Gedong SPK housing project to transform S’wak’s rural living with solar-powered homes

KUCHING (Jan 15): The new 50-unit housing project under the Skim Pembesaran Kampung (SPK) in Gedong is set to transform rural living in Sarawak, with solar-powered homes designed to provide sustainable energy solutions, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Abang Johari said the housing project is being implemented by the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) with a total allocation of RM22.6 million.

“We want to equip these houses with solar panels so that electricity can be generated and fed back into the main grid.

“Homeowners will then enjoy reduced electricity bills as the cost of energy produced from the solar panels is deducted from their monthly bills,” he told a press conference after visiting the project site.

He explained that the solar panels, through the Net Energy Metering (NEM) system, allow homeowners to generate their own electricity, which is then credited to their electricity bills.

“Each unit of the LCDA Saphire 1 house is built using modern Industrialised Building System (IBS) technology with a floor area of approximately 871.87 square feet.

“The SPK Gedong housing project is expected to be fully completed by mid-third quarter 2026 and will act as a key driver for local socio-economic development,” he said.

Abang Johari, who is also Gedong assemblyman, added that the area is now on a strategic development trajectory, with a new road network and transportation systems linking coastal areas to Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian.

He said the construction of a two-lane road and the Rapid Autonomous Transit (ART) routes will connect Gedong from Munggu Kopi and Serian through to Samarahan, before extending to coastal areas such as Tanjung Embang.

“With a good road network, residents no longer need to live in Kuching to work. Gedong will develop into a satellite town complete with housing and basic amenities,” he said.

Abang Johari also noted that plans are underway to expand the SPK housing project to other areas, including Kabong, Simunjan, Kampung Sambir, Sadong Jaya, Beladin, Pusa, Daro, Sebuyau, Lawas, Trusan, and Sibu, to meet growing demand for rural housing.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) general manager Datu Zaidi Mahdi.