NEW HOMES BRING RELIEF, HOPE TO LABUAN'S B40 COMMUNITY

LABUAN, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- After years of anticipation, a long-awaited moment has finally arrived for Labuan’s low-income B40 families. 

Next month (October), they will move into their new homes under the Program Residensi Rakyat (PRR) - the first affordable housing initiative launched by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing on this duty-free island.

The RM119 million PRR Batu Arang, Tanjung Aru project, which began in 2018, faced delays due to the pandemic but was completed in August this year, offering long overdue relief to families in need of stable, affordable housing.

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On Sept 17, Local Government and Housing Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, officially 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 deep relief and gratitude after years of seeking stability.

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“It’s been a long wait, but now 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 at Taman Mutiara with his wife.

“The delays were hard, but the wait was worth it,” he said.

For 30-year-old Azra Azura Hussein, the new home marks a fresh start.

“We’ve struggled with unstable housing for years, and this is a new chapter,” she said, adding that the PRR project is crucial for addressing Labuan’s B40 housing needs.

She added that the project highlights the government's dedication to supporting low-income families with affordable housing solutions and a brighter future for Labuan's B40 community.

The project features two 13-storey blocks with 500 units, each offering 700 sq ft, three-bedroom apartments. It also includes a community hall, surau, kindergarten, shophouses and a playground, enhancing the living experience for residents.

--BERNAMA