Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has urged Sabah’s housing and real estate developers to focus on three priorities in their future development plans – sustainable development, better-planned towns and cities, and housing affordability.
He said developers must adopt designs and construction methods that use resources efficiently, reduce long-term operating costs and address Sabah’s environmental needs.
They should also make better use of land while ensuring that transport, utilities and public amenities adequately support new developments.
“Developers also need to work with the Government to find practical ways to meet the needs of first-time home buyers, young families and middle-income households while keeping projects viable,” he said.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) Nite at Magellan Sutera Resort here recently.
Hajiji said neither the Government nor the industry could achieve these priorities alone, stressing the need for cooperation, dialogue and sound planning.
“They require honest dialogue, sound planning and a willingness to adapt. When we work together to create a more predictable development environment, we give investors greater confidence, support local businesses and help more Sabahans share in our state’s progress,” he said.
He said the State Government would continue working with relevant agencies and industry stakeholders to improve the efficiency and clarity of approval processes, strengthen essential infrastructure and address obstacles without compromising safety, environmental standards or the public interest.
“Shareda’s experience on the ground will remain valuable to that work,” he said.
Hajiji said property development played a wider economic role beyond providing homes and business premises, as it supported construction jobs, professional services, local suppliers, transport and financing.
Well-planned housing, commercial centres and industrial facilities also helped attract investment and enabled businesses to expand, contributing to growth across the wider economy.
“As we advance the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda, the industry will remain essential to our priorities in agriculture, industrial development, tourism and infrastructure.
“These sectors need suitable land, reliable facilities, quality housing and well-connected communities in which to grow,” he said.
He also acknowledged the challenges facing developers, including higher construction and financing costs, supply-chain disruptions and the expense of transporting building materials to Sabah.
Lengthy approval processes and unclear requirements, as well as constraints in electricity, water, roads and other infrastructure, could further delay projects or limit the viability of new developments.
“These pressures extend beyond individual projects. When development slows, contractors and suppliers receive less work, employment opportunities narrow, and investment may be deferred,” he said.
Hajiji said rising costs could eventually be passed on to buyers, making home ownership more difficult for families.
He said addressing these challenges was therefore important not only to the property industry but also to Sabah’s wider economy and quality of life.
He also recognised Shareda as an important partner of the State Government, saying its engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders had helped bring practical perspectives to discussions on development, urban planning and housing.
“I urge Shareda and its members to continue setting high standards of integrity, innovation and quality. Let us build not only more properties, but stronger communities and a more resilient economy for future generations,” he said.
Also present were Shareda President Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee and co-organisers Joanne Wendy Chung and Datuk Matthew Tan.
