MARUDI: The construction of longhouses here is a key focus among elected representatives to ensure rural communities are not left behind in the state’s development and progress.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, said the initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to improving the well-being of the people, particularly those in rural areas.
He explained that the new longhouses will replace aging and dilapidated structures with modern, concrete-based designs.
“This initiative not only enhances the comfort of residents but also ensures the long-term safety and durability of the longhouses,” he said recently.
Earlier, he conducted a working visit to Kampung Sungai Babi, Marudi, to inspect the construction of a new longhouse at Rumah Enjop.
The project is supported by government allocations through the Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant and the Mulu Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), which includes RM80,000 for site levelling and RM50,000 from a Housing Development Corporation (HDC) loan.
Each of the 27 households in the longhouse received RM3,000 in assistance.
The Mulu assemblyman also visited Rumah Billy in Sungai Engkaras and announced a contribution of RM3,000 for each ‘pintu’ (household unit) along with an additional RM100,000 to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) for land reclamation work and building materials.
He also officiated Rumah Sumbang Embam longhouse in Stapang E, Baram, now home to 116 residents after five years of construction.
Gerawat commended the strong sense of community unity and announced an allocation of RM15,000 from the MRP grant for tile purchases and RM5,000 to support the ceremony.
During the visit, Gerawat also said that the government is offering housing loans of up to RM50,000 through HDC for house repairs or new constructions, while encouraging the younger generation to take part in the ongoing development of longhouses.
