KUCHING: The government is looking at short term and long term measure to address housing woes among the population in Petra Jaya, particularly the lower income group and younger generations in Samariang.

Sharifah Hasidah handing over payment for installation of Service Line and cost of earthing and electrical cut off fuse for 52 applicants of Skim Rumah Mesra Rakyat 1Malaysia (RMR1M) to HDC Sarawak chief executive officer Mohamad Asman Ahmad witnessed by HDC engineer Abang Mahathir Abang Mohd Omar.

Assistant Minister of Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring, Sharifah HasidahSayeedAmanGhazali told The Borneo Post that the government is currently working very closely with Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to provide more affordable houses in Petra Jaya area.

“We will continue to work together with HDC, especially now I am still in discussion with HDC to look into solution for the housing woes among the squatters in my area. We are looking at immediate solution and long term solution,” she said.

Earlier, Sharifah Hasidah had a discussion with HDC Sarawak chief executive officer Mohamad Asman Ahmad and his officials who paid a courtesy call to her office at Sarawak Legislative Assembly building here on, Nov 14.

“The discussion with CEO of HDC and his officers also evolve around housing issues within N7 Samariang,” she admitted. Sharifah Hasidah is the state assemblywoman for Samariang.

The assistant minister also took the opportunity to thank HDC for improving the delivery services in her area when it really matters.

“Thank you very much for the help, especially in Sungai Midin project which has been completed and the Rakyat are very happy. HDC helped me a lot in Sungai Midin to get the power and water supply, smooth delivery of the project to help the needy people to have their own houses,” she explained.

Sharifah Hasidah was also happy to note that Taman Sourabaya Height project, is progressing well on schedule to further compliment the needs for more affordable houses in Petra Jaya area.

“Double storey terraced and semi D at a price much lower than market price, which will make the property affordable to the young people of Petra Jaya area,” she said.

Shariah Hasidah also pledged to continue working with HDC, adding she is still in discussion with HDC to look into solution for the housing woes among the squatters in her area.

Meanwhile, Sourabaya Height, an affordable housing scheme (RMM) along JalanBako here, is expected to fulfil the local housing demand upon its completion.

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Sarawak chief executive officer Mohamad Asman Ahmad said the project is in line with the Sarawak government’s vision to provide more affordable housing in the state.

“Sourabaya Height is a housing development project under HDC Sarawak involving the construction of 236 double-storey terrace units and 14 double-story semi-detached units.

“Construction is now in progress and the project is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2019,” he said.

He noted that Sourabaya Height is expected to be well-received particularly among the communities around Petra Jaya due to its strategic location.

“It is located near basic facilities such as schools, clinics, supermarkets, places of worship, libraries as well as places of recreation.”

Apart from that, Asman said the upcoming housing development is also situated near the Darul Hana development project which is expected to drive up the property value in the future.

“I am confident that anyone who is planning to purchase a house around Petra Jaya area will consider the Sourabaya Height RMM project.”

He also gave his assurance that HDC will continue to develop affordable properties and will introduce more attractive and innovative products to the community.