KUCHING (Nov 10): The Sarawak government has announced a dedicated land allocation in Kuching aimed at providing affordable housing options for the B40 group, reinforcing its commitment to a more inclusive urban development approach. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted this initiative during the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda)’s Excellence Awards 2024 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Saturday night.
Abang Johari explained that the government’s policy focuses on ensuring all citizens, regardless of income level, can live within Kuching’s urban areas. He emphasized that no one, especially those in the low-income (B40) category, should be forced to relocate far from the city due to unaffordable housing.
“Our policy is one of inclusivity. We aim for a Kuching where people of all social statuses can live together,” he said. “For the B40 group, it’s essential for the government to provide assistance to enable them to own homes within urban areas.”
This affordable housing initiative aligns with a larger vision of improving the quality of life for B40 families. Proximity to reputable schools and facilities will open doors to better educational opportunities for their children, enhancing their future prospects. Abang Johari highlighted that, by 2026, Sarawak will provide tuition-free education for eligible Sarawakian students at state-owned universities, further supporting the advancement of B40 families.
In addition to the housing proposal, Abang Johari announced plans to establish a cluster for professional bodies in Kuching. This area, located near Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), will feature new headquarters for Sheda, as well as the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), the Bumiputera Engineers Association, and other key professional associations. A new route from Unimas to Pending, linking to the Sejingkat Bridge, is expected to be completed by 2026, significantly enhancing connectivity to the city center.
This initiative signifies a comprehensive approach to urban development, blending affordable housing, professional development, and enhanced infrastructure in a way that benefits the community as a whole.