LPPB delivers nearly 30,000 low-cost homes across Sabah in 59 years, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 25): The Sabah Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB) has successfully built a total of 29,443 units of Low Cost Public Housing (PAKR) across Sabah over nearly six decades of its establishment.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that beyond low-cost public housing, the board has also played an important role in the development of Affordable Housing (RMM) as well as commercial projects, helping the state government narrow socio-economic gaps between urban and rural communities in a more structured and comprehensive manner.

He commended LPPB for its consistent efforts in implementing housing projects throughout Sabah, in line with the state government’s vision to ensure inclusive, balanced and high impact development for the people.

“The state government greatly appreciates the role and significant contributions of LPPB as a key government agency in the housing and urban development sector,” he said when officiating at the LPPB 59th anniversary dinner at the Magellan Sutera here on Saturday.

Hajiji said the achievement reflects LPPB’s maturity as it reaches its 59th year, as well as its ability to remain relevant, competitive and effective in addressing current housing development challenges.

“Most importantly, we must ensure that LPPB not only sustains itself but continues to grow and contribute meaningfully to the well being of the people of Sabah,” he said.

In line with the objectives of the Sabah Budget 2026, which emphasises driving development for the welfare of the people, Hajiji said the state government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, continues to give serious attention to the provision of public housing, including low-cost and affordable homes across the state.

For this purpose, he said the state government, through LPPB, will continue implementing several key initiatives, including the development of PAKR projects in Sukau, Melalap, Beluran and Pitas.

In addition, the implementation of ongoing and upcoming RMM projects involving 2,358 units at strategic locations such as Sandakan, Papar and Kota Kinabalu will remain a priority.

Beyond the housing sector, Hajiji said one of LPPB’s key mandates is to plan and develop new townships to stimulate local economic growth and strengthen rural development.

Currently, LPPB has been allocated to develop nine identified new townships, namely in Tongod, Paginatan, Merotai, Sungai Melayu Sebatik, Sukau, Melalap, Ulu Dusun, Beluran and Penangah.

“I hope the development of these new townships can be carried out in a well planned, sustainable and inclusive manner, in line with the needs of the people and local economic potential,” he said.

Hajiji was also informed that LPPB is currently implementing a joint venture project with a private company involving the relocation of squatter settlements to more orderly resettlement sites.

He expressed confidence that the initiative will help the state government address squatter issues more effectively while improving the quality of life of those affected.

In a related development, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building more affordable homes, including through programmes such as Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) and the construction of low cost housing by LPPB.

He said that this year, the state government will increase the Rumah Mesra SMJ quota from 40 units to 50 units for each state constituency.

The additional 10 units will be allocated to individuals aged 40 and below who are married and do not own a home, as part of efforts to help younger generations secure their own housing.

“This effort is important to meet the needs of the people, including those in rural areas, and to improve the living standards of Sabahans.

“Every project developed by LPPB is not merely a physical structure, but carries hope, a future and the well being of the people. That is the true value of LPPB’s role, not just building structures, but building lives and communities,” he said.