By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 3: A total of 54 Rumah Spektra Permata (RSP) homes will be developed under the Balingian scheme, with the first 22 units completed and another 32 units planned on the remaining lots.
The first-stage homes at Skim Pembesaran Kampung Balingian are two-storey detached units measuring 850 sq ft, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, dining area and kitchen.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Balingian RSP houses had a slightly different design from other projects under the scheme.
“The houses here are slightly different from the other SPK projects because our assemblyman here was very creative in terms of the design.
“The houses look comfortable and cost RM150,000,” he said during a press conference after the key handover ceremony for the 22 completed units in Mukah today. An audio recording of his remarks was later shared with DayakDaily.
Each unit has a building cost of RM274,984.25 but is sold at RM150,000, with the Sarawak government providing a subsidy of RM124,984.25 per unit.
The government is also providing RM10,000 in deposit assistance, while the remaining RM140,000 is financed through Mutiara Mortgage & Credit Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
Abang Johari said buyers would ultimately pay about RM200 to RM300 per month, depending on their age and repayment period.
The first-stage project, comprising 22 units together with infrastructure works, started on April 19, 2024 and was completed on April 14, 2026, with a revised contract sum of RM10.31 million.
The houses are constructed using an Industrialised Building System (IBS) aluminium formwork system, achieving an IBS score of 73 per cent.
Abang Johari said the housing development approach had also shifted from merely providing residential lots to developing the sites together with infrastructure, electricity and water supply before constructing the homes.
“In the past, the Land and Survey Department only provided the lots. But this time, as I have announced in other areas, we develop the area by providing infrastructure, electricity and water supply, and then we build the houses,” he said.
He said the Balingian area had also been identified as a development hub, making the provision of housing important to meet local demand.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said demand for the Balingian RSP homes had been encouraging, prompting plans to develop the additional 32 units on the remaining lots.
The second-stage development was approved by the Premier on Feb 16, 2026, after 57 prospective recipients had been identified.
The additional 32 units will use the same type and design as the first-stage homes and involve infrastructure and building works.
He also said more houses would be developed according to demand and the response from residents.
For homeowners who wish to enlarge their houses in future, HDC has prepared a pre-approved design that has already been approved by the local authority.
“If they have the means to enlarge the house, the design has already been prepared and approved by the local authority. It means it is a pre-approved design.
“Any further extension or development is up to the homeowner, but the important thing is that they already have the house,” he explained.
The house design also allows for future expansion, with space set aside for families to extend their homes and connect the additional structures through a breezeway link, or selang.
Drawing from the traditional Malay bumbung panjang, the design incorporates high ceilings, deep eaves, large windows and timber louvers to promote natural ventilation, shade and privacy.
The development will also include a children’s playground, outdoor fitness area, pickleball court and sepak takraw court.
The project was designed by Law Kim Chui Architect and constructed by FDZ Engineering Sdn Bhd. — DayakDaily
