SARIKEI: A total of RM2.19 million has been approved under the Longhouse Loan Scheme by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to rebuild Rumah Panjang Lingga Ujang in Selangan, one of the longest longhouses in the area.
The loan approval was successfully obtained through the efforts of Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities and Sarikei MP Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii.
The project involves 73 doors (units), with each unit receiving a loan of RM30,000, and is now fully completed.
In addition to the reconstruction of the longhouse, infrastructure facilities have also been improved, with a 300-meter-long and six-meter-wide tarred road constructed in front of the longhouse for the convenience of residents.
According to Huang, the project will provide a new, more modern and comfortable look for the residents.
“With the completion of this project, the longhouse will appear more modern, comfortable, and attractive,” he said during a visit to the HDC project site at the Lingga Ujang Longhouse recently.
He also encouraged residents who are still living in old longhouses to apply for the Longhouse Loan Scheme through HDC for reconstruction purposes.
“I will continue to assist and support the application process and strive to obtain loan approvals through HDC to improve the living standards of longhouse residents,” he said.
He added that building new houses is more practical compared to repairing old ones, which require frequent maintenance every year.
“Old longhouses, even if repaired repeatedly, cannot last long. Constructing new houses is more durable and can reduce maintenance costs in the future,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Tuai Rumah Lingga Ujang expressed appreciation to the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his leadership in bringing rapid development to the Sarikei and Meradong areas, thus improving the people’s standard of living.
He also conveyed his gratitude to Huang for his efforts and commitment in helping secure the HDC loan approval, making the reconstruction project a reality and providing a more comfortable and safer living environment for the residents.
