With an allocation of RM300 million under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is targeting to construct 1,000 units of affordable houses.

Sarawak's Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the state government has launched two housing programmes to assist the low-income group in addressing their housing needs.

The two programmes, which were launched in April 2016 and February 2017, respectively, are Skim Perumahan Khas Rakyat (Spektra) and Program Rumah Spektra Permata.

According to Dr Sim, the first programme requires all private developers to build affordable houses to the suggested specifications in their development project.

"The second programme is designed to address the housing needs of the rural population with a monthly household income of RM4,000 and below, and those who have residential lots either in the Land and Survey Department's village extension scheme or Housing Development Corporation (HDC) development scheme", he said.

Dr Sim said affordable housing is a need for all races, be they in rural or urban areas.