KUCHING: Home ownership must go hand in hand with education, financial discipline and strong family values to ensure the long-term progress of the Malay community in Sarawak.
Persatuan Kebangsaan Melayu Sarawak’s (PKMS) President, Datuk Dr Wan Ali Tuanku Madhi, said the aspiration of ‘Satu Keluarga Satu Rumah’ should not be viewed merely as a housing agenda, but as part of a wider effort to build stable and resilient families.
Speaking during the Social Talk session titled ‘Satu Keluarga Satu Rumah’ at the Sarawak Malay Graduates Convention 2026 (KGM 2.0) here today (June 11), he said a home is a basic necessity and a symbol of stability.
He noted that many Malay families continue to face challenges in owning homes due to rising house prices, difficulty in securing loans, and the lower market value of native land compared to mixed zone land.
“Home ownership is one of the most important strategies for strengthening Malay families,” he said.
Wan Ali acknowledged the government’s efforts through initiatives such as the Housing Deposit Assistance Scheme (HDAS), which provides assistance to first-time homebuyers, as well as financing instruments to help those who face difficulties obtaining commercial bank loans.
However, he said more could be done, including increasing deposit assistance and creating strategic urban residential zones to help Malay families remain in city areas.
At the same time, he stressed that the community must also change its mindset, especially in prioritising education, financial planning and the development of youths.
PKMS has been focusing on teenagers through programmes that cover religious understanding, charity, healthy living, halal awareness, STEM and mathematics, among others.
“If the teenagers are good, they will become good adults. When they build their own families, they will also give the best to their children,” he said.
Wan Ali added that building a “virtuous cycle” among youths and families is a long-term solution towards stronger households, better social wellbeing and eventual home ownership.
