BETONG – A state government initiative designed to improve rural housing has now facilitated the construction or upgrade of more than 25,000 longhouse units across Sarawak.
The Longhouse Loan Scheme, administered by the Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC), has approved a total of RM481.45 million in financing since its inception in 1978.
As of August 2025, the funds have been allocated across 1,174 projects, encompassing 25,228 individual doors.
The program’s reach and ongoing importance were highlighted during a recent community engagement event in Betong.
HDC Chairman Abdul Yakub Arbi, who is also the Balingian Assemblyman, officiated the gathering at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall.
He stated that the scheme is a cornerstone of the government’s long-term strategy to provide secure, comfortable, and modern housing for the longhouse community while simultaneously preserving a vital cultural heritage.
The event served as a platform to educate borrowers on their responsibilities. Officials emphasized the critical nature of consistent loan repayment and introduced new, flexible payment channels to simplify the process.
These now include digital options like JomPay, Sarawak Pay, and Service Sarawak, as well as kiosks at Urban and Rural Transformation Centres (UTCs and RTCs).
A key component of the awareness campaign involved detailed information on the fire insurance facilities provided through HDC.
A dialogue session allowed longhouse residents and community leaders (Tuai Rumah) to engage directly with HDC representatives, seeking clarification on the scheme’s terms and benefits.
In recognition of exemplary financial responsibility, seven longhouses were presented with certificates for maintaining outstanding repayment records.