A TOTAL of 2,847 low-cost houses under the People’s Housing Project (PPR) will be built this year in Lambir (500 units), Saratok (68), Sri Aman (123), Kidurong (215), Permyjaya (314), Sg Tengah II, Kuching (439), Matang Batu 9 (93), Mukah (66), Petra Jaya (196), Kanowit (98), Samarahan (303) and Tabuan Melayu, Kuching (432).

Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said of the total, 11 PPR projects (Owned) were terraced houses (2,415 units) and one PPR Project (Rented) or Flat (432 units) would be built at Kampung Tabuan Melayu in Kuching.

“The earth-breaking ceremony for the three projects at Lambir, Permyjaya and Samarahan was held recently,” he said in his winding-up speech yesterday.

He, however, said the government was aware that the number (of PPR housing units) would not be able to meet the demand in view of the growing population, rapid migration and economic development.

Nevertheless, he said his ministry would continue in its effort to obtain larger allocation from the federal government to build more affordable housing units in the future, in addition to carrying out long-term planning for housing development throughout the state.

( Source : Borneo Post Online , 29 May 2013 )