Sarawak’s RM242 mln SPS, SPK projects to provide 2,761 housing lots, seven to complete by end-2026

An infographic on the development of Resettlement Scheme and Village Expansion Scheme in Sarawak.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, May 20: Seven more projects under the Resettlement Scheme (SPS) and Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, as Sarawak continues to advance its rural housing agenda under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which comprises 28 approved projects worth RM242.48 million and will deliver 2,761 residential lots for rural and low-income communities across the State.

Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said the SPS and SPK programmes, which have been implemented since the Fourth Malaysia Plan (4MP), reflect the Sarawak government’s long-standing commitment to supporting low-income households in securing land for housing.

“Of the total of 28 SPS and SPK projects approved under 13MP up to April 30, 2026, three have been fully completed according to the development scope, seven are scheduled for completion by end-2026, 11 are expected to be completed by end-2027, while the remaining seven projects will continue implementation until the end of 13MP,” he disclosed during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting today.

Awang Tengah, who is also Deputy Premier, emphasised that SPS and SPK initiatives are key components of Sarawak’s broader rural development agenda, aimed at improving living conditions and ensuring more equitable access to basic infrastructure for communities across the state.

“Since 2018, the policy has been further strengthened under the leadership of the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, with the introduction of improved infrastructure standards for SPS and SPK developments,” he said.

These include paved roads, concrete drains, demarcated and filled lots, as well as complete water and electricity reticulation systems, with an estimated development cost of not less than RM150,000 per lot.

“Despite the enhanced infrastructure, the land premium for each lot remains capped at a maximum of RM2,500, with flexible instalment payments allowed for up to 10 years, reflecting the government’s continued focus on affordability,” he added. — DayakDaily