SANDAKAN: Three families in Gum-Gum received new homes under the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Programme, an initiative by the State Government to assist the poorest communities in Sabah.
The houses, located in Kampung Sungai Kapor, Kampung Kitagas and Kampung Garinono, were handed over by Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Jaffari Waliam, with the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) serving as the implementing agency.
The recipients were Amandi Asmat, Saharudin Abdul Kadir and Sanah @ Kasema Saat.
Jaffari said the programme reflects the State Government’s strong commitment under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor to ensure that low-income families have access to safe and proper housing.
He said the Rumah Mesra SMJ Programme, launched in 2022 in Kuala Penyu, is part of the third thrust of the SMJ Roadmap 1.0, which focuses on human capital development and the people’s wellbeing.
“The houses are not only more comfortable and secure, but they also give the families a better start in life,” he said.
The programme is being implemented across all 73 constituencies in Sabah through the cooperation of local authorities, including Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), Tawau Municipal Council (MPT), Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), Penampang Municipal Council (MPP), as well as District and Sub-District Offices.
Jaffari said the success of the Gum-Gum projects was made possible through the Ministry of Rural Development and assured that more homes will be built throughout the State.
“We want every Sabahan, regardless of background or location, to benefit from development. The Rumah Mesra SMJ is not just a house, but proof of the government’s care for the people,” he added.
The handover ceremony was also witnessed by Assistant Engineer of the Rural Development Department (MPS), Ronny Andrew Ipo, local leaders and family members of the recipients.
