KUCHING: The rise in rural-to-urban migration has necessitated the need for more affordable housing, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the Sarawak government is aware of the situation and is working towards resolving it through various measures.

“In any urbanisation (process), housing is the key in order to provide the social services required by the people. We need to provide affordable housing.

“That is why land premium has been lowered last year to RM2,500 for one lot. This has been implemented in resettlement schemes where landowners can develop their own houses with infrastructure development such as roads and drainage provided by the government,” he said at the Gawai Ngiling Bidai celebration organised by Iban community leaders and village chiefs in Kuching division on Tuesday night.

He said in Kuching, areas that have been identified for affordable housing are Stapok, Sungai Maong and Segedup, as well as some in Batu Kawa.

Squatters, he added, will be given priority to get lots at these schemes.

“The GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government has also set up a finance company called ‘Mutiara Mortgage and Finance’ to provide housing loans to the lower income group.”