By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 17: The Sarawak government has allocated more than RM20 million for an affordable housing project in Daro, which will see 131 residential lots developed in phases, with 59 homes to be built during the initial stage.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project under the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) at Kampung Lemang Pek, Kampung Tengah and Kampung Pantray Phase 1 aimed to help locals own homes in their hometown.
He said the housing initiative was timely as improved connectivity, including the Batang Lassa Bridge, had linked Daro more closely with Sibu and other areas, encouraging more people working outside the district to return and purchase homes.
“Many people from Daro work outside Daro. But now, because of the road connectivity to Sibu and other places, their children want to return and buy houses in their villages,” he said during a press conference after visiting the Sapphire model house in Daro today. The audio recording of the press conference was later shared with DayakDaily.
Abang Johari further said the Sarawak government had adopted a housing approach where buyers only needed to pay for the house, while the cost of land and infrastructure development would be borne by the State.
He said a completed house together with the land, utilities and infrastructure would cost at least RM300,000, but buyers would only pay RM150,000 for the house.
On top of that, he said that eligible buyers would receive assistance for the RM10,000 housing deposit, reducing their financing amount to RM140,000.
“The remaining amount could be financed through Mutiara Mortgage Sdn Bhd, a State-owned housing financing institution, at a one per cent interest rate over a repayment period of 15 to 20 years.
“The monthly repayment would be estimated at between RM200 and RM250, making home ownership more affordable for rural residents,” he added.
He said the approach differed from the previous ‘site and services’ model, where residents were provided with housing lots but often struggled to raise enough funds to construct their own homes.
“In the past, we provided lots, but people could not afford to build houses because the upfront cost was too high. Now, we provide the completed house,” he said.
The Premier said the houses were also designed with future expansion in mind, allowing owners to enlarge their homes using pre-approved designs when they are financially ready.
He said owners could add extensions to transform the houses into larger two-storey homes, increasing the value of their properties over time.
At the same time, Abang Johari said similar affordable housing projects were also being developed in other areas, including Kampung Telian in Mukah with 50 units, Semop with 50 units and Matu with 30 units.
He added that the approach had also been implemented in Kabong, Gedong and Sambir (Asajaya), with more housing projects to be developed according to demand.
He also said buyers would have the option of installing rooftop solar panels, with the government subsidising 50 per cent of the cost.
The solar system, which costs about RM30,000, would require buyers to pay an additional estimated RM15,000 after the subsidy.
“With the rooftop solar panels, you can sell the electricity generated. The solar system can produce more than 100 kilowatts, up to around 190 kilowatts, while household consumption may be below 100 kilowatts. So there will be a balance, and that excess can be sold to Sesco.
“Sesco will buy the excess electricity, and if the credit accumulated is sufficient, you may not need to pay your electricity bill the following month. The amount will be credited into your account.
“In a way, you become like Sesco yourself. Your house becomes an electricity producer,” he explained.
Also present were Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi; Tanjung Manis MP Dato Yusuf Abd Wahab; Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi; Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad; and LCDA general manager Datu Zaidi Mahdi. — DayakDaily
