KOTA KINABALU: The state government is committed to providing Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) housing for families who truly need it, says Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Benedick, who is also the state Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, carried out checks on applicants from seven villages in his state constituency of Kadamaian, in the Kota Belud district.
He added that the visits allowed him to meet directly with applicant families and see their current living conditions for himself.
“We found several houses in poor condition, with some occupied by more than 10 people, including parents, children, and even married grandchildren.
“There are children still in school, and the cramped and dilapidated state of the houses poses a major challenge for them to study and complete their schoolwork,” he said.
According to him, each State Assembly constituency has been allocated 50 SMJ houses this year, but additional needs, especially involving multi-generational families under one roof, will continue to be brought forward for consideration by the state government.
“If there is a need for additional houses, it is certainly my responsibility to discuss this with the Chief Minister, as Kadamaian is among the constituencies most in need of new housing assistance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Benedick said SMJ houses come with basic utilities such as water and electricity.
“However, there are additional requests related to the installation of poles and electricity connections to new houses located far from existing supply sources.
“We will do our best to assist with this through the assemblyman’s allocation,” he said.
Applicants from Kg. Tombulion, Kg. Piasau, Kg. Rangalau, Kg. Bukid, Kg. Tegudon, Kg. Rangalau, and Kg. Kelawat Pekan submitted their requests for SMJ housing to the Kadamaian Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) office.
