Gov’t urged to replicate SPK Gedung IBS success for middle-income housing in Jepak

Iskandar Turkee

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, May 14: The Sarawak government has been urged to expand the construction of affordable housing using Industrialised Building System (IBS) technology, similar to the model implemented at SPK Gedung, to address the needs of the often overlooked middle-income (M40) group in Jepak, Bintulu.

Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee said the M40 segment frequently falls between the cracks of existing housing assistance programmes and requires targeted intervention to ensure they are not excluded from home ownership opportunities.

He proposed that future housing projects for the group adopt the IBS approach, citing the Saphire 1 model developed by the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) at SPK Gedung as a benchmark for efficiency and quality.

“The Saphire 1 model, with a built-up area of about 871.87 square feet per unit, is chosen due to strong delivery performance, given that LCDA successfully completed five expandable two-storey houses within 27 days while maintaining satisfactory workmanship standards,” he said when debating the motion of thanks on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) Sarawak’s address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

He also highlighted that the model is equipped with solar photovoltaic systems based on the Net Energy Metering (NEM) concept, enabling households to generate their own electricity, reduce reliance on the grid, and offset energy costs through credits from excess power generation.

“This initiative aligns with the Sarawak government’s broader agenda to promote renewable energy adoption, particularly solar power, as part of its push towards green development, carbon neutrality and lower living costs for middle-income households,” he added.

Beyond housing policy, Iskandar also raised concerns over delays affecting buyers of Golden Hill Villa 2 and Treetops housing projects in Bintulu, describing the situation as burdensome for affected purchasers.

He called for urgent intervention to resolve the delayed developments and urged all parties to ensure developers comply with government directives, including the formulation of a more decisive action plan to expedite project completion.

Iskandar further sought updates on the SPK Jelutong housing scheme in Jepak, asking about the status of Phase 1 applications and the number of units to be offered to applicants.

He also queried the timeline for Phase 2 development of SPK Jelutong and the expected number of units to be constructed.

In addition, he requested clarity on the Urban Development Programme involving four villages in Jepak, namely Kampung Sinong, Kampung Masjid, Kampung Datuk and Kampung Sebiew, particularly on when housing construction will commence for residents in those areas. — DayakDaily