Rental assistance scheme extended to Samarahan

THE Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS) will be extended to the Samarahan district to address the escalating cost of living and the influx into the area.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the expansion aligns with the existing provision in the four major towns and cities namely, Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, which ensures broader support for residents seeking relief. 

“Considering the parity between median incomes and expenses in Samarahan compared to the city of Kuching, as reported by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), it is evident that the challenge of living in Samarahan mirrors that of urban centres. 

“Coupled with rapid development and burgeoning job opportunities, this magnetic pull understandably encourages Sarawakians to relocate and settle in Samarahan permanently or through rental arrangements. 

“Thus, I am happy to announce the extension of the SRAS to the Samarahan area,” he said. 

Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Tuesday. 

The SRAS was introduced in 2021 to assist low-income groups and reduce the cost of living in major towns such as Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri. 

Under this scheme, eligible married applicants with monthly household income of RM3,500 or below or single working applicants with monthly income of RM2,500 and below will receive a monthly rental assistance of RM200 per month for a maximum of 36 months. 

“Recognising the challenges faced by citizens in meeting their living expenses, especially in urban settings, I am also delighted to declare an increase in the monthly household income qualification to RM4,556 for married individuals, widows or widowers, or working singles. 

“These reforms aim to widen the scope of eligible recipients beyond B40 (Group B1-B4) to include Group M1 of M40 in selected districts, mitigating their financial burdens amidst urban challenges,” he said. 

Dr Sim added an allocation of RM48 million has been approved for the SRAS initiative. 

“As of October 31, the SRAS Selection Committee has approved 2,104 new applications covering 1,484 applicants from Kuching, 235 applicants from Sibu, 311 applicants from Bintulu and 74 applicants from Miri,” he said. 

He said there are a total of 663 tenancy renewal applications covering 383 tenants from Kuching, 104 tenants from Sibu, 157 tenants from Bintulu and 19 tenants form Miri. 

“While, the total lock amount for new and renewal applications is RM15.57 million from 2022 to 2024,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang while welcoming the enhancement of the SRAS, said the SRAS has been extended to Samarahan district to cushion the high living cost in Samarahan district which is almost equal with Kuching district. 

“Samarahan district is rapidly developing, this creates job opportunities that attract Sarawakians to migrate and stay in Samarahan district,” he said in a press conference at the DUN Complex. 

He added Saramahan has a population of 128,284 and 73.9 per cent are those in the working sector.