Bau: Mas Gading MP, Mordi Bimol, has emphasised that the implementation of the Prosperous People’s Housing Programme (PPRS) in Sarawak must be more transparent, well-organised, and balanced to ensure that every rural family, especially those in remote areas, benefits fairly from development initiatives.
He noted that although Sarawak is the second-highest recipient of allocations under the program after Sabah, challenges remain in implementation at the grassroots level.
“The government’s data-driven approach, which considers poverty incidence. However, the reality on the ground shows ongoing issues with transparency and equitable distribution of assistance,” he said in a statement.
In a recent oral reply in Parliament, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) explained that PPRS allocations are approved by the Ministry of Economy based on local socioeconomic data.
For the period 2020–2025, a total of RM2.22 billion has been allocated nationwide for the construction of 13,786 new homes and 66,663 home renovations.
Sarawak received RM542.75 million, covering 3,408 new homes and 14,744 renovations, while the Mas Gading parliamentary area, comprising Bau and Lundu districts, received RM12.79 million for 95 new homes and 331 renovations.
Despite these figures reflecting significant government commitment, Mordi highlighted complaints from rural residents that the process for selecting beneficiaries remains unclear and inconsistent.
“Several remote areas still lack adequate attention, even though residents are classified as hardcore poor or living in dilapidated homes,” he added.
Mordi stressed the need to strengthen monitoring and implementation mechanisms at the grassroots level, ensuring central government policies translate into tangible, fair outcomes.
He urged KKDW and implementing agencies such as KEMAS, District Offices, and Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) to enhance the selection, verification, and monitoring processes to ensure that program benefits reach rural households fairly and effectively.
He also proposed that the ministry publish annual progress reports for each state and parliamentary area to increase public accountability and trust in the program’s implementation.
“The government must ensure no rural family is left behind in accessing safe, comfortable, and dignified housing in line with balanced regional development and the objectives of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which emphasises people’s well-being as a cornerstone of national development,” he concluded.
