RM10 mln for longhouse loan scheme in Sarawak

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Irwan (left) hands over the mock cheque to Morshidi, witnessed by others. — Photo by Chimon Upon

Irwan (left) hands over the mock cheque to Morshidi, witnessed by others. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: The federal government has allocated RM10 million for the longhouse loan scheme in Sarawak this year, slated for borrowers from the low-income group to build and repair their units.

Treasury secretary-general at Ministry of Finance, Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, said the scheme was intended for longhouse residents who had difficulties in getting loans from financial institutions.

“The scheme offers loans up to RM15,000 per door (residential unit) of a longhouse,” he said during a press conference after handing over a mock cheque for RM10 million to State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Ghani at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.

Irwan disclosed that between 2006 and last year, the federal government had been channelling funds amounting to RM72.5 million to the state government for the implementation of the scheme.

“It is the government’s effort to help those in the lower-income group, especially those residing in rural areas of Sarawak, so that they can have a comfortable home to live in,” he said.

Meanwhile, Morshidi explained that the scheme was prepared for those who had the ability to service the loan payments, unlike other financial provisions and assistance for those in the poor and hardcore poor categories.

“Priority will be given to those with urgent need, including (owners of) longhouses. The main difference is that this is a loan — not a grant such as the Housing Assistance Programme given to recipients of e-Kasih.

“This is for people who can afford to pay but unable to get bank loans due to certain circumstances. Emphasising on the inclusive policy, the government comes in to fill that gap,” he said.

Separately, Irwan said he would also be visiting the Urban Transformation Centres (UTC) in Sibu and Miri — both still under construction.

“I have had discussions with the contractor and have been informed that it (UTC development) would be completed according to schedule, expected by the end of this month. It is hoped that the centres would commence operations in March after the launch by the prime minister.

“Additionally, I will also visit the RTC (Rural Transformation Centre) in Betong — also expected for completion by end of this month. The RTC will serve the rural communities in Betong and surrounding areas.”

On the implementation of Pan Borneo Highway project, Irwan said discussions had been done with Morshidi to ensure smooth progress, efficiency and close working collaboration with all stakeholders, as well as its ability to meet schedule’s deadline.

“For effective development of the project, the fund will be channelled directly to the state government for management and at the same time, we will monitor the progress from time to time.

“But more importantly, we will discuss on all the problems. This shows the close relationship between the federal and state governments, in which we want the people-centric project to be implemented speedily and cost-efficiently for maximum benefit,” he added.