LIMBANG: Ranggau Valley is being transformed into a new township corridor integrating replacement housing, administrative facilities and future commercial developments under a broader state planning framework.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government took over an earlier federally funded housing project in the area after finding its design unsuitable for residents.
“Although the earlier project was financed by the federal government, it was not very friendly to occupants or buyers. So we took over the project and developed a new site with new houses,” he said during a site visit to the Ranggau Valley housing development on today (Apr 11).
He added that homeowners relocated from the earlier scheme continued paying their original purchase prices despite the replacement units now being valued between RM353,000 and RM361,000.
“This is our approach in Sarawak. Even though the value is higher now, they are still paying the earlier price,” he said.
Abang Johari said the development formed part of a broader master plan positioning Ranggau Valley as a central link between older neighbourhoods and newer urban expansion areas.
He noted that a new Integrated Administrative Centre (IAC), which he visited earlier, had been developed in the area, alongside planned commercial components including a hotel and other business premises.
The IAC project, implemented by the Sarawak government, carries a contract value of RM157.29 million and began construction on Jan 11, 2021. Originally scheduled for completion in July 2023, the revised completion date is Nov 30, 2026.
According to him, the township is also being planned using a low-carbon development approach that takes advantage of the area’s extensive green surroundings.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s housing model emphasises liveability and quality rather than high-density layouts.
He said Sarawak preferred lower-density housing designs that were more suitable for residents rather than compact layouts that were “not very human friendly”.
The Ranggau Valley project comprises 128 replacement units, including double-storey terrace and semi-detached houses developed under a state-led redevelopment initiative for residents of the earlier RPR Limbang III scheme.
