KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has committed to building 20,000 units of affordable housing between 2026 and 2030 in keeping with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and under the 13th Malaysia Plan, a move that will see changes in construction systems and housing policies.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the scale of the target required the adoption of new technologies, including the wide-spread use of Industrialised Building System (IBS) technology.
“Given its technological advancements in engineering, powered by digitalisation and logistical support, the implementation of IBS is expected to boost process efficiency, quality and productivity, save cost, as well as reduce foreign labour and construction waste,” he said.
“The Sarawak Government has already approved the use of IBS for new housing units in Rural Growth Centre (RGC) Beladin and the Trusan Village Expansion Scheme.”
He said this in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the opening of the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) Property Expo 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari added that public building projects worth more than RM10 million and infrastructure projects above RM100 million will be required to adopt Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodologies by 2030.
“Depending on market response, we are looking forward to a time when it becomes necessary for the public and private sectors to discuss incorporating the financial processes and requirements of IBS into our Sarawak Housing Ordinances and Regulations,” he elaborated.
“Secondly, as you are aware, we have changed the way the development of affordable housing is funded. Developers are no longer required to allocate land and build affordable housing units, but instead now direct levy contributions into the Sarawak Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
“Transformation can seem inconvenient and unnecessary at times but transform and grow, we must.”
He also said the expo was not only a showcase of properties but also a reflection of Sarawak’s growth, innovation, and determination to build sustainable and inclusive communities.
“I wish to commend SHEDA for its unwavering commitment and contribution to Sarawak’s development agenda. Your dedication ensures that our property industry continues to grow in tandem with Sarawak’s vision of sustainability, inclusivity and prosperity,” said Abang Johari.
