Kota Kinabalu: The State Government’s decision to increase the number of Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) units from 40 to 50 per state constituency starting next year is a clear sign of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government’s genuine concern for the people, especially young couples starting families.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Apas Assemblyman, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (pic), said the move, announced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, reflects a strong commitment to addressing housing needs and reducing the cost of living.
“This additional allocation not only eases the burden of young people starting their lives but also demonstrates how the SMJ development policy genuinely impacts ordinary citizens,” Nizam said in a statement.
He added that the Rumah Mesra SMJ programme reflects the State Government’s inclusive housing agenda, covering both urban and rural areas.
Nizam praised the Government’s strategy of combining public and private sector collaboration, describing it as a forward-thinking model that accelerates development and frees up state funds for other socio-economic initiatives.
“In recent years, under Hajiji’s leadership, the SMJ agenda has proven to be more than just a slogan — it is a carefully executed plan based on the real needs of the people,” he said.
He urged Sabahans, particularly the youth, to view the initiative as solid proof of GRS’s sincerity in putting the people’s welfare first above political rhetoric.
On Oct 4, Hajiji announced the addition of 10 new Rumah Mesra SMJ units in each state constituency beginning in 2025, specifically to benefit newly married young couples.
The announcement was made during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority’s (LPPB) housing and commercial lot project in Kampung Taka, Pitas.
Previously, constituencies had only four or five Hardcore Poor Housing Programme (PPRT) units. That figure rose to 40 Rumah Mesra SMJ units this year — with further increases now confirmed for next year.
