Help make homes in Sabah more affordable, Hajiji tells surveyors

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor wants surveyors to play a role in ensuring more affordable homes and properties in Sabah.

The Chief Minister said they must work together with all players in the industry to find a way to lower property and construction costs in the state.

"I note that surveyors have been contributing enormously to the development of Sabah, especially in the property market and construction industry,” he said at the Seventh International Surveyors Congress here on Wednesday (Oct 4).

"I encourage the surveyors and together with all the players in the industry to work together to find solutions to create a more efficient housing supply chain and delivery system in order to lower the cost of construction and property prices so that the lower income earners will benefit," he added.

He added that the government will always work to ensure more affordable housing for the people in the state.

His speech was delivered by state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe.

In this respect, Hajiji called upon the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) Sabah Branch, being versed in land administration and development planning to take up the challenge of formulating a sustainable and affordable housing policy, to complement the government’s efforts in this area.

"My goal as the Chief Minister is not only to steer our development path that outlines our aspirations and strategies for the upcoming years but also to foster a Sabah that is united, prosperous, and inclusive.

“Achieving this vision requires the combined effort of all," Hajiji said.

He said the theme for this year’s RISM Congress “Navigating the Future: Embracing Change and Transformation” is apt in a world where the only certainty is change.

"In this fast-changing world, we cannot afford to be complacent, the way forward is for us to remain competitive, embrace change and transformation to navigate the future.

“I am certain, RISM has the capacity to lead this with your expertise and resources," he said.