By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 14: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has called on the Sarawak government to pay more attention to the housing needs of middle income groups as the growing housing affordability issue continues to be a grave concern for average Sarawakians.
Yap pointed out that there are three key factors contributing to the housing affordability challenge, including a mismatch between housing supply and demand, a bias toward constructing homes in unaffordable ranges, and house price increases that surpass household income growth.
“It appears that the supply of affordable housing is insufficient. Factors such as income levels, property prices, land costs, and demand and supply dynamics all play a critical role in housing affordability,” he said when debating the Sarawak Budget 2025 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
He also warned that the lack of affordable housing could lead to a shortage of low-cost labour and increase demands on transportation systems, as workers are forced to travel long distances between their jobs and affordable living areas.
Yap pointed out that urban areas, including his constituency of Kota Sentosa, are particularly affected by the high cost of housing.
“I urge this government to review its current affordable housing policies to ensure adequate supply and timely delivery of affordable housing in urban areas where most economic activities are concentrated,” he said.
In response to the needs of the Kota Sentosa community, Yap appealed to the government to implement an affordable housing scheme offering at least 500 units in the constituency. — DayakDaily
