Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
SIBU: Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wants to continue with the government’s scheme to enable more people to own a home.
“My immediate focus is on continuing with the Housing Ministry’s plan in providing affordable homes for those in need,” he said.
The Asajaya assemblyman, who is also Assistant Youth and Sports Minister, said there were several projects in the pipeline which needed to be implemented on time.
Meanwhile, Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip, who was appointed Assistant Minister for Urbanisation and Infrastructure Development, pointed out that urbanisation was a fact of life in Sarawak.
“We are fortunate that Sarawak grows at a rather fast rate. Urbanisation and growth go hand in hand.
“This must be accepted,” he said.
He said the challenge was to facilitate orderly urbanisation and soften its impact.
“It starts with jobs, business and good income.
“Then there are the facilities and amenities that have to be provided – houses, roads, hospitals, schools, water and electricity among others,” he said.
He added: “As these are not under any one ministry, there is a lot of collaborative effort needed.”