KUCHING: To assist those from the low-income (B40) and middle-income (M40) groups to own a house, the Sarawak government will be introducing a new Housing Deposit Assistance Scheme next year.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the scheme would provide cash assistance of up to RM10,000 to B40 and M40 home buyers as payment for housing deposit.
The scheme would be managed by Mutiara Mortgage and Credit Sdn Bhd (Mutiara).
“A sum of RM10 million will be allocated in the 2022 State Budget for the scheme which will benefit about 1,200 home buyers,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the assistance was applicable to affordable housing projects sanctioned by the state government.
He said this during a special meeting on the 2022 State Budget with Sarawakian lawmakers at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Tuesday (Oct 12).
“My administration will also continue to intensify efforts to provide affordable housing to the people, address end-financing problems among the low-income group and alleviate cost pressure in the housing market.
“Thus, several projects and initiatives will continue to be implemented next year,” he said.
Among them, he said, were the construction of affordable housing, extension of village resettlement scheme and urban renewal projects throughout the state with an allocation of RM189 million; allocation of RM80 million for Sarawak Poor Home Improvement Programme (PPRSM); RM50 million to rebuild and repair dilapidated longhouses; and RM48 million for Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme.
“Others include the provision of loan assistance to B40 and M40 home buyers through Mutiara of which RM50 million has been provided.”
