KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will be the proud owner of the first green library in the country soon.
Dubbed the Sabah Regional Library, it will be located between a commercial area and public park in Tanjung Aru, which Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun described as “strategic”.
“It is an iconic five-storey building and is considered under the Green Building Index, making it the first green library in Malaysia.
“The regional library is equipped with the best facilities, OKU (people with disabilities) friendly, and its large lobby would allow anyone to come in and hold their exhibitions there,” she said.
Azizah said the design for the proposed library is ready and they would be calling for tender in the next two months.
“It is also close to residential areas and schools and with a park-like design to blend in with its surrounding. It will definitely be a conducive and comfortable place for the people to read or study. We have also taken into consideration its location, being so close to the airport, and I can assure that it will be sound proof,” she said.
She said the project would be divided into two phases, and construction is expected to begin sometime this year.
The first phase, which is estimated to cost around RM20 million, will include the construction of a reading area, a huge lobby cum exhibition hall and a cafe.
“There will also be a surau, a conference room and many other facilities,” she told reporters after visiting the new regional library site yesterday.
Upon completion, the second phase will be carried out with an estimated similar cost. It is expected to be completed in within one-and-a-half years.
The regional library will be the fourth in the state capital.