50 SMJ houses in Kadamaian should be completed this year: Ewon

28 March 2026

KOTA BELUD: Kadamaian State Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick, aims to have all 50 units of Rumah Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) in the Kadamaian constituency completed this year to provide comfort for families in need.

Ewon, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET), said that a joint survey with the Kadamaian Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) found that all families who applied are eligible to receive assistance.

He added that some applicants are registered in e-Kasih, while others have lost their homes due to fires or natural disasters such as landslides.

“There are also families living with siblings, each with their own family, totaling 22 people in a small house. This clearly indicates an urgent need for SMJ houses for those who truly require them,” he said.

He stated this during a press interview after visiting applicants’ homes in Kampung Lasou Minunsud, Kampung Lasou Podi, and Kampung Wani, Mukim Lasau, Kadamaian, yesterday.

Ewon said that the outreach approach was implemented to assess the applications personally and ensure that assistance is given transparently to those who are eligible.

“Many applications have been received from each village, but we will ensure that at least one truly eligible family in each village receives an SMJ house,” he said.

He further added that the main criteria for selection include families registered in e-Kasih, having members with disabilities (OKU), disaster victims, and those living in cramped conditions or in dilapidated homes.

Additionally, he said, 10 units from this year’s quota are allocated to newlyweds as part of the state government’s new initiative.

Ewon stated that the demand for SMJ houses in Kadamaian is higher compared to other areas, especially involving the construction of homes on private land. Therefore, he will submit an additional application to the state government once all existing quotas are fulfilled.

He hopes that the SMJ housing assistance will provide comfort to recipients, especially by offering better spaces for children’s learning and enabling families to build a more stable life.

In the same vein, he mentioned that Mukim Lasau is one of the largest areas in Kadamaian that requires development attention, including infrastructure, agriculture, and land ownership under the PANTAS programme.

He said various facilities have been provided, including the construction of community halls and concrete roads, but development efforts will continue to be strengthened.

“I give my assurance that no area will be left behind in the Kadamaian Development Plan,” he said.