Sarawak government to build more affordable houses

PETRA JAYA: The state government is focusing on building more affordable houses in Sarawak under the Rumah Mesra Rakyat 1Malaysia initiative.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg said his administration wanted to focus on projects that could directly improve the livelihood of the people especially low and medium-income earners.

He said the state government will develop more affordable houses from Sungai Midin until Sungai Salak for the people soon.

“When we elevate the quality of life for the people, it will also help to hasten development and spur economic growth in the state,” said Abang Johari in his speech during his walkabout programme at the Rumah Mesra Rakyat 1Malaysia in Sungai Midin here today.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Petra Jaya parliamentary seat, and Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB) chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Azizi Ali were present.

Abang Johari, who is the state BN chairman, said the name of the housing estate would be changed into Taman Midin.

Jointly developed by SPNB and the state government, there are 52 units of houses there.

Abang Johari also said the state government would use income generated from the oil and gas industry for development programmes in Sarawak.

“The increase in the income of the state will be returned to the rakyat through the implementation of people-centric initiatives such as the development of more affordable houses.

“Apart from improving the wellbeing of the people, the project will also help to stimulate the local economy.

“We will also forge greater ties with the federal government, which have benefitted the people in the state for years,” he said.