By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Nov 12: Since 2016, the longhouse loan programme has benefited a total of 2,280 households, said Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He added that for 2016, his ministry has received RM40 million from the federal government for the implementation of the programme.
“However, in 2017 and 2018, my ministry has applied for RM50 million each year but the approved amount was only RM10 million for each year,” Dr Sim said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly here today.
However, he gave assurance that his ministry will continue to provide the loans especially for the building of new longhouses but subject to the availability of funds from the federal government.
As for the overall housing needs of the lower income groups such as the ‘Rumah Mampu Milik’, Dr Sim said Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC) shall conduct a demand study before planning for any housing development projects.
“This demand study will measure the level of demand and types of houses that are required based on data collected within the respective area of study. These findings serve as a guide of housing development planning. HDC will conduct necessary demand studies in Serembu, Lingga, Machan, Kelaka, Kabong, Balingian and Demak Laut,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president and Batu Kawah lawmaker revealed that the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws 2018 has already been approved by the State Cabinet on Oct 18, 2018 and shall come into force on Dec 1, 2018.
“With the coming into force of the new by-laws, all the 26 dog licence by-laws of all local authorities in Sarawak will be consolidated into one law. This is to ensure informality and consistency in licensing and control,” he added.
Dr Sim also revealed that under By-Law 3 of the said by-laws, keeping a dog without a licence is subject to RM5,000 fine. Meanwhile, any person who obstructs council workers from carrying out their duties shall be dealt with under Section 162 of the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996, which has a provision that any person who is found guilty of such obstruction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM1,500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both. — DayakDaily
