By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Jan 15: A 50 per cent government subsidy for rooftop solar panels is the key feature of Sarawak’s new affordable housing pilot under the Gedong Baru Village Expansion Scheme (SPK), aimed at sharply reducing household electricity bills while offering bungalow-style homes at prices far below market value.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the pilot marks a new approach to rural housing development, combining modern construction methods, renewable energy adoption and strong government support to improve villagers’ quality of life.
Speaking at a press conference during his working visit to the Gedong Baru SPK project today, Abang Johari explained that electricity generated from rooftop solar panels would be channelled into the Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) grid through a net energy metering (NEM) system, with the value offset against household electricity usage.
“For example, if the solar energy generated is worth RM180 and total electricity usage is RM250, homeowners only need to pay the balance of RM70,” he said, adding that this would translate into long-term savings.
Abang Johari, who is also Gedong assemblyman, said the installation of solar panels costs about RM30,000 per unit, of which the Sarawak government subsidises RM15,000, or 50 per cent. This brings the house price from RM150,000 to RM165,000 for units fitted with solar panels.
“The drainage and land infrastructure are borne by the Sarawak government, while other infrastructure costs are also covered by the government. Buyers only need to pay RM150,000 for the house. If they choose to install solar panels, the price increases to RM165,000,” he explained.
He added that the government also provides a RM10,000 deposit subsidy through the Housing Deposit Assistance Scheme (HDAS), effectively reducing the RM165,000 price to RM155,000, which he said means buyers pay only RM155,000 for a bungalow-style unit that would cost at least RM350,000 elsewhere.
“This project is special and aimed at helping the people to own homes. The houses are bungalow-style and elevated on stilts, allowing for future extensions. The design resembles a bungalow with proper walls,” he said.
“In Gedong, we will build 50 housing units under the Gedong Baru SPK scheme, managed by LCDA (Land Custody and Development Authority), with an allocation of RM22 million. These 50 units have achieved a high score from CIDB — 92.96 per cent, rated A+,” Abang Johari added.
The Premier noted that buyers have the option to install solar panels, with 25 out of the 50 units initially equipped with the system, while the remaining units will be fitted upon request.
He added that households opting out of solar panels would miss out on significant savings, noting that under normal usage conditions, some homeowners could see their monthly electricity bills drop to as low as RM16.
“Even with the use of air conditioners, washing machines and other appliances, electricity consumption is largely covered by solar energy. As a result, villagers’ lifestyles improve, and they enjoy substantial savings,” he said.
However, Abang Johari stressed that the subsidy would only be extended to homeowners under SPK projects in the region.
According to a press handout, the Gedong Baru SPK project, implemented by LCDA under the State’s Projek Rakyat allocation, involves the construction of 50 units of LCDA Saphire 1 houses, each with a floor area of about 871.87 square feet.
The houses are built using the Industrialised Building System (IBS), while basic infrastructure such as roads and drainage has already been completed by the Department of Lands and Surveys based on new SPK specifications.
The project is expected to be fully completed by the middle of the third quarter of 2026. — DayakDaily
