Priority to provide homes for B40, M40

THE State Local Government and Housing Ministry will be coming up with a new public housing model called “Program Residensi Rakyat” (PRR), in line with the announcement by the Federal Local Government and Housing Minister in March.

Under this model, housing for the rakyat would be well integrated, sustainable and liveable, accommodating quality commercial viability, containing green spaces, a community centre and other features.

Deputy Chief Minister II cum Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the State Government also hoped to reduce the current overhang of high-rise properties, especially those costing above RM600,000, through the Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H).

He, however, noted the industry is experiencing recovery as seen through the launch of new projects.

“Our priority is providing a home for people in the B40 and M40 category, which have long been a pressure point in the country. 

“They make up a large portion and my Ministry is doing all we can to support them,” he said, adding the State Government is grateful that Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) will be spearheading affordable housing development, especially for the B40 and M40.

Dr Joachim was officiating Shareda’s Property Expo (PropEX) 2024 themed “The Art of Building” at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, on June 14.

He said despite rising construction costs, Shareda has done well to balance the increasing costs and provide better housing options.

“Not only will the T20 be able to afford homes, the M40 and B40 are also areas of focus among the development scene in this current market,” he said.

“With the uptick in tourism activity, I cannot wait to see what the real estate development scene has prepared for the tourist market, whether short or long-term,” he said.

Dr Joachim said the Ministry also hopes the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) would adopt a law similar to the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 2022 Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) to expedite building approval and certification.

He said this should overall help with the industry and push it forward.

“During my visit to the 25 Local Authorities (PBT) throughout Sabah in February, it was found that all have adopted the UBBL 2022 Certificate of Completion and Compliance, which gives the professionals or Principal Submitting Person (PSP) the power to issue CCC. 

“This will replace the Occupation Certificate (OC) previously issued by local authorities.

“Very soon, we hope DBKK would adopt a similar law to expedite building approval and certification,” he said.