Kota Kinabalu: The Rural Development Ministry has tightened approval and implementation procedures for the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) programme following public complaints over eligibility and the distribution of the free housing scheme.
Minister Datuk Rubin Balang said recipient selection would no longer rely solely on the e-Kasih database or individual discretion, with final decisions now made by a newly formed district-level committee chaired by the District Officer.
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He said the change was aimed at improving transparency and fairness after grievances on social media alleged that some eligible families were overlooked while others who may not qualify received houses.
Rubin said e-Kasih-listed applicants would continue to be prioritised, but those not registered could still apply through their state assemblyman or community development leader, with the committee overseeing approvals, implementation and monitoring instead of individuals.
He added that the ministry is reviewing whether electricity and water supply, including meter installation, should be included in programme costs, alongside revising construction costs to reflect rising material and logistics expenses, while enforcing consistent performance indicators for district officers.
