High-rise answer to migration — Abg Jo

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Abang Johari (fourth left) receiving a framed photo collage from Dr Abdul Rahman (left) while Abdul Karim (fifth left), Harden (third left) and others look on.

SANTUBONG: The Ministry of Housing (MOH) is looking into the development of high-rise residential buildings in an attempt to address the scarcity of land in urban areas of Kuching.

According to Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, this is in view of the pressing need for more housing development in urban areas as more people migrate to the city from rural areas around the state.

“Based on demography, the city’s occupancy rate is 58 per cent whereas in rural areas is only 42 per cent.

“However, as land is scarce and expensive in Kuching urban areas, one solution is to develop more high-rise residential buildings,” he said at a press conference after attending the ‘Joint-Strategic Transformation Retreat’ workshop organised by MOH, Housing Development Corporation and Daya Builders Sdn Bhd (DBSB) here yesterday.

As a start, Abang Johari disclosed that the pilot project would comprise three blocks of 12-storey residential building, estimated to cost around RM40 million, within the Tabuan Melayu area.

“This project will be based on a Singapore design whereby the sixth floor of the building is a common facility equipped with a garden and aerobridge to connect the three blocks.

“We are looking to kick off this project this year and hopefully construction can be completed within 30 months,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, the ministry will also be setting up a subsidiary company called Mutiara Mortgage & Credit Sdn Bhd this year that offers housing loans to prospective house buyers unable to obtain loans from banks.

“For instance, a sundry shopowner who has a steady flow of income is unable to get his housing loan approved by the bank due to not meeting certain criteria.

“These are the people we have to address so they will have a facility to purchase affordable housing,” noted Abang Johari.

He pointed out that priority will be given to those with a household income of RM3,000 and below, especially those who are married or have dependent family members.

Also present were assistant ministers of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Datuk Francis Harden Hollis as well as Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.