KUCHING: More affordable houses will be built to cater to the lower income group in the state following the allocation of additional funds under the Ninth Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review.

State Housing Minister Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Openg said unlike the other sectors where projects were being shelved, the construction of affordable houses would be stepped up.

"The prime minster (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) has continued to give allocations for the housing sector to cushion the impact of escalating cost of living.

"The subsidy for low-cost housing is also being increased and we will construct more houses for the lower income group.

"We must thank the federal government for this."
All government housing projects in Sibu, Miri and Bintulu under the 9MP would proceed as planned and additional projects would be implemented in other areas, Abang Johari added.

Speaking after opening the 2008 Evidence Based Nursing Conference here yesterday, the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu deputy president said, apart from funds for housing, Sarawak had also been allocated an additional RM1 billion as promised by the prime minister during his visit here early this month.

Abang Johari said the additional funds could be used to cushion the impact of the fuel price hike which was taking a toll on the people.

On fears of an increase in the prices of houses, he advised the people not to be unduly worried as the government was taking necessary measures to minimise the effects of higher prices of building material.

Abang Johari welcomed the focus on expanding rural road networks and the emphasis on improving rural schools in Sabah and Sarawak under the 9MP.