SRI AMAN: A total of 1,143 longhouses, comprising 24,747 doors, have been built throughout Sarawak with total loans amounting to RM517.39 million as of February this year under the Longhouse Loan Scheme (PKPRP) by the Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
According to HDC chairman Abdul Yaakub Arbi, this is proof that the Sarawak government remains committed to empowering longhouse communities by continuing the Longhouse Loan Scheme, which has been in place since 1978.
“To ensure the effectiveness of this scheme, the Sarawak HDC has intensified the organisation of the Randau Programme at various project sites across the state throughout 2024,” he said during the Randau Programme at Dewan Suarah Sri Aman on Wednesday (Feb 26).
He stressed that the programme aims to raise borrowers’ awareness of the importance of loan repayment and introduce more modern and convenient payment methods, including JomPAY, Sarawak Pay, Service Sarawak, CDM CIMB, and kiosks at UTC/RTC.
“The programme is a proactive measure by the state government to ensure the scheme continues to be widely utilised.
“The Sarawak government hopes that through the implementation of the Randau Programme, longhouse communities will gain a better understanding of the importance of loan repayment and fully utilise the facilities available.
“This also aligns with efforts to preserve cultural heritage while ensuring that the longhouses built are strong, safe, and long-lasting,” he stressed.