices.