Sarawak To Embrace New Systems, Policies To Transform Housing Sector - Abang Johari

KUCHING, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government is committed to transform its housing sector through the adoption of new systems and policies, including the widespread use of Industrialised Building System (IBS) technology and a revamped funding mechanism for affordable housing.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said these reforms are crucial in ensuring the delivery of quality, efficient and sustainable housing in the state.

“In keeping with Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) and under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the Sarawak Government has announced its commitment to build 20,000 units of affordable housing from 2026 untill 2030. 

“In order to achieve this, we have had to change a number of systems and policies,” he said at the opening of the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) Property Expo, here today.

His text of speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. 

Abang Johari said IBS technology, powered by digitalisation and advanced engineering, is expected to boost process efficiency, quality and productivity, save cost, as well as reduce foreign labour and construction waste.

He said the state government has already approved the use of IBS in housing projects at the Beladin Rural Growth Centre (RGC) in Betong Division and the Trusan Village Expansion Scheme in Limbang Division.

“In addition, public building projects valued over RM10 million and infrastructure projects over RM100 million must adopt Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodologies by 2030.

“Depending on market response, we also foresee the need for public and private stakeholders to consider incorporating the financial processes of IBS into Sarawak’s Housing Ordinances and Regulations,” he said.

-- BERNAMA