By Karen Bong
DARO, July 17: Solar rooftop systems will be introduced as an option under Sarawak’s affordable housing expansion programme, allowing homeowners to generate their own electricity, reduce long-term energy costs and potentially earn additional income.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said future affordable housing developments by the Sarawak government would feature a different concept from conventional housing projects, with renewable energy solutions incorporated into selected units.
He said the initiative was part of Sarawak’s wider push towards sustainable development while ensuring more people could own quality homes at affordable prices.
“The State government will continue to build more houses, but the development concept will be different from others.
“If a house is valued at RM350,000, the government bears the infrastructure costs, including land infilling, electricity and water connections. Around RM150,000 is absorbed by the government,” he said when officiating the Leaders with People’s gathering for the Daro constituency held in conjunction with the Daro Festival, which was broadcast live via Ukas Channel today.
With the government absorbing the infrastructure costs, buyers would only need to pay for the house itself, which would be priced at about RM150,000.
Abang Johari said buyers would also have the option of choosing homes equipped with solar rooftop systems, with the additional cost covering the installation of the renewable energy facilities.
“If the house costs RM160,000, the extra RM10,000 is because we are building solar on top of the house,” he said.
He explained that homeowners with solar-equipped houses could enjoy long-term savings by producing their own electricity, while excess power generated could be sold back to Sarawak Energy.
“When solar is installed on the roof, we no longer have electricity expenses because we produce our own power. If it is more than our usage, we can sell it back to Sarawak Energy. That will become additional income,” he said.
Abang Johari added that residents would have the flexibility to choose between houses with or without solar systems according to their needs and preferences.
Besides absorbing infrastructure costs, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government also provide a RM10,000 deposit assistance package to help eligible buyers own homes.
“The government bears the RM10,000 deposit as well. These are among the facilities we provide for the people to own bungalow houses. No other state (in Malaysia) has this,” he said.
He said Sarawak’s housing model has attracted attention from other parts of the country, with officials from Peninsular Malaysia visiting developments such as Darul Hana in Kuching and Kemuyang in Sibu to learn from the State’s approach.
“They want to learn from us how we develop, but it is difficult for them. How can they provide free deposits? Fortunately, our revenue has increased. When I first became Chief Minister, Sarawak’s income was only RM6 billion. Two years ago, it reached RM14 billion,” he said.
Abang Johari expressed confidence that Sarawak’s revenue would continue to grow, enabling the government to introduce more programmes that directly benefit the people.
He said the affordable housing initiative reflects Sarawak’s commitment to ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for ordinary Sarawakians while supporting the State’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. — DayakDaily
