DALAT – A total of 39 Spektra Permata homes have been developed in Dalat to support low-income families in securing affordable and comfortable housing. The initiative is part of the Sarawak government’s wider housing strategy aimed at assisting the B40 and M40 groups.
The houses, each built on an 800-square-foot plot, feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and a carport. Designed with a modern yet practical layout, the units are intended to provide long-term stability for families in need.
According to Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister for Women, Children and Community Wellbeing, 30 units have already been completed, with 20 families receiving their keys during a recent handover ceremony. She noted that most recipients are from the local Melanau community, with average household incomes of around RM4,000 per month.
The Dalat State Assemblywoman explained that the homes are priced between RM90,000 and RM160,000, with monthly instalments as low as RM300 to RM350. Financing is facilitated by Mutiara Mortgage & Credit Sdn Bhd, while the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) covers the initial land premium, which is later repaid by homeowners over 25 years at a low interest rate of three percent.
Beneficiaries are also entitled to the Housing Deposit Assistance and Refund Scheme (HDRAS), which provides up to RM10,000 in support for first-time buyers. This scheme, introduced by the state government, is designed to ease the financial burden of deposits and encourage homeownership among lower-income groups.
Abdul Yakub Arbi, Balingian Assemblyman and HDC Chairman, highlighted that the Dalat project forms part of a larger state-wide effort. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a total of 3,158 Spektra Permata units are scheduled for construction across Sarawak, with 1,586 already completed. In Mukah Division alone, 103 units have been delivered, with another 73 expected before the end of the plan.
He stressed that such projects not only provide housing but also stimulate economic activity through construction, materials supply, and related services. “These developments contribute to building a more resilient and prosperous community,” he said.
The Spektra Permata initiative, first launched in 2017, has been recognised as a cornerstone of Sarawak’s affordable housing policy. It prioritises families without existing property and offers flexible financing options to ensure accessibility.
The ceremony was also attended by Mukah Division Resident Datu Kueh Lei Poh, HDC Chief Executive Officer Fathi Hambali, and Mutiara Mortgage & Credit CEO Awang Irwan Awang Shawal, underscoring the collaborative effort between government agencies and financial institutions in delivering the project.
With demand for affordable housing continuing to rise, the Dalat development reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring that more Sarawakians can achieve home ownership, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas.
