
High prices in Sabah make home ownership tough, Bung tells state assembly
Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Lamag) said the situation has left many civil servants and citizens frustrated.
'Are we aware that affordable housing is severely lacking in Sabah?" he said during question time on Monday (July 7).
"Property prices here are among the highest in the country.
"This needs to be reviewed by the (state Local Government and Housing) Ministry."
ALSO READ: Some tenants of Tg Aru flats said no to relocation offers, Sabah assembly told
He said rising public complaints reflected the seriousness of the situation, especially among the lower- and middle-income groups.
In a supplementary question to Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, he also highlighted the overwhelming demand for units under the People's Housing Project (PPR).
"These homes should ideally be rented for a short period, say three years, before the occupants transition to owning their own homes.
'Does the government have any mechanism or long-term plan for this? Many have been renting for years with no opportunity to own," he said, proposing that the model be changed to a rent-to-own mechanism.
To this, Dr Gunsalam replied that the current policy only allows PPR rentals as a temporary relief measure and any changes must come from Putrajaya, as the project is under the Federal Government's jurisdiction.
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a day ago
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Lion's share for water, roads: State Assembly passes RM1.186 billion 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill
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In addition, RM200 million or 33.3pc is proposed for the State Government's special trust fund to implement the Syukur, Budi, Sentosa, Subfly and Sukses, as well as for the construction and repair of water, road and utility infrastructure. RM185.5 million is proposed under general treasury services, which includes RM54.4 million for equity investment; RM89.1 million for infrastructure projects, including water treatment plant upgrades and new pipe installations, as well as small-scale infrastructure and public amenities; and RM30 million in domestic grants for Kota Kinabalu City Hall to clean marine debris around the city and islands, and to support non-governmental organisations (NGOs). A further RM12 million is proposed to fund public facility projects, including mosque upgrades and the construction of the Tawau International Cultural Centre. 'An additional RM147.6 million is proposed for the Works Ministry and its departments to maintain and repair drainage systems, treatment plants and water pump stations, restore disaster-damaged infrastructure, maintain government buildings, carry out electrical wiring, enforcement activities and other administrative and operational needs. 'RM94.4 million is proposed for the Chief Minister's Department and its agencies to fund state scholarship programmes, mosque and surau maintenance, upkeep of Raudah parks and other administrative and operational needs.' The Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry and its agencies are recommended to receive an additional RM55.7 million to cover the maintenance of drainage systems, river cleaning, flood mitigation and other administrative and operational costs. 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In fact, every year we open the channels of communication as widely as possible with MACC to ensure there is no misconduct. We strive to comply with the best principles of governance in managing government finances,' he added. Masidi also said the proposal to channel at least RM500,000 in disaster relief funds to district offices requires further consideration due to legal and procedural constraints. He said the establishment of a Disaster Trust Fund in each district would first require tabling and approval by the State Assembly, as stipulated under Section 10 of the Financial Procedure Act 1957. 'However, my Ministry has found that setting up such a trust fund would take considerable time. Therefore, it would be more appropriate for the fund to be centralised under the Chief Minister's Department and supervised by the State Disaster Management Committee,' he said in response to the matter raised during the debate. 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Bisbah (Sabah School Equipment Aid) – RM10 million to provide educational equipment to 1,600 schools. Bistari (State Education Trust Fund) – RM2 million in SSPN savings of RM100 each for newborns. Aksa (Education Excellence Award) – RM100,000 in awards for outstanding students/educators representing Sabah at national or international levels. Bantu (Education Programme Support) – RM1.3 million for education programmes that benefit students. Semesta (Sabahan Student Secretariat) – RM300,000 to fund student association activities across Malaysia and abroad. Balkis (Minor School Maintenance Aid) – RM4 million for small-scale school repairs costing below RM50,000. Mahas (Sabah Halal Council) – RM1.5 million for coordination, enforcement, halal expos and halal/syariah-compliant certification programmes. Bakpa (Religious Activity Support) – RM1.3 million for religious-related programmes. Sabah Language and Literature Council – RM500,000 to support activities related to local language and literature. 'The total allocation is intended to benefit students and educational institutions across the State, including initiatives related to student welfare, personal development and academic excellence,' said Masidi. He stressed that the State Government remains committed to delivering inclusive and comprehensive education support, despite current financial limitations. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia