KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is intensifying efforts to expand public housing and develop new townships across the state in line with the objectives of the Sabah State Budget 2026, which prioritises development for the well-being of the people.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state government, through the Local Government and Housing ministry, continues to place strong emphasis on the provision of public housing, including low-cost and affordable homes, to meet the needs of Sabahans.
He said the Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB) will continue implementing several key initiatives, including the development of Low-Cost Public Housing projects in Sukau, Melalap, Beluran and Pitas.
2,358 units of affordable housing to be built
In addition, Hajiji said ongoing and upcoming Affordable Housing (RMM) projects involving a total of 2,358 units in strategic locations such as Sandakan District, Papar and Kota Kinabalu remain a key priority for the state government.
“Providing access to quality and affordable housing is essential to improving the standard of living of the people, including those in rural and semi-urban areas,” he said.
Beyond housing, Hajiji said LPPB has also been mandated to plan and develop new townships to stimulate local economic growth and strengthen rural development.
LPPB identified nine townships for development
He said nine new townships have been identified for development by LPPB, namely in Tongod, Paginatan, Merotai, Sungai Melayu Sebatik, Sukau, Melalap, Ulu Dusun, Beluran and Penangah.
“I hope the development of these new townships can be implemented in a planned, sustainable and inclusive manner, in line with the needs of the people and the economic potential of the local areas,” he said.
Hajiji also revealed that LPPB is currently undertaking a joint-venture project with a private company involving the relocation of squatter settlements to more organised and structured resettlement sites.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would help the state government address squatter settlement issues more effectively, while improving the quality of life of the affected communities.
In a related development, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable homes through various programmes, including the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Friendly Home initiative and the continued construction of low-cost housing by LPPB.
He said that this year, the state government will increase the quota for SMJ Friendly Homes as part of ongoing efforts to help more Sabahans, particularly young families and low-income groups, own their own homes.
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