SIBU: Housing loans from the Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to help rebuild or upgrade longhouses in the state can assist rural residents escape the cycle of poverty.
According to the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong Branch Chairman Wong Ching Yong the loan also protects longhouses from damage caused by disasters such as fires, floods, landslides, and more.
“This is because the monthly instalment payments for the HDC loan include insurance coverage for their homes. It is very worthwhile and appears safer.
“This loan is interest-free and aims to help rural residents escape poverty and assist those affected by disasters,” he said after handing over the approved loan letter from HDC to Tuai Rumah Lenyam Jelum in Batu Wong here Saturday (July 6).
He said that the loan also aims to improve the quality of life of the rural residents, ensuring they receive practical assistance and support from the government.
Wong said the HDC loan has now been increased with a new loan programme that allows each family or door in a longhouse to apply for RM50,000 to build a new longhouse or RM30,000 to renovate an old longhouse.
For Rumah Lenyam, he said, the residents have received a total amount of RM1 million approved by HDC.
Wong who is also Deputy Chairman of the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) said the residents need to pay an instalment of RM300 per month, which includes insurance coverage, over a period of 25 years.
Also present were the Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, William Anut, and Pemanca Paing Tawi.
