The Effects of Poverty to Housing Condition : Case Study of Kampung Sentosa, Sibu, Sarawak

Poverty is defined as material and non-material dimensions. Non-material dimensions arerelated to spiritual aspect such as empowerment, self-determination, and freedom, while material dimensions are quantified using income and assets, such as quality and conditions of housing. Housing is one of the basic human needs. This paper examined the relationship between poverty and housing condition in Kampung Sentosa, Sibu, Sarawak. It is one of the state government resettlement village initiatives to provide designated housing lots for squatters. The objective of the resettlement scheme is to provide a better planned and legal leasehold of the lands, where the lot owners can build their own houses. Although the government has provided new resettlement, however, the problem of poverty persists, which is reflected by the conditions of the houses. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to find out the unliveable conditions of the houses and causes of defects and its effects on the occupants. The study employs through a qualitative approach by in -depth interviews and observation. Seven respondents were chosen for the study. The respondents were chosen based on the unliveable conditions of their dwellings. The findings show that the condition of the houses is mainly dilapidated due to a lack of maintenance and repair. There are also problems of overcrowding and illegal extensions to cater for growing and extended families. The area also faces regular flooding due to drainage and soil problems. Poverty is caused by lack of employment opportunities, low level of education and health problems. Although the resettlement solves squatter issues, future resettlement programme should include an integrated provision of economic opportunity to break the poor from the poverty cycle. The study is significant to guide policy-makers in other future planning of resettlement for the poor. Keywords: Housing, Kampung Sentosa, Poverty, Sarawak, Sib