LABUAN: After years of anticipation, a long-awaited moment has finally arrived for Labuan’s low- income B40 families.
Next month, they will move into their new homes under the People’s Residency Programme (PRR) – the first affordable housing initiative launched by the Housing and Local Government Ministry on this duty-free island.
The RM119mil PRR Batu Arang, Tanjung Aru project, which began in 2018, faced delays due to the pandemic but was completed last month, offering long overdue relief to families in need of stable and affordable housing.
On Tuesday, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu handed over the keys to these new homes to the deserving families.
For the new residents, receiving the keys was more than just a gesture – it marked the end of a long struggle for affordable and secure housing.
Among the recipients was 66-year-old retiree Jolkifli @ Zukkeflee Abdullah, who expressed relief and gratitude after years of seeking stability.
“It’s been a long wait, but I finally have the security I need in my retirement,” he told Bernama, sharing his joy at no longer having to rent while living with his daughter.
Similarly, 63-year-old retiree Chan Che Kong found peace in homeownership after struggling to afford rent in Taman Mutiara with his wife.
“The delays were hard, but the wait was worth it,” he said.
For Azra Azura Hussein, 30, the new home marks a fresh start.
“We’ve struggled with unstable housing for years and this is a new chapter,” she said.
The project features two 13-storey blocks with 500 units, each offering 700sq ft, three-bedroom apartments.
It also includes a community hall, surau, kindergarten, shophouses and a playground, enhancing the living experience for residents.
