Sheda: Developers, public sector partnership needed

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MIRI: A strong partnership between private developers and the public sector is needed in view of challenges like rising costs for both developers and house buyers.

The problem is compounded by escalating costs of living which have put houses beyond the means of many average income-earners and poor families who are forced to rent or even stay in squatter settlements.

“It is more urgent now when the housing industry is facing challenges like rising costs, and housing developers have to acknowledge the significant synergy between the property development sector and the public sector in order to safeguard the smooth growth of the business and to keep the cost down for the benefit of house buyers,” said Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) secretary-general Sim Kiang Chok at the launching of the three-day property roadshow in Bintang Mega Mall yesterday.

On Sheda’s part, Sim stressed that the association was always prepared to join hands with the public sector to speed up economic growth in the state and ensure that house prices remain competitive and relevant.

“We strongly believe when public sector improves delivery service through the state’s KFA and Permudah labs, this will attract investors, both domestic and foreign, to the Sarawak property market,” said Sim, who accompanied Datuk Sebastian Ting, political secretary to the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, at the launching ceremony.

Sim highlighted the need for speedier issuance of sub-divided land titles and faster development approval which are very high on the wish-lists of developers and house buyers.

He foresaw continued high demand for housing in urban and sub-urban areas due to rural-to-urban migration for better job opportunities, influx of local and foreign workers to SCORE and Samalaju.

“While developers are pleased with the expected upward trend, most would still adopt a cautious approach to ensure a stable supply with no overhang situation,” he said. He hoped that the government would release more lands for housing needs in urban areas, with automatic conversion of native lands into mixed zone lands within a radius of 20-30km from city centre and large towns to ensure constant supply of land for housing to meet expected rising demand and to mitigate future increases in house prices.

“The government can also help speed up development approval, and help to reduce compliance costs so that house prices do not appreciate too fast,” he added.

Sheda vice-president and Sheda Miri liaison chairman Leonard Fong, Sheda vice-president and Sheda Bintulu liaison chairman Troy Yaw and the roadshow organising chairman Simon Tiong were among those present.