PREMIER Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced a significant allocation of RM431 million under Sarawak Budget 2025 for various affordable housing initiatives aimed at improving housing access across the state.
Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, RM54 million has been earmarked for the construction of 1,000 Rumah Spektra Permata affordable housing units across Kuching, Serian, Betong, Sarikei, Mukah, Miri, and Limbang, with the Housing Development Corporation overseeing the project.
The Longhouse Loan Scheme, which provides interest-free loans to rural communities for building or renovating longhouses, will receive RM50 million annually from the Sarawak government, in addition to RM10 million from the federal government.
“This scheme offers interest-free loans for building materials and hardware ranging from RM30,000 to RM50,000 per door for refurbishing or constructing new longhouses.
“As of September 2024, RM230.27 million has been allocated, benefiting 339 longhouses and 7,168 doors,” he said when tabling the second reading of the Sarawak Budget 2025 during the third session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Meanwhile, the Housing Deposit and Repayment Assistance Scheme, managed by Mutiara Mortgage and Credit Sdn Bhd, will receive RM41 million in 2025.
Abang Johari, who is also the Finance and New Economy Minister, said the scheme provides RM10,000 to first-time homebuyers from the B40 and M40 groups to help with housing deposits or loan repayments.
To support home ownership among low-income households, he said RM50 million will be allocated in 2025 for housing subsidies, aimed at reducing part of the housing costs for eligible applicants.
The Resettlement Scheme (SPS) and Village Extension Scheme (SPK), which provide residential lots to those in low- and medium-income brackets, will continue with an allocation of RM39 million.
“Major projects planned for 2025 include the Selirik Resettlement Scheme in Kapit, SPK Igan Baru in Mukah, SPK Melugu in Sri Aman, Kampung Trusan Bazaar Extension in Lawas, Kampung Tebakang Melayu Extension in Serian, and Kampung Pusa Extension,” he added.
To further improve living conditions, he assured that a total of RM247 million has been allocated for urban renewal and village redevelopment projects, focusing on areas in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Limbang, to provide affordable, high-quality housing.
