Abang Johari (third left) receiving a token of appreciation from Wong as other guest of honour look on after the opening ceremony of the Sheda Property Expo 2015 here yesterday.
KUCHING: The government remains committed to developing the state’s property sector as an important component of the economy.
According to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, the government continues to addressing concerns Sarawakians have over the lack of infrastructure, the need to open up more land for commercial activities, and the impact rural-urban migration is having on development plans and housing prices throughout the state.
He said the growth of the property sector should be in tandem with other developments happening throughout the state.
Thus, several projects aimed at improving links and opening up areas previously inaccessible are already at various stages of approval and implementation.
“The ease in travel will draw Sarawak geographically closer together as a more cohesive entity whether in the area of business, tourism or commercial agriculture” he said in his speech during the launching of Sheda Property Expo 2015 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
His text speech was read by Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“The Sungai Bako Bridge is expected to be ready in two years’ time. The proposed bridge and its related networks will no doubt increase viable prospects and promote transactions between the residents of Bako area and nearby business hubs.
“Another example of how existing areas can be boosted by development is the upgrade of the Pantai-Pandan-Kpg Belungei-Kpg Pugu road in Sematan.
“We believe that the improvement of over 11km of road and bridges will attract capital investment and open land for adjoining and nearby commercial agricultural economies to flourish.”
Adenan said the state government has consistently lobbied for additional funding from the federal government and have recently requested for an additional RM500 million to implement projects, infrastructure, utilities and amenities to lift the standards of living in rural areas.
“Whilst these areas may not have the high population concentration that is linked to housing shortage, over the next few decades, these areas may very well be the next frontier to the property industry,” he added.
In an effort to balance rural and urban communities, Adenan said both private and public sector developers need to consider creating more value-added public amenities and conducive public spaces to complement the buildings built, whether for commercial or residential project.
He noted a successful housing model cannot depend on fullfilling the demand of housing units alone.
For sustainable development, property developers must satisfy the more difficult standard of holistic and sustainable livability, enhancing the human experience through healthy social activity and commercial potential.
Additionally, he pointed out that developers have the means to shape the face of housing in Sarawak.
The state government and the Ministry of Housing welcomed the feedback from Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) and other industry players.
He added the state government acknowledged the active participation by Sheda which is important to jointly improve housing development for the people of Sarawak.
Meanwhile, present at the event were Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Abang Karim Tun Openg, Sheda president Joseph Wong, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) chairman Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, Ministry of Housing permanent secretary Dr Wan Liz Osman Wan Omar, Padawan Minucupal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang, Sheda Property Expo 2015 organising chairman Kevin Choo, Sheda council members as well as exhibitors.