Rumah Spektra Mutiara initiative to boost affordable homeownership in Sarawak, says CEO
by Aliah Abdullah · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (April 4): The new Rumah Spektra Mutiara (RSM) initiative — a strategic collaboration between Mutiara Mortgage & Credit Sdn Bhd (Mutiara) and local authorities — is set to enhance access to affordable homeownership in Sarawak.
Mutiara chief executive officer Awang Irwan Awang Shawal said the initiative is coordinated by the State Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, with local councils leading the development and construction of housing units.
“Meanwhile, Mutiara provides financing solutions for eligible homebuyers,” he said at the Mutiara Open Day 2026 held at the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) building here.
During the event, seven recipients received financing offer letters under the RSM pilot project implemented in collaboration with Majlis Perbandaran Kota Samarahan (MPKS), marking the first project under the initiative.
“We hope this pilot will serve as a strong foundation for wider implementation across Sarawak,” he added.
Awang Irwan said the initiative complements existing efforts such as the Housing Deposit and Repayment Assistance Scheme (HDRAS), which provides RM10,000 in deposit assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers from the B40 and M40 groups.
“Since its introduction in 2022, HDRAS has benefited 3,115 applicants, with total assistance amounting to RM30.1 million,” he said.
He added that Mutiara has approved 2,480 financing applications to date, with a total value of RM209 million, reflecting growing demand for accessible housing financing.
Awang Irwan said these initiatives underscore Mutiara’s commitment to strengthening the housing delivery ecosystem through strategic partnerships, while providing more Sarawakians with a clearer pathway to homeownership.
“In line with Mutiara’s Strategic Roadmap 2026–2030, this reflects our belief that meaningful progress in housing delivery requires strong partnerships, shared responsibility and a coordinated approach among all stakeholders,” he said.
Also present at the open day were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Financial Secretary and Mutiara Chairman Dato’ Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, State Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datu permanent secretary Elizabeth Loh, and HDC chief executive officer Fathi Hambali.