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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB) has built 29,443 low-cost public housing units throughout the State over the nearly six decades of its establishment.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this  reflected LPPB’s strategic role in supporting the State Government’s public housing agenda.  He said in addition to low-cost public housing, LPPB also plays an important role in the development of affordable housing and commercial projects.

These initiatives, he said, helped narrow socio-economic gaps between urban and rural communities in a more structured and comprehensive manner. Hajiji praised LPPB for consistently implementing housing projects throughout Sabah in line with the State Government’s vision of inclusive, balanced and high-impact development.

“The State Government greatly appreciates the significant role and contribution of LPPB as a key government agency in the housing and urban development sector,” he said at the LPPB's 59th anniversary dinner, here, on Saturday.

Hajiji said the milestone reflected LPPB’s maturity at 59 years and its ability to remain relevant, competitive and effective in addressing current housing challenges.

He highlighted the importance of ensuring that LPPB not only remains sustainable but continues to grow and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of the people of Sabah.

Aligned with the State Budget 2026, which prioritises development for the people’s welfare, Hajiji said the State Government continues to give serious attention to the provision of public housing statewide.

He said through LPPB, the Government will continue to implement several low-cost public housing projects in Sukau, Melalap, Beluran and Pitas.

Affordable housing developments involving 2,358 units in strategic locations such as Sandakan, Papar and Kota Kinabalu will also continue to be prioritised.

"Every project undertaken by LPPB represents not just physical structures but hope, future security and improved quality of life for the people, reflecting the agency’s role in building communities across Sabah," Hajiji said.

He said currently, the LPPB is allocated to develop nine new towns that have been identified, namely in Tongod, Paginatan, Merotai, Sungai Melayu Sebatik, Sukau, Melalap, Ulu Dusun, Beluran and Penangah.

He said for this year, the State Government will increase the number of SMJ Rumah Mesra quotas from 40 units to 50 units for each state constituency.

According to him, the additional 10 SMJ Rumah Mesra units are reserved for those aged 40 and below, who are married and do not own a home, as an effort to help the younger generation own their own homes.

“This effort is important to meet the needs of the people, including in rural areas as well as improve the living standards of the people of Sabah,” he said.