Sarawak to collab with federal to build shared govt quarters under 13MP

KUCHING (Jan 15): The Sarawak government will work together with the federal government to develop new government quarters under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to address the shortage of accommodation for civil servants across the state.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the development, with an estimated allocation of RM4 billion, will involve shared use of facilities by both state and federal civil servants.

He said the initiative is aimed at resolving long-standing issues related to the lack and poor condition of existing government quarters, which have affected officers at various levels, including district officers (DOs), senior administrative officers (SAOs), as well as teachers, headmasters and principals.

“At the moment, there are no quarters. Even the state’s quarters are in poor condition. Our DOs and SAOs do not have quarters,” he told reporters after officiating the Digitalisation of Health Clinics Programme in Gedong.

Abang Johari said the proposed new quarters will take the form of apartment complexes equipped with modern facilities such as gyms and recreational spaces, reflecting current living standards and the needs of civil servants.

He said federal civil servants would be able to stay in the apartments by utilising their housing allowances, underscoring the collaborative approach between the two levels of government.

“Since we do not have quarters, I told the federal government, why don’t we share? They can use their housing allowance. But the facilities must be there,” he said.

Abang Johari stressed that providing adequate and comfortable housing is essential to attracting and retaining professionals, including doctors, particularly in Sarawak.

“When the facilities are there, doctors will come. It’s natural,” he said.

On whether similar quarters would be developed in interior areas, he said such efforts are already underway in several locations.

He cited Mulu, where a township centre has been developed; Limbang, where an apartment complex has been built next to the new Residents’ Office; and Jepak in Bintulu, where housing costs are relatively high.

“We provide the quarters so our civil servants will be happy,” he said, adding that improving facilities for the civil service remains a priority.

Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has agreed to work closely with the federal government on the initiative, with coordination managed through the State Secretary.

“We must improve the facilities given to our civil service. We must work together with the federal government,” he said.