DARO: Improved connectivity following the completion of the Batang Lassa Bridge has paved the way for a new RM20-million affordable housing development in Daro, with the state government set to develop 131 residential lots, including 59 affordable homes under the project’s first phase.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the ‘Skim Pembesaran (SPK) Lemang Pek, Kampung Tengah Kampung Pangtray Phase One’ was introduced in response to growing demand from Daro natives working outside the district who now wish to return and own homes in their hometown as accessibility continues to improve.
“Daro today is no longer the Daro it used to be. With better road connectivity, especially through the Batang Lassa Bridge, travelling to Sibu and other towns has become much easier.
“As connectivity improves, many people from Daro who work elsewhere now want to return and own a house here. That is why we are implementing this affordable housing project,” he said after a visit to the project site today.
Abang Johari said the project adopts Sarawak’s latest affordable housing concept, where the government not only provides residential lots but also bears the cost of land preparation and infrastructure, significantly reducing the purchase price for buyers.
He said although each house has an estimated value of around RM300,000, buyers will only pay RM150,000, as the state government absorbs approximately RM150,000 in land, infrastructure and utility costs.
Eligible buyers will also receive RM10,000 in housing deposit assistance, reducing the financing amount to RM140,000, which can be repaid through the state’s housing financing scheme at only one per cent interest over 15 to 20 years.
“This means monthly repayments are only around RM200 to RM250. In reality, buyers are purchasing a RM300,000 house but only paying RM150,000 because the government bears the cost of the land and infrastructure,” Abang Johari said.
He pointed out that another key feature of the houses is their expandable design, with every unit built based on a pre-approved plan that allows homeowners to extend their homes more easily in the future as their needs and financial capabilities grow.
Recalling a similar project in Kampung Datu, Sibu, he said one homeowner spent only about RM2,000 extending the living room before carrying out further renovations over time.
“The house eventually looked like a bungalow. If it were located in Kuching today, it could easily be worth RM500,000. That means the homeowner’s asset has also appreciated in value,” he added.
Abang Johari said the state government wants affordable housing to become more than just a place to live, but also an appreciating asset that can improve the long-term financial security of Sarawakian families.
“Similar developments are also planned in Mukah, Semop and Matu, with 50 units each allocated for Mukah and Semop, and 30 units for Matu, while future phases will be implemented according to demand,” he added.
