NOVEMBER 2023
Premier Proposes Trust Fund To Transform Affordable Housing Development
KUCHING, Nov 19 - Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has put forward an innovative proposal aimed at reshaping the landscape of affordable housing development in the state.
During the Housing Development Corporation's (HDC) Golden Jubilee celebration dinner at Penview Convention Centre, Abang Johari suggested the establishment of a trust fund to replace the current obligation for the private sector to allocate 30 per cent of their housing projects to low-cost housing.
"My idea is, instead of (building) physical 30 per cent houses, you (private sector) substitute that with a certain amount of fund equivalent, maybe to the 30 per cent value of that scheme, and you contribute to a special trust fund," he explained.
He emphasized that this approach would allow the private sector to contribute financially, while the government would take charge of constructing low-cost houses on behalf of the developers through the proposed trust fund.
The Premier highlighted that such a shift would empower developers to tailor their housing schemes to the specific needs of different locations, offering greater flexibility in planning. This, he believes, would be a more efficient way to address the housing needs of the community.
Abang Johari also stressed that the trust fund concept would aid the government in strategically planning and developing high-quality affordable housing, preventing the private sector from engaging in lackluster efforts.
"Otherwise, you look at the cases brought to Sarawak Housing Purchaser's Claims Tribunal where there are a lot of complaints such as leaking roofs in new homes,” he remarks.
However, the Premier acknowledged that this groundbreaking proposal would need approval from the State Cabinet before implementation.
Also present were Minister in the Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, and HDC chairman Abdul Yakub Arbi.
Sumber dari : Sarawakku