Kota Kinabalu: The State Government will build 3,000 units of Rumah Mesra SMJ next year to assist families and individuals who do not yet own a home, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.
Previously, only 20 SMJ houses were allocated for each of the 73 state constituencies, but beginning next year the number would be doubled.
The State Government had also 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.
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“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) Night.
State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, delivered Hajiji’s 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.
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 liveability of our state for future generations,” he said.
Hajiji said Shareda has done well under the stewardship of President Datuk Sr Chua Soon Ping, but he also wants to see consistency in Shareda’s 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.
Shareda’s Excellence Award for three top categories of Platinum namely the Top Property Man of the Year Award 2024 went to Chua, who is also Remajaya Sdn Bhd Group Managing Director, while the Top Developer of the Year Award 2024 went to Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen who is the WSG Group Managing Director and Most Valuable Developer of the Year Award to Shareda Council member Datuk Matthew Tan Yaw Tzuu who was also the Propex 2024 Organising Chairman.
Phoong also presented Shareda Excellence Award 2024 for eight categories of Gold namely:
1. Excellence in Value Innovation Consumer–Centric Commercial Development Award was presented to 12@ Apas Tawau by TMBC Development Sdn Bhd with its recipients of its Chairman Datuk Aloysius Tan Shu Hing and its Managing Director Datuk Matthew Tan Yaw Tzuu.
2. Lifestyle Hub Excellence Award to Bandar Utama The Weld, Tawau by Rangkaian Jasa Sdn Bhd with its recipients namely its director Tan King Hong, its director Steven Phua, its Sales and Marketing Manager Jaime Jameson Sua, its engineer Alan Chin and Project Manager, Michael Hue.
3. Luxury Resort Masterplan Excellence Award went to Wyndham Semporna Resort by Goldstone Holdings with its Chairman Datuk Seri Tang Yong Chew and Sabah Urban Development Corporation (SUDC) Chairman Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
4. Township Masaterplan & Development Excellence Award given to Bandar Utama Sandakan by IJM properties Sdn Bhd with its Senior General Manager Soh Wai Fong and Region Head (Sabah) Steven Goh.
5. Excellence in Value Innovation Landed Property Development Award given to Parklane Garden Sandakan by WMG Holdings Berhad with its Executive Chairman Datuk Quek Siew Hau and its Managing Director Fong Kin Vui.
6. Rural Urbanisation Excellence Award to Benoni New Township by WSG Properties Sdn Bhd with its Managing Director Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen.
7. Luxury Waterfront Condominium Excellence Award to Coral Bay @ Sutera by INVESTASIA Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsisiary of GSH Corporation Limited with its Group Sales & Marketing Director Dennis Tan, its Project General Manager Wang Chen and Senior Manager Sales a& Marketing Jennifer Chow.
8. Integrated Development Excellence Award to The LOGG by K.T.I Sdn Bhd with its Chief Executive Officer Dr. Gordon Loke and the Director of Project Department Wilson Loke.
Also present were Permanent Secretary of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry Datuk Thomas Logijin, Permanent Secretary of Local Government and Housing Ministry Datuk Dr Jamili Nais, State Attorney-General Datuk Brendann Soh, Land and Survey Department Sabah director Datuk Bernard Liew, Shareda’s Deputy President Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee, Sjareda Nite 2024 organising chairman Seth Quek Teck Seng and other senior officials.
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