BY JAMES WONG
IN a bid to improve living conditions in rural areas, the Sarawak government has allocated RM 50 million annually since 2020 to fast-track the Longhouse Loan Scheme.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, announced today that 63 longhouses, comprising of 1,299 doors, have already been approved and await disbursement, while an additional 261 longhouses, consisting of 5,150 doors, are currently on the waiting list.
“The funding aims to expedite the transformation of living environments in rural areas and address the overwhelming demand for longhouse loan applications throughout Sarawak,” said Dr Sim during his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday.
Dr Sim added that a total of RM 139.08 million from the state funds has been disbursed, benefiting 216 longhouses, consisting of 4,688 doors. Since its introduction in 1978, the scheme has successfully assisted 1,048 longhouses, comprising of 23,038 doors, with an allocation of RM 431.28 million. The federal government contributed RM 231.28 million, while the Sarawak government allocated RM 200 million.
Addressing the current status of the Longhouse Loan Scheme, Dr Sim said that the Engkilili constituency saw four longhouses, comprising of 53 doors, receiving approval from the Longhouse Selection Committee. However, he acknowledged that there is still a waiting list, including an application from Tuai Rumah Ensudin Tisak of Lidong.
