Make use of Sarawak Longhouse Loan Scheme, residents urged

BINTULU: Citizens, particularly longhouse residents, are encouraged to take advantage of the Sarawak Longhouse Loan Scheme (SPRPS) to help those living in rural areas obtain comfortable housing.

Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom stated that the scheme offers interest-free loans of up to RM30,000 per door in the form of building materials to help longhouse communities build or repair their units.

He said the government is making every effort to reduce the financial burden of building homes due to high costs.

“Although this scheme is provided, do not abuse it, as many people need this assistance.

“We must ensure that aid is given to those who are truly eligible,” he explained.

He said this during a speech at the grant presentation ceremony for the Rural Transformation Project (MRP) and Sarawak’s Low-Income Housing Improvement Project (PPRMS) for the Kemena constituency, held at the Bintulu Division Agriculture Department meeting room on Thursday (July 11).

The Kemena assemblyman, however, emphasised that loan applications should be made carefully and for valid reasons.

“We must try to reduce the financial burden of building homes due to high costs. Although there are elected representatives who can support, do not take advantage of it because many need this assistance. We must ensure that aid is given to those who are truly eligible,” Dr Rundi added.

This initiative aims to ensure that every family in Sarawak has a fair opportunity to own their home, thus addressing the housing issue in the state.

During the event, Dr Rundi presented MRP grants to 26 recipients representing village development and security committees (JKKK), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), clubs, and associations, as well as PPRMS grants to ten longhouses in the Kemena constituency, totaling RM1,008,100.