Dr Sim warns of abuse in Sarawak affordable housing schemes

KUCHING (April 4): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has raised concerns over the abuse of affordable housing schemes in Sarawak, stressing that stricter measures are being considered to curb such practices.

He said while the state government remains committed to helping Sarawakians own homes, there have been cases where recipients rent out or even sell their subsidised houses.

“These are unfortunate cases. We are helping people to build homes, but some are finding ways to bypass the rules,” he told reporters at the Mutiara Mortgage & Credit Sdn Bhd (Mutiara) Open Day 2026 held at the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) building here on Saturday.

Dr Sim noted that despite conditions prohibiting the sale of such homes within a stipulated period, some irresponsible individuals circumvent the rules by entering into separate agreements.

“That is why I said we do not want people to abuse the system. We help with sincerity, and that sincerity must be reciprocated.

“If you exploit the system, you are not just cheating the government—you are also acting dishonestly at a moral level. We do not want that to happen,” he said.

He added that enforcement action would be taken as a last resort, while the relevant ministry is currently reviewing policies and refining mechanisms to close existing loopholes.

Earlier, the event saw recipients receiving offer letters for Rumah Spektra Mutiara (RSM) and mock cheques under the Housing Deposit and Repayment Assistance Scheme (HDRAS).

Dr Sim said these initiatives form part of the Sarawak government’s efforts to secure the future and wellbeing of Sarawak-born residents.

“A total of seven recipients received their financing offer letters under the RSM project today.

“To date, a total of 3,115 applicants have benefited from HDRAS subsidies,” he said when delivering his speech.

He also noted that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), the state government is targeting the construction of 200,000 new housing units by 2030 to meet growing demand for affordable housing.

“We are putting in serious effort into affordable housing because housing is a basic need. Everyone needs a roof over their heads,” he added.

Among those present were Sarawak Financial Secretary and Mutiara chairman Dato’ Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Mutiara chief executive officer Awang Irwan Awang Shawal, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datu permanent secretary Elizabeth Loh, and HDC chief executive officer Fathi Hambali.