By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 15: Sarawak aims to provide shared quarters for both federal and State civil servants as part of efforts to address the long-standing shortage of doctors and teachers in rural and sub-district areas.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said many government officers, particularly doctors, are posted to remote areas without proper housing, making it difficult to attract and retain professionals.
“Some doctors are placed in districts and sub-districts, but there are no quarters. How can doctors live without good facilities?
“Surely after studying for eight years, including housemanship, you expect good facilities. But we send them to sub-districts with no quarters,” he said during the launch of the Health Clinic Digitalisation using the Cloud-Based Clinic Management System (CCMS) in Gedong today.
To resolve the issue, he said Sarawak has adopted a shared housing approach between the State and federal governments, supported by an allocation of about RM4 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
During a doorstep interview later, Abang Johari explained that the new quarters will adopt an apartment-style concept with wellness and recreational facilities such as gyms, to ensure civil servants can maintain a good quality of life.
The quarters, he added, will be open to both State and federal officers, including doctors and teachers, many of whom are currently staying in outdated housing, especially in rural areas.
“In rural areas, some headmasters and principals are still using old quarters from a long time ago. Some of these quarters are not even properly walled. How can people live like that?” he stated.
Abang Johari stressed that poor living conditions have a direct impact on manpower shortages, particularly in the health sector.
“If doctors are given quarters like that, how do you expect them to come? That’s why we have this problem with doctors. It’s natural,” he said.
He confirmed that rural areas will be prioritised under the plan, citing proposed and ongoing developments in places such as Mulu, Limbang and Jepak in Bintulu.
“Yes, rural areas are included. In Mulu, we are planning to build. In Limbang, there is an apartment near the new Resident Office. In Bintulu, rents can reach RM2,000, so we provide quarters,” he noted.
Abang Johari also said that while federal officers receive housing allowances, proper facilities are still necessary to ensure a reasonable quality of life.
“People today want to take care of their bodies. Wellness is important. There must be facilities,” he said.
He said both the federal and Sarawak governments have agreed to proceed with the initiative.
“The Federal Secretary is here, and together with the Sarawak State Secretary, we have agreed to implement this,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
