GEDONG: Sarawak will build new government quarters across the state under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with the units to be shared by both federal and state civil servants.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative was introduced to address the long-standing issue of inadequate and outdated quarters, particularly for doctors, teachers and administrative officers posted to rural and sub-district areas.
“I feel sorry for doctors. Some are placed in districts or sub-districts but there are no quarters. After studying for eight years, including housemanship, surely you expect good accommodation. But when posted to a sub-district with no quarters — it’s difficult.
“So we now have a new way to solve this. We will build quarters to be shared by both the federal and state governments.
“In the 13th Malaysia Plan, we have set aside about RM4 billion to build quarters throughout the state. They will be shared between federal officers and Sarawak officers,” he said.
He said this while speaking at the launching ceremony of the state level Cloud-Based Clinic Management System (CCMS) at Dewan Datuk Patinggi Ali, here on Thursday.
When met by reporters, he said the state government is planning to construct apartment-style quarters complete with facilities such as gyms and recreational spaces.
“What we are doing is building apartment-style quarters. All facilities will be included — a gym, recreational facilities within the block and surrounding area. Our officers, including federal officers, can stay there. Right now, they don’t have quarters. The existing quarters are very old,” he said
Abang Johari said the move was necessary to attract medical officers to serve in underserved locations.
“Only then will doctors be willing to come. If doctors are given such poor quarters, how can they come? That’s why we face this problem with doctors,” he said.
He added that rural areas would also benefit from the programme, with Mulu, Limbang and Bintulu among the locations earmarked.
“Yes, rural areas are included. In Mulu, for example, we want to build them. We have a township centre in Mulu. If you go to Limbang, you will see an apartment building just next to the new Resident’s Office.
“In Jepak, we are building in Bintulu. Renting in Bintulu costs RM2,000, how can? So we provide quarters. Then the civil servants will be happy.
“So what I’m saying is, we must improve the facilities provided to our civil servants, regardless of whether they are federal or state. We work together. The Federal Secretary is here. We have agreed with the State Secretary to implement this,” said Abang Johari.
