SIBU: Public-private sector collaboration is important to ensure more government initiatives are introduced to help every Sarawakian to own a house.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee said the Sarawak government had come up with plans to assist the B40 and M40 groups to own houses in view of the spiralling property prices.
Tiang said his ministry acknowledges that it can be a challenge for developers and a burden for the state government to build affordable houses, especially in Sibu, because of its geographical features.
“I am indeed happy that during his first official visit to Sibu, our Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof assured that he would seek assistance from federal agencies to provide affordable housing in Sarawak,” he said at the opening of the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) Sibu Property Roadshow 2023 at Star Mega Mall here, today (Jan 13).
Tiang, who represented Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, said a dialogue session with the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (Acccis), SHEDA, and Sarawak Master Builders Federation (SMBF) was conducted in Kuching.
“We discussed at length the issues faced by the contractors, especially the shortage of cement supply and the increase in prices of construction materials. Yes, the escalating prices of building materials will affect the prices of houses.
“This is also the reason why there is an increase in the demand for affordable housing. The Sarawak government will always make effort to build more affordable houses for our people, especially those in the low-income group.
“We will never neglect the problems and issues faced by the contractors and house developers. We understand that when there is a shortage of raw materials such as cement, it will affect the progress of the construction.
“The projects have to be halted or delayed. We want to make sure that such an incident would not happen because it is certainly not good for the economy,” he said.
On the roadshow, the Pelawan assemblyman hoped that SHEDA will continue to work closely with the government to provide affordable housing.
“If every Sarawakian could own a house, I am sure it would benefit not just the local economy, but also the state’s economy. Let’s us all work together to create a prosperous Sarawak,” he said.
With a total of 14 booths showcased, the roadshow ends on Sunday (Jan 15).
SHEDA Sibu branch chairman Cecil Lau said the property roadshow is aimed at providing a platform for housing developers to showcase their latest products, and for homebuyers to source their dream homes.
