LAWAS: The Sarawak government remains committed to strengthening housing assistance for the needy through the Sarawak Poor People’s Housing Improvement Programme (PPRMS), which has been implemented since 2018 with an annual allocation of RM1 million for each Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) assemblyman.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also Bukit Sari assemblyman, said the initiative reflects the state government’s concern in assisting those living in unsafe and dilapidated homes.
“The programme is carried out through gotong-royong with the cooperation of constituency service centres, government agencies, the District Office, Public Works Department (JKR), and community leaders.
“Priority is given to applicants who are genuinely eligible and verified by their respective community heads,” he said when officiating at the PPRMS ceremony in Kampung Ladang Baru here on Sunday (Aug 24).
To date, the assistance has not only covered house repairs but also the rebuilding of dilapidated homes.
Awang Tengah further explained that the state government also offers a special housing scheme for those who own land and wish to build homes.
“The scheme provides easier and more flexible financing, making Sarawak the only state in Malaysia to offer such an initiative,” he stressed.
He also revealed that more new housing projects are in the pipeline, including village expansion and resettlement.
“These developments will be built according to modern specifications, including paved roads, concrete drains, retaining walls, clean water supply, and electricity. The land premium is set at only RM2,500, payable by instalments,” he added.
The ceremony also featured a symbolic presentation of the programme when Awang Tengah, accompanied by Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong, visited the home of a beneficiary.
