THE Housing Ministry has introduced a new concept for longhouses issued with individual titles under the Mesra Rakyat Longhouse Loan Scheme.

Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the scheme is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year with the pilot project being Rumah Collin, Bakong in Miri, which has since received approval for an allocation of RM2 million from the federal government.

“This scheme will also provide funding for the construction of longhouses with the objectives of increasing the level and quality of life of the rural communities, improving social development in rural areas and creating a better, safe and comfortable home environment for the longhouse residents,” he said in his winding-up speech yesterday.

“The new concept of this longhouse will be a one-floor concrete building comprising three bedrooms, toilet, kitchen or dining room, family room as well as a ruai to retain the traditional elements of a longhouse.”

Presently, a topographical survey of the land is being carried out whereas project tender documents will be prepared by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for the procurement process of the Rumah Collin project.

“As of now, my ministry is currently focusing on the implementation of this new scheme for Rumah Collin considering that the allocation provided is quite limited,” he said.

“At the same time, being a pilot project, we would like to observe the performance of loan applicants and the progress of this project before it is extended to other areas.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing through HDC has approved grants amounting to RM10.2 million to 1,020 applicants from 40 longhouses this year.

Abang Johari said each grant of a maximum RM10,000 was for the construction, reconstruction and repair of each bilik in the longhouse.

“To continue these efforts, my ministry has also submitted an application to the federal government requesting for an allocation of RM10 million a year,” he said.

( Source : Borneo Post Online , 29 May 2013 )