HDC: RM34 mln disbursed in Bintulu under Longhouse Loan Scheme

BINTULU (Oct 3): A total of RM33,980,997.83 has been distributed to 79 longhouses in Bintulu Division under the Longhouse Loan Scheme (PPRP) from January to August this year, said Housing Development Corporation (HDC) chairman Abdul Yakup Arbi.

Speaking during a ‘Randau’ programme with longhouse chiefs and PPRP borrowers here yesterday, he said a total of RM6,942,978.33 had yet to be repaid, constituting 20.43 per cent of the total loan amount.

“As of August, this year’s total collection from borrowers in the Kakus, Jepak, Kemena and Samalaju areas, covering 1,826 units, was RM406,686,” he said.

Abdul Yakup said the PPRP was introduced by the Sarawak government to help longhouse communities enjoy a better and more comfortable life.

According to him, the scheme was introduced in 1978 with loans from the state and federal governments from 1978 to 2006.

From 2007 to 2024, the loans were funded under the Tabung Amanah Skim Pinjaman by both the federal and state governments.

“As of September this year, 24,553 units have been built, involving 1,131 longhouse projects, with a total loan amount of RM505.94 million,” he added.

For this year, he said HDC has organised several Randau programmes in all project areas of the scheme throughout Sarawak.

“These programmes aim to raise awareness, introduce new loan repayment methods, promote the loan scheme, and share information about fire insurance facilities provided by HDC.”

Abdul Yakub emphasised the importance of loan repayment among borrowers to ensure sustainability of the loan scheme and continuous support for longhouse communities.

He said in addition to collection visits, there are several new methods for repayment including thorough S Pay Global.

He added that HDC will continue to promote the loan scheme during Randau programmes, along with information about the fire insurance facilities provided by HDC.

“This insurance offers additional protection to borrowers and ensures their longhouses are protected from fire risks,” he said.