Ewon goes on the ground to assess SMJ housing needs in Kadamaian

31 January 2026

KOTA BELUD: The Kadamaian State Assemblyman (ADUN), Datuk Ewon Benedick, today spent a full day on the ground personally inspecting applications for the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Housing Scheme submitted to the Kadamaian Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) Office.

He said the visit gave him the opportunity to meet applicant families directly and to see for himself the condition of their current homes.

“Today, together with UPPM Kadamaian, I inspected seven houses in the Kadamaian area, namely in Kampung Tombulion, Kampung Piasau, Kampung Rangalau, Kampung Bukid, Kampung Tegudon, Kampung Rangalau and Kampung Kelawat Pekan, to assess their conditions firsthand.

“During this visit, several houses were found to be in very poor condition, and some were occupied by more than 10 people, including parents, children and married grandchildren.

“There are children who are still in school, and the cramped and dilapidated condition of their homes poses a major challenge for them in studying and completing their schoolwork,” he said.

In this regard, Ewon reaffirmed the Sabah Government’s commitment to providing SMJ houses to families who are genuinely in need.

According to him, each State Assembly constituency has been allocated 50 SMJ houses this year. However, additional needs, particularly involving families living in three-generation households, will continue to be brought forward for consideration by the state government.

“For this year, a total of 50 new SMJ houses will be built in the Kadamaian constituency, and it is hoped that implementation can begin as soon as possible.

“If there is a need for additional houses, it is certainly my responsibility to discuss the matter with the Chief Minister of Sabah, as Kadamaian is among the constituencies that are in great need of assistance for the construction of new homes,” he said.

As the Kadamaian ADUN, he said housing issues are among his personal priorities in highlighting the hardships faced by low-income families in the area.

“The SMJ Housing Programme has been implemented for several years,” he said, adding that the construction of SMJ houses includes basic utility facilities such as water and electricity supply.

“However, there are additional applications related to the installation of electricity poles and power connections for new houses located far from existing supply sources.

“This matter will be assisted as far as possible through the ADUN’s allocation,” Ewon said.