Urban design needs to prioritize health right from the start.

KUCHING, Sept. 29: Future urban development should prioritize health from the design stage and not just rely on treatment after someone falls ill.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that many risk factors for chronic disease actually existed between 20 to 30 years before a person got treatment.

He said the factors included nutrition, physical activity, housing, air quality, working environment, stress, social relationships and exposure to heat, flooding and pollution.

"We need to move ahead with them designing cities, communities and buildings so that healthy choices become easier choices", he said as he inaugurated the 15th World Congress and Exhibition on Design and Health 2026 here today.

Dr. Sim, who is also a cardiologist, said the approach to Sihat Town was not new for Kuching as the agenda had been in place since 1994.

According to him, the concept of Sihat Town emphasizes the health and well-being of people as a core in urban planning and development.

"Development is not just about buildings, roads and economic growth. Development must ultimately relate to humans", he said.

He said the approach now includes aspects of housing, urban planning, sustainable transportation, technology, community participation and quality of life.

He said that efforts to develop Sihat Town also require the cooperation of all parties and cannot be compensated by a single sector.

"Doctors, architects, engineers and governments can't do it alone. It takes all sides", he said.

Dr Sim said that communities also need to change their approach from just focusing on healthcare to efforts to create an environment that supports healthy living.

He said the concept of salutogenic design is essential in creating an environment that encourages healthy communities.

"The station itself can be part of our healthcare system", he said.