By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Dec 3: Sarawak’s push to build more affordable homes has gained momentum with the Sarawak Housing Contribution Trust Fund (SHCTF) amassing RM5 million as of Nov 15, 2025, reflecting the commitment to deliver affordable homes amid rising demand, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said.
The collection is expected to be further strengthened through enhancements to fund collection and monitoring under the digitalised Housing Development and Maintenance System (HOMEAPPS).
In his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said, “From 2019 to 2025, my Ministry received a total of 8,642 private affordable housing applications across all categories, of which 7,172 applications have been approved.”
He highlighted that the Kuching Division continues to record the highest housing demand across schemes such as Sri Pertiwi, SPEKTRA Medium, SPEKTRA Lite and PUTERA.
In the Samarahan Division, demand, particularly for SPEKTRA Lite and PUTERA schemes, is rising steadily as the area strengthens its position as a residential and education hub.
The Miri Division, Dr Sim said, showed sustained demand for urban housing in tandem with industrial and service-sector expansion, with strong participation in SPEKTRA Medium and Sri Pertiwi programmes.
Meanwhile, the Sibu Division showed balanced participation in B40 and M40 housing schemes. The Sarawak government is continuing its efforts to identify new sites for future developments.
The Bintulu Division has recorded encouraging uptake under the PUTERA and SPEKTRA schemes while the Betong, Kapit and Limbang Divisions have shown smaller but steady participation in the Low-Cost and SPEKTRA Lite categories.
“My Ministry will continue to support localised housing initiatives to meet rural housing needs,” he added. – DayakDaily
