Construction of 3,000 Rumah Mesra SMJ expected next year

29 September 2024

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is set to construct 3,000 units of Rumah Mesra SMJ next year to support families and individuals who currently do not own a home.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor announced that each of the 73 state constituencies in Sabah will receive an allocation of 20 SMJ houses, with plans to double this amount starting next year.

Additionally, the Chief Minister revealed that the State Government has formally requested the Federal Government to allocate 5,000 units of affordable housing under the PPR scheme (Program Perumahan Rakyat) for Sabah.

"This allocation is a critical step toward addressing the housing needs of our communities, particularly for those in the lower income groups.

"The proposed distribution of these 5,000 units includes 1,000 units each for Tawau and Sandakan and 3,000 for Kota Kinabalu. This is our commitment to ensure that every qualified Sabahan has access to affordable and quality housing," he said at the Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHAREDA) Nite 2024, held at the Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort.

Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe delivered his speech.

Hajiji urged all developers to collaborate and work together to ensure that housing solutions meet current demands and promote inclusivity and sustainability.

"The success of our initiatives relies on your innovation, commitment, and willingness to adapt to the changing needs of our communities," he said, adding that a collaboration between the Government and the private sector demonstrates a powerful synergy to create sustainable communities that cater to the needs of all income levels.

"As we navigate these changes, it is essential to recognise the complementary roles we all play. The Government is dedicated to laying down the infrastructure and supportive policies necessary for the industry's success.

"In turn, I urge you to align your projects with our broader sustainable and responsible development vision. Together, we can create housing solutions that not only address current market demands but also enhance the quality of life for our residents. Your innovation and responsiveness are crucial in this partnership," he said.

Moving forward, Hajiji said priority must be given to the sustainability of housing projects and the community's well-being.

"I urge you to incorporate sustainable practices into your developments using eco- friendly materials, promoting energy efficiency, and practising responsible land use. By committing to sustainability, we not only protect our natural resources but also enhance the livability of our state for future generations," he said.

He said SHAREDA has done well under the stewardship of President Datuk Sr Chua Soon Ping, but the Chief Minister also want to see consistency in SHAREDA's good efforts, especially in synergising their resources and forging partnerships to transform vision into reality.

"This is indeed a noble aim. And as your theme - A Night of Synergy suggested, it is imperative that you work collaboratively to create a future where every Sabahan has a place to call home, a future where communities thrive comfortably and harmoniously," he said.