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Minister of Housing, Datuk Amar Abang Johari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg, said his Ministry will work with the Federal Ministry of Rural and Regional Development in implementing longhouse projects in the state.

Under the federal government hardcore poverty eradication programme, he said the Ministry of Rural and Regional Develoopment had requested the Ministry of Housing to help build not only PPRT houses (Housing Programme for the Hardcore Poor) but also longhouses.

“Because Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has the experience in implementing longhouse project with standard design, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development has requested my Ministry to assist in implementing the development of these longhouse projects,” he said when asked to comment on the federal government’s allocation of RM102 million for building houses and longhouses in Sarawak.

Rural and Regional Development Minister, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib, in a statement in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday, said that the federal government had allocated RM202 million on projects to build 5,050 houses and longhouses for hardcore poor families in Sabah and Sarawak.

He said of the allocation, RM102 million would be used for 2,550 houses in Sarawak, while the remainder RM100 million for 2,500 houses in Sabah under the housing aid programme (PBR).

“The projects will include 145 longhouses worth RM6.38 million at Sedeku Baru and Batang Lupar and eight longhouses worth RM6.4 million at Limbang, Miri, Bintulu, Kapit, Mukah, Sarikei, Betong and Sri Aman, destroyed in a fire recently,” he was quoted in the statement.
Muhammad Muhd Taib said his Ministry would discuss with the Sarawak Public Works and Housing Development Corporation on the standard plan for longhouses.
Commenting on the RM102 million allocation from the federal govern ment, Johari said,”It is good. We are very thankful because now we can assist the poor community especially the community in the rural areas.”

“Actually, we want to build modern longhouses. The longhouse to be built will be according to standard design so that they will not be destroyed by fire again. Secondly, we want to build longhouses that are comfortable for the dwellers,” he said.

“That is why the Chief Minister has directed my Ministry, the Ministry of Planning and Resource Management and also Majlis Adat Istiadat to hold a seminar about the new concept of longhouses and eventually will also be related to issuance of title to the owners.

“This is a new concept and need to be debated and discussed among Dayak community leaders and also with the Land and Survey Department,” he said.

As to when the seminar will be held, he said it would be within these few months.
“We are still in the process of planning it. It will involve the Ministry of Planning and Resource Management, the Ministry and Majlis Adat Istiadat, he said, when interviewed by reporters at the opening of Kafe Riang at Lot 5, Sukma Commercial Centre, Jalan Sultan Tengah here Sunday night.

Kafe Riang’s owner Mohd Shukri said the outlet started operation in January this year. “It is based on the concept of partnership where spaces are allocated to stall holder to operate.”
He disclosed at present there were seven stalls selling Roti Canai, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Ayam Salad, Nasi Ayam Penyet, Nasi Goreng Kampung, Laksa Inot, Mee Jawa, Mee Sapi and other types of food.

According to him, there is also plan to operate satay and ‘ayam pagang’ stalls at night.
Johari congratulated Mohd Shukri for venturing out to set up the business.
He said more members of the Bumiputera community should venture into business.