SMJ Homes for the Newly Married Next Year

5 October 2025

PITAS: The State Government is stepping up efforts to support newlyweds by increasing Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) allocations to 50 units per constituency next year.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor in announcing this said this would bring the total number of SMJ Friendly Homes to 50 units per constituency from next year, compared to 40 units this year.

“Previously, there were only four or five PPRT (Hardcore Poor Housing Programme) houses, but this year we have built 40 SMJ Friendly Homes. Next year, we are targeting 50 units in every constituency for the underprivileged.

“The additional 10 units are meant for young couples who are struggling, as we understand many newlyweds still live with their parents,” he said when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB) Housing and Shops Project in Kampung Taka here.

Speaking about the Kampung Taka project, Hajiji said he was confident it would have a significant impact on the local community, creating job opportunities and encouraging business and service activities that will benefit people from all walks of life.

He said most importantly, the project would also provide residents with the opportunity to own their own homes, reflecting the government’s commitment, sincerity, and concern in developing rural areas.

“I was informed that this project involves the construction of 320 single-storey semi-detached and terrace houses. Built on 37.6 acres of LPPB-owned land, it will also include 171 shop units consisting of two-storey shop or office lots, a superstore, showrooms, and kiosks.

“I hope this government–private sector collaboration will be implemented in an orderly manner, according to schedule, and in full compliance with the agreed terms, ensuring that the needs of the people are met.

“This aligns with the State Government’s commitment to ensure all development projects for the people are carried out efficiently. That is why we welcome the private sector’s involvement in development projects,” he said.

He added that such collaboration not only reduces the financial burden on the government but also allows public funds to be channelled towards other socio-economic and infrastructure development for the people’s well-being.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the State Government has never neglected the development of any district, including Pitas, noting that numerous projects have been implemented over the past five years to drive the district’s growth.

During the event, Hajiji also announced approval for the construction of a mini sports complex in Pitas, a new public bus terminal costing RM1 million, and a cultural house at Dataran Pitas worth RM1.4 million.

He also addressed the need to revive a dormant prawn farming project jointly managed by Yayasan Sabah and a private company to generate employment and economic opportunities for the people of Pitas.

Additionally, Hajiji said he would discuss with SAFODA the release of a parcel of land requested by local residents from the agency’s designated area in Pitas.

At the same event, Hajiji presented 468 land grants covering a total area of 1,273.432 hectares to recipients. These included 228 titles under the Pantas Native Land Survey Programme covering 863.735 hectares, 239 Native Title (NT) applications covering 406.11 hectares, and one title for the Pitas Police Station site covering 3.587 hectares.