logo
Sabah renews support for affordable housing through RMR scheme

Sabah renews support for affordable housing through RMR scheme

Daily Express16-06-2025
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025
Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025
By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Jannie (right) officiates the symbolic launch of the RMR at one of the recipients' homes. KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has reiterated its support for the Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) programme to help low-income landowners build affordable homes. Kapayan Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang said the initiative eases the burden for families who cannot afford construction costs despite owning land.
Advertisement Ten recipients from Penampang benefited at a handover ceremony on Monday, with five receiving house keys and five issued offer letters for homes to be built this year. She noted most applicants are young people building on inherited land, reducing land costs but not the challenges of financing construction. Sabah has completed over 2,568 RMR units, contributing to the national total of 71,847 homes under the scheme. * 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
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kiulu and Tamparuli projects not priority according to State EPU, says Ministry
Kiulu and Tamparuli projects not priority according to State EPU, says Ministry

Daily Express

time21 minutes ago

  • Daily Express

Kiulu and Tamparuli projects not priority according to State EPU, says Ministry

Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Madius requested clarification from the Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) regarding the progress of the Mantob-Gonipis-Tobobon and Tudan-Poring-Tobobon road projects in Kiulu, as well as the Wangkod-Tinuhan and Guakon Baru road projects in Tamparuli. Kuala Lumpur: The Member of Parliament for Tuaran, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, raised questions regarding the current status of several road upgrade projects in the Kiulu and Tamparuli, Sabah, during the question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday. He requested clarification from the Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) regarding the progress of the Mantob-Gonipis-Tobobon and Tudan-Poring-Tobobon road projects in Kiulu, as well as the Wangkod-Tinuhan and Guakon Baru road projects in Tamparuli. In an official response, the Ministry stated that the Mantob-Gonipis-Tebobon Road Project (Phase 2), which was approved in 2020 with a cost of RM40 million, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026. For the year 2025, a total allocation of RM4.4 million has been provided, of which RM3.9 million has already been spent. However, delays have occurred due to the ongoing land acquisition process, which has yet to be completed, as well as weather-related disruptions caused by rainfall affecting construction work. 'The application for an Extension of Time (EOT) is currently being processed,' the ministry further stated. Meanwhile, KKDW also stated that the Tudan-Poring-Tebobon Road Project was approved in 2021 with an allocation of RM47 million. The six-kilometre-long project is currently at the initial stage of construction, progressing according to schedule, and is expected to be fully completed by 2027. However, the two other projects that were raised which is the upgrading of the Topokon-Wangkod-Tinuhan Road and the Guakon Baru Road in Tamparuli — were not approved by the Ministry of Economy under the Third Rolling Plan (RP3) of the 12th Malaysia Plan for the year 2023. 'These projects are also not listed as priorities by the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit (Upen) in their upcoming development plan applications,' KKDW clarified. Madius said in a statement that he's disappointed with the delays and uncertainty around some key rural infrastructure projects in his area. 'These projects are not only vital for the well-being of rural communities but also crucial for stimulating the local economy. I urge the Ministry and the relevant agencies to promptly resolve the technical issues and to advocate for the approval of the projects that were rejected,' he emphasised. * 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

University College Sabah Foundation, Sabah Birdwatchers Association ink birding certification module
University College Sabah Foundation, Sabah Birdwatchers Association ink birding certification module

Daily Express

time21 minutes ago

  • Daily Express

University College Sabah Foundation, Sabah Birdwatchers Association ink birding certification module

Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Joniston witnessing the signing of the MoU between UCSF Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris (seated left) and Sabah Birdwatchers Association President Ronald Pudin (seated right). Also in the photo are Sabah Motac Director Ibrahim Othman (standing left) and STB Product Manager Effendy Mahani (standing right). Kota Kinabalu: A new birding certification module is now in place following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) and the Sabah Birdwatchers Association (SBA). State Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the introduction of the module is timely, as birdwatching is fast becoming a promising segment in Sabah's tourism landscape. 'According to birding experts, the UK alone has around six million active birders, while the number across Europe is estimated to be close to 10 million 'If we can attract even one per cent of that market, it would be a strong start for Sabah,' he said after witnessing the signing ceremony, on Wednesday. 'The figures show clear potential and that Sabah is moving in the right direction to tap into this growing niche,' he added. UCSF Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris and Sabah Birdwatchers Association president Ronald Pudin signed the MoU, which also marked the launch of the module titled 'Discover the Birds of Borneo: Sabah's Feathered Jewel', which aims to train and certify local birding enthusiasts and tour guides. Supported by the STB, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to develop birdwatching into a structured and sustainable nature-based tourism product. Joniston said this reflects a shared commitment to strengthen eco-tourism while creating job opportunities and boosting rural economies through birdwatchers who tend to spend more, stay longer, and visit lesser-known areas. 'I hope that the module will encourage more rural youth to explore birding and gain valuable skills that could lead to meaningful livelihood opportunities. 'By training locals to become bird guides, we are helping them discover new income streams and encouraging long-term stewardship of the environment. 'When communities see value in protecting their forests and wetlands, they are more likely to participate in conservation efforts, and that's the kind of sustainable tourism we want to encourage,' he said. * 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

RM60 million Sandakan Islamic Centre to complete in December
RM60 million Sandakan Islamic Centre to complete in December

Daily Express

timean hour ago

  • Daily Express

RM60 million Sandakan Islamic Centre to complete in December

Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Walter presenting a memento to Tun Musa. Kota Kinabalu: Construction of the RM60m Sandakan Islamic Centre has reached 66pc completion and is expected to be fully finished by the end of December, said Sandakan Municipal Council President Walter Kenson. The modern complex, inspired by Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman, is scheduled to be operational in time for Hari Raya Aidilfitri next year, with a formal launch targeted for Hari Raya 2026. 'We're aiming to complete it by the end of this year so it can be fully used by next year's Hari Raya,' Walter told reporters following a courtesy visit to Tun Musa at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Thursday. He added that the design of the centre incorporates motifs and finishes from Uzbekistan, adapted to local Sabah aesthetics. 'The progress has been very positive. We've sought Tun's approval on several design elements, especially for the main prayer hall, the multipurpose hall, and the VIP lounge. 'Tun had requested that certain features from Uzbekistan be integrated into these key spaces in harmony with local designs,' Walter said. In a statement, Tun Musa Aman expressed satisfaction with the centre's steady progress, calling it a future landmark of Islamic development in Sabah's east coast. 'This centre will serve not only as a place of worship and education, but also as a unifying hub for multi-ethnic and multi-faith communities through an inclusive and harmonious approach to dakwah,' he said. He also extended his gratitude to all involved, especially the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) and the State Government, for their commitment to uplifting the ummah and broader community welfare. The project began in 2017 on a 5.2-hectare site along Jalan Sungai Kayu, Sandakan. However, it faced several delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and political instability in the state. Once completed, the centre will feature a range of facilities including a kindergarten, tahfiz school, administrative offices for JHEAINS, MUIS and Baitulmal, a multipurpose hall, and a main prayer hall capable of accommodating over 1,000 congregants. * 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

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store