Sarawak approves 60 additional Rumah Spektra Permata in Santubong

KUCHING (Feb 13): The Sarawak government has approved the development of 60 additional Rumah Spektra Permata (RSP) units on a 15-acre site in Santubong, doubling the total number of homes in the area to approximately 120.

The expansion is part of the state’s ongoing initiative to increase access to affordable, planned housing.

Each unit is priced at RM160,000, with recipients eligible for government-assisted deposit and repayment schemes.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project will be implemented in phases, integrated with infrastructure developments such as a new road that will unlock further potential for future housing.

“Once this road is completed, we will have more space to develop additional housing projects nearby,” Abang Johari told reporters at the RSP Santubong project site after officiating the key handover ceremony.

He estimated that between 500 and 1,000 units could potentially be developed in the future, depending on site suitability and planning.

Abang Johari emphasised that the housing strategy targets both the B40 and M40 groups to ensure an inclusive approach to urban development.

“The state government needs to plan for a range of house prices that are suitable for residents, especially with rising living costs and loan rates,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of supporting suburban areas like Santubong with adequate public transport and accessibility to maintain property value and livability.

The Premier highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including a four-lane road from the Yayasan Sarawak roundabout to Pantai Damai, the Santubong Bridge, and dedicated lanes for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), bicycles, and motorcycles.

These improvements aim to enhance connectivity to Buntal and Bako, with further links to the airport and seaport.

“The next three years may see heavy construction and traffic, but this is for the long-term development of the area.

“Santubong will eventually become a premier part of Kuching City, complete with an archaeological park and a jetty for cruise ships,” he said.

Meanwhile, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Chief Executive Officer Fathi Hambali said the corporation is committed to ensuring the RSP Santubong project is implemented on schedule and meets state quality standards.

A total of 53 residents received the keys to their new homes during the ceremony. Each 800-square-foot house features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, and car porch, constructed using the Industrialised Building System (IBS) for better efficiency.

The RM17.2 million project involves 62 units under the Santubong Village Expansion Scheme (SPK), which was implemented by HDC in June 2023 and completed on Oct 15 last year.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman; and HDC chairman Abdul Yakub Arbi.