By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Nov 21: The Sarawak government will provide RM42.5 million to accelerate the implementation of 11 urban renewal housing projects in 2023.
Speaking when tabling the State 2023 Budget at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said all these projects are currently ongoing and at various stages of implementation.
The various urban renewal projects being implemented, among others are: Darul Hana Redevelopment; Sungai Bedaun Housing Project; Kampung Tabuan Melayu Redevelopment; Kampung Datu Sibu Redevelopment; Kemuyang, Sibu Affordable Housing Development; Kampung Baru Kapit Redevelopment; Jepak Jaya Development, Semariang Pinggir Redevelopment; Kampung Wireless Miri Redevelopment; Bandar Baru Nangka Sibu; and Padang Kerbau/Lopeng Miri Development.
Abang Johari said, in efforts to ensure the rakyat live in decent and quality housing, the State government is also committed to building more affordable housing.
Towards this end, he added, RM316 million had been set aside under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), of which about RM52 million will be provided in 2023 for the implementation of 21 affordable housing projects in Kuching, Serian, Betong, Sibu, Mukah and Miri by Housing Development Corporation.
Abang Johari noted, the 2023 State Budget will also prioritise efforts to accelerate development, ensure more balanced regional growth, as well as address socio-economic needs and challenges face by Sarawakians.
He explained is to ensure the rakyat have greater access to employment and business opportunities to improve their standard of living.
Meanwhile, in efforts to increase opportunity for Sarawakians to own their own homes, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government will continue to deliver transformative change through an integrated approach of making home ownership more attainable for low and middle-income groups.
He pointed out that these efforts are being manifested by various initiatives such as Longhouse Loan Scheme, Housing Deposit and Repayment Assistance Scheme (HDRAS), and End-Financing for Home Buyer.
Apart from that, he said the State government has also introduced measures to assist the rakyat to pay housing rental as well as repair their homes through initiative such as Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS), and Programme Penambahbaikan Rumah Rakyat Miskin Sarawak (MRP-PPRMS).
He also said this initiative will continue to be implemented in 2023 with an allocation of RM80 million to assist the B40 group in repairing dilapidated houses, and improve their living conditions. — DayakDaily
