Only 200 PPR units in pipeline in Sabah despite demand for cheap housing, says state housing board

KOTA KINABALU: Only around 200 low-cost housing units are being planned to address the overwhelming demand in Sabah, according to the state Housing and Urban Development Board.

Its chairman, Datuk Masiung Banah, said currently, plans were in place to implement 50 People’s Housing Programme (PPR) units each in Kemabong in Tenom, Merotai (Tawau), Beluran (Sandakan) and Sukau (Kinabatangan).

"Some of these projects have already begun, while others are scheduled to start soon.

"The PPR is open to those earning RM3,000 and below, and we are working hard to meet the high demands. Online applications registered some 40,000 to 50,000 to date," he told reporters at the LPPB Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, here, on Thursday (May 2).

He said he hoped that with the political stability in Sabah, coupled with a robust economy and investments pouring into Sabah, the state government would be able to allocate more funds for housing projects.

On another development, Banah said the RM1.2bil integrated clinker and cement factory, the largest in Sabah, was set to boost the local community’s socio-economic status, offering over 1,000 jobs.

Located deep within the forests of Kampung Kawayoi Pinangah, approximately 100km from Tongod township, the project is expected to commence by year's end.

Explaining the choice of location, the Kuamut assemblyman noted: "We opted for a site deep in the forest to be in proximity to essential raw materials such as clinker, limestone, coal, and clay."

Of the total budget, approximately RM700,000 is designated for the construction of the factory, while the remainder will be allocated to basic infrastructure needs such as electricity, water, and roads.