KUCHING: The state government has approved RM50 million this year for the repair and construction of longhouses.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas revealed that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg approved the amount since the federal government had yet to allocate the budget for this year.
“The allocation will benefit 1,667 doors with a maximum financial assistance of RM30,000 per door,” he said after chairing a meeting to decide on the beneficiaries of the programme yesterday.
He said the programme had benefitted 3,432 doors from 163 longhouses since 2007.
“The federal government had given a total of RM122.3 million.
“However lately, the federal fund had decreased from RM50 million in 2016 to RM10 million in 2018 and 2019, although the applications from longhouse dwellers are increasing every year,” he said.
Among those present at the meeting were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, assistant minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Native Law and Customs assistant minister Datuk John Sikie Tayai and officials from the state housing ministry.
