SIBU: Response to the Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS) has been very encouraging, with 8,070 applications received by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to date.
Of these, 7,717 applications have been approved, representing approximately 95.6 per cent of the total applications received.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said the figures demonstrated the continued relevance and importance of SRAS to households across Sarawak.
He said this at the launch of ‘SRAS Go-Live’ – the digital transformation of the Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme – at Tanahmas Hotel here today (Aug 21).
“The 8,070 applications received and 7,717 approved represent thousands of household that have received support through the Sarawak Government’s commitment to its people.
“With the launch of ‘SRAS Go-Live’, we take another step towards a more efficient, transparent and people-centred delivery of government assistance,” he said.
SRAS is an initiative of the ministry to assist eligible households in managing their rental commitments. For many families, rental is a significant monthly expense.
The scheme helps ease this burden and provides families with greater flexibility to manage other essential household needs.
Tiang highlighted that since its implementation in 2021, the ministry had gradually enhanced the SRAS policy to meet the growing needs of the people.
He said the digital platform reflected the Sarawak Government’s commitment to digital transformation and the continuous improvement of public service delivery.
It will enable SRAS to be managed in a more systematic, efficient and transparent manner, while strengthening application monitoring and providing better information for decision-making.
“Most importantly, digitalisation should make the process simpler and more convenient for applicants,” he said.
As the implementing agency, HDC, he said, must continue to ensure that SRAS was delivered efficiently, fairly and responsibly.
“I encourage HDC to continuously improve the system, strengthen engagement with applicants and ensure that assistance reaches those who genuinely qualify and need it.
“The launch of ‘SRAS Go-Live’ is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a more efficient, data-driven and people-centred approach to housing assistance.
“The Sarawak Government will continue to strengthen its housing programmes and explore new ways to better support our people as their needs evolve,” he added.
Also speaking at the event was HDC Chairman Abdul Yakub Arbi.
Among those present were HDC Deputy Chief Executive Officer Jamilah Bujang and UNIMAS Strategy Division, Digital Centre’s Deputy Director Flora Intai.
