By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 26: The Sarawak government is ramping up affordable housing projects in high-demand areas to stabilise and moderate the escalation of housing prices across the State.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang highlighted that the government is aware of the difficulties faced by younger generations and families, especially those from low- and middle-income groups, in purchasing homes due to soaring housing costs.
“Through my Ministry and its implementing agencies, the government has initiated several measures to enhance housing affordability and accessibility across Sarawak,” he said in responding to questions from Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming and Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Sitting today.
He explained that the Sarawak government, through agencies like Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and private developers, is adopting a supply-driven approach to address the rising housing prices in Sarawak.
“By expanding the supply of affordable housing, pressure on the open market can be reduces, thereby helping to stabilise and moderate the escalation of housing prices,” he added.
Other initiatives include, HDC developing Rumah SPEKTRA Permata (RSP) units priced between RM90,000 and RM160,000, while Mutiara Mortgage & Credit Sdn Bhd (MUTIARA) offers low-interest mortgage financing of 1 per cent per annum for B40 households and 3 per cent for M40, in addition to RM10,000 financial assistance for housing deposits for units below RM300,000 under the Housing Deposit and Repayment Assistance Scheme (HDRAS).
“The government also continues its collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia (KPKT) on several projects, including the Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR), Program Residensi Rakyat (PRR), Urban Poor Eradication Programme (PPKB), and Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR),” he said.
Notable projects include PPR Seduan in Sibu, PRR Kidurong in Bintulu, and PRR Samariang in Kuching.
To further regulate housing prices, Tiang informed that Sarawak has implemented ownership policies under schemes like SPEKTRA Lite, SPEKTRA Medium, and Sri Pertiwi, each designed for specific income brackets and eligibility criteria.
“Additionally, the Sarawak Housing Contribution Trust Fund ensures developers contribute to affordable housing projects if they do not provide such units directly,” he said.
Focusing on Bintulu, he revealed that the BDA has earmarked 528.31 acres in the Sg. Plan area for affordable housing, with Phase 1, 2, and 3 proposals featuring 1,601 units, including 980 Putera Flats, 308 detached lots, and 313 terrace houses.
Supporting measures include buyer eligibility criteria to curb speculation, land acquisition for housing projects, village extension schemes, enforcing natives’ housing quotas, and urban renewal initiatives via the LCDA.
“The government has also expanded HDRAS eligibility to cover sub-sale and auctioned houses under RM300,000, offering first-time buyers greater flexibility in location choice,” he said.
Eligibility for affordable housing includes Sarawakian citizens aged 18–65 (or 30+ for single individuals), first-time buyers, and household incomes between RM3,000 and RM6,000, with a higher limit of RM10,000 for Rumah Sri Pertiwi, where existing homeowners may purchase one unit. — DayakDaily
