MIRI: The state government has kickstarted a set of key development initiatives for Sarawakians – the most notable among these is to build low-cost houses that cost under RM150,000 each.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg launched the state-level initiatives, dubbed "Initiative Team Abang Jo" in a ceremony in Miri on Monday (Jan 14).

Johari later said Sarawak would have its own low-cost housing schemes as homes built by the Federal Government are too costly.

"The affordable houses built by the Federal Government under the national housing policy costs about RM300,000 per unit. That is too costly for many people in Sarawak.

"We at the state government have decided that we must initiate our own low-cost housing projects that are truly affordable for ordinary rakyat.

"We will start pilot projects this year in five locations – two in Kuching and one each in Miri, Sibu and Bintulu.

"This year, we target to build at least 2,000 units with each priced from RM90,000 to RM150,000 only," he said.

Those eligible are those with a household monthly income of RM800 to RM2,500, he said.

Johari said other key initiatives included implementing 324 grassroots projects state-wide for socio-economic among the rakyat.

A total of RM6.24bil has been allocated for these projects, he said.

Johari earlier held a development meeting with several State Cabinet ministers to discuss the latest developments in infrastructure development, coastal roads and bridge projects, water and electricity supply projects and agriculture development projects.

Several state ministers attended the event, including State Family, Women and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, State Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and State Public Utilities Minister Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.