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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government, through the Rural Development Ministry, has tightened the approval and implementation of the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) programme following public complaints over eligibility and distribution of the free government housing scheme.

Minister Datuk Rubin Balang said the selection of recipients would no longer rely solely on the federal e-Kasih database. 

He said the final decisions would now be made by a newly established district-level committee chaired by the respective District Officer.

“This is aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness and better coordination in the distribution of houses, amid growing demand and criticism on social media that some recipients were not eligible.

“We have heard the grievances, complaints and feedback from previous years. Some people even said that getting a Rumah Mesra SMJ is like winning a lottery because it is provided free of charge.

“We also found that there was no comprehensive structure to determine selection and ensure effective implementation. 

“In terms of eligibility, it has so far depended on the e-Kasih database. Those who have been approved under e-Kasih are given priority in the construction of Rumah Mesra SMJ houses,” he said after delivering his New Year message to the Ministry, here, Thursday.

Rubin, who is Kemabong Assemblyman, said the new committee would comprise the Community Development Leader (PPM), District Chief, Community Development Officer (CDO) and representatives from the Public Works Department (JKR), Lands and Surveys Department, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) and District Council.

“The committee will decide on approvals, oversee implementation and monitor the project,” he said.

While applicants listed under the e-Kasih database would continue to be prioritised, Rubin said those not registered could still apply through their state assemblyman or PPM who can bring the applications to the new committee.

He urged all district and sub-district offices to strengthen their (data) dashboards to facilitate better planning and improve the quality of life in rural communities.

Rubin also said the Government is reviewing whether electricity and water supply — including meter installation — should be incorporated into the programme’s implementation cost.

“This issue was discussed in our meeting on Wednesday. We will also consider the distance from the nearest electricity substation and water supply network. If the house is near existing infrastructure but lacks electricity poles, we will install them. The same applies to water supply,” he said.

He said the construction cost for Rumah Mesra SMJ houses would be revised upwards to reflect rising material prices and increased logistics and transportation costs.

“The previous cost is no longer relevant. Discussions will be held with the State Finance Minister and the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) on the proposal (to set new house pricing for Rumah Mesra SMJ),” he said.

Meanwhile, Rubin said the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for District Officers would be enforced consistently to improve service delivery.

He said the KPIs would be monitored by his Ministry, Upen and the State Public Service Commission, with the State Secretary and Deputy State Secretaries empowered to submit recommendations.

“The implementation of KPIs has existed before but was inconsistent. This time, it will be continuously monitored,” he said.

He also said the role of Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) will be strengthened.

“I wish to inform you that I have implemented changes to enhance the effectiveness of JKKK by reducing bureau membership from nine to six, and bringing the number of JKKK members to eight, compared with 11 previously.

“This reduction will not weaken the committee's role, but instead allow it to focus more effectively on village-level activities.

“In addition, JKKK meetings have been set at six times a year, or at least once every two months. I also hope meetings between villagers and JKKK members or village heads will be held at least twice a year.”