5 areas earmarked for affordable housing
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has identified five areas in Kuching division that will be used to develop affordable housing.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the areas are Bako- Buntal, Sungai Maong- Segedup, Gita Baru, Kampung Senari and Lundu-Sematan.
“We understand that housing is a problem, and one of the factors is because of migration pressure. This leads to those from rural areas moving to Kuching to try and make a living because of job opportunities available in urban areas.
“Therefore, we want to develop these areas for them. The directive has been given to the Land and Survey Department to measure these areas,” he said during Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) Kuching Zone’s Aidilfitri gathering here on Monday night.
The chief minister went on to disclose that the houses would be priced between RM80,000 and RM100,000.
He added the government would also be upgrading the roads in those areas to facilitate easier access in the future.
Additionally, he said the land premium rate in the five areas would be reduced to RM2,500 for a period of 10 years, meaning owners would only have to pay RM250 per year.
“First, we want to let those affordable housing areas be embanked first, then secondly we want to equip it with electricity and water utilities.
“Finally, we will give concrete drains and tarred roads. All
We understand that housing is a problem, and one of the factors is because of migration pressure. This leads to those from rural areas moving to Kuching to try and make a living because of job opportunities available in urban areas.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg
these costs will be borne by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak ( GPS) government,” Abang Johari stated.
He said those planning to buy a house in those areas would also not need to worry about securing loans as a loan scheme would be provided through government- owned Mutiara Mortgage & Credit Sdn Bhd.
“This is what we ( GPS) are working hard for, but we must stay in power in Sarawak.
“We have to work hard, not take things lightly and go down to the ground. Hopefully, if all things go well, by 2030, Sarawak will be the most advanced state in Malaysia,” he said.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.