Premier wants Sheda to watch financial sector in next 6 months to formulate road map, tackle wish list

Group photo of Abang Johari with Sheda's developers, members, and award recipients at the Sheda Annual Dinner & Excellence Awards 2023 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Nov 25, 2023. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (JaPen)

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, NOV 26: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg wants the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) to watch the financial sector in the next six months to create a road map for them and tackle their wish list.

In his speech during the Sheda Annual Dinner & Excellence Awards 2023 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching last night (Nov 25), the Premier also suggested that the Sheda’s wish list be dealt in a package.

Among the list, he revealed that Sheda is advocating for the Sarawak government to increase the household income threshold to RM15,000 per month, increase the housing deposit and repayment scheme (HDRAS) financial assistance to 10 per cent of the sales and purchase agreement (SPA) price, and allow purchasers to use HDRAS grants to purchase properties from the open market.

“Sheda also requested an upward revision of the selling price of Sri Pertiwi Housing to reflect market conditions and supply availability. They also suggested federal financing for Sarawak housing should be channelled directly through the Ministry of Public Health and Local Government and bridging financing for private developers through Mutiara Mortgage and Credit,” he stated.

“I cannot respond individually, but we look at it as a package, including your affordable housing, your threshold, plus your bridging finance,” he said.

He also added that Sheda needs a solid financial institution to back them up because Mutiara Mortgage is only interim on the government’s part to help the B40 group, while Sheda is across the board.

He also appreciated Sheda for cooperating with the government and understanding its policies.

“As your head of the government, I will try to find another innovative approach to spur our housing industry not only for our local buyers but also for the foreign buyers who want to invest in Sarawak and purchase houses.

“We will try to explore another revenue stream for Sarawak,” he said.

Abang Johari’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Michael Tiang; Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar; Sheda president Augustine Wong; event organising chairman Dato Bobby Ting; and Sheda secretary-general Angie Kueh were also present. — DayakDaily