High prices in Sabah make home ownership tough, Bung tells state assembly

The Star

9 hours ago

KOTA KINABALU: The soaring cost of homes in Sabah, higher than in other states in Malaysia, is making it increasingly difficult for many locals to own property, the state assembly heard.
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."
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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.