Kota Kinabalu: Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah has been appointed Chairman of the Sabah Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB).
The letter of appointment was presented to him by State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, Thursday.
Arifin expressed confidence that Awang would be able to carry forward LPPB’s mission and vision, while further empowering and developing the Board.
He said Awang, who is Petagas Assemblyman, has been tasked with focusing on two key areas — the development of new townships and the provision of housing, particularly for those in need.
“I have asked him to focus on new township development as well as housing, especially housing assistance for those who require it,” he said.
While acknowledging that not all housing-related matters fall under LPPB’s jurisdiction, Arifin stressed that the Board plays a critical role in township planning and development.
“There are housing issues that are within LPPB’s scope and others that are not. What is important is that we strengthen the creation and empowerment of new townships,” he said.
On housing supply, Arifin emphasised the need to increase the availability of affordable homes for low-income earners, alongside commercially linked housing developments.
“We need to provide more housing, especially for low-income groups, in addition to housing developments that are tied to commercial activities,” he said.
He added that several new township projects are either planned or already underway, with some areas identified for expansion while others are yet to be developed.
“Some new townships already exist, some need to be expanded and some still need to be created. This process has already begun, and the chairman will oversee and improve what is necessary,” he said.
Kota Marudu was cited as among the areas that already have a new township, along with several other locations, with further details to be provided by the LPPB management.
Datuk Masiung Banah was previously LPPB Chairman.
