KUCHING: The State Budget for next year will continue giving priority to accelerating development, ensuring more balanced regional growth, as well as addressing socio-economic needs and challenges faced by the people.
Finance and New Economy Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the huge investment in infrastructure development will also ensure the rakyat have greater access to employment and business opportunities to improve their standard of living.
“Thus in 2023, the implementation of various people-centric projects will be intensified which include Rural Transformation Programmes (RTP) with an allocation of RM420 million; Projek Rakyat with an allocation of RM500 million and Special Projects, formerly known as Minor Rural Projects with an allocation of RM237 million.”
He said this when tabling the Supply (2023) Bill at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Today (Nov 21).
In the state government’s effort to build more affordable housing, Abang Johari said RM316 million had been set aside under the 12th Malaysia Plan, of which about RM52 million will be provided in 2023 for the implementation of 21 affordable housing projects in Kuching, Serian, Betong, Sibu, Mukah and Miri by Housing Development Corporation.
According to him, the state government is also focusing on sustainable urban renewal programme where affordable housing will be provided, equipped with basic infrastructure, utilities, places of worship and integrated with other type of development such as commercial and recreational facilities.
“The various urban renewal projects being implemented, among others are Darul Hana Redevelopment; Sungai Bedaun Housing Project; Kampung Tabuan Melayu Redevelopment; Kampung Datu Sibu Redevelopment; Kemuyang, Sibu Affordable Housing Development; Kampung Baru Kapit Redevelopment; Jepak Jaya Development; Semariang Pinggir Redevelopment; Kampung Wireless Miri Redevelopment; Bandar Baru Nangka Sibu and Padang Kerbau/Lopeng Miri Development.
“All these projects are currently on-going and at various stages of implementation. In 2023, a total of RM42.5 million will be provided to intensify the implementation of these urban renewal projects,” he said.
Abang Johari also said the state government will continue to deliver transformative change through integrated approach of making home ownership more attainable for the low and middle-income groups.
He said Sarawak has introduced the Longhouse Loan Scheme which is an interest free loan to help those residing in rural areas and since 2020, a total of RM142 million allocated for the scheme had been disbursed which has benefited 218 longhouses throughout Sarawak involving 4,747 doors or units.
“The state government will make available an allocation of RM50 million for this scheme in 2023,” he pointed out.
On the Housing Deposit and Repayment Assistance Scheme (HDRAS), he said a further sum of RM40 million will be made available under this scheme to benefit 4,000 home buyers and to date, 318 applicants have been approved under the scheme.
Adding, he said end-financing for B40 and M40 home buyers has been provided at an interest rate of only 1 per cent and to date, a sum of RM107 million has been disbursed by the state government to Mutiara Mortgage and Credit Sdn Bhd for this purpose.
“Presently, a total of 1,337 applications have been approved involving a financial allocation of RM80 million, of which a total of RM48 million has been disbursed to 976 applicants.”
As for the Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS) which was introduced in 2021, he said an allocation of RM48 million has been approved under this initiative which will benefit about 20,000 eligible households and to date, 1,335 households have been assisted under this scheme.
Meanwhile, the Programme Penambahbaikan Rumah Rakyat Miskin Sarawak (MRP-PPRMS), he said this initiative will continue to be implemented in 2023 with an allocation of RM80 million to assist the B40 group to repair their dilapidated houses to improve their living conditions.
