KOTA BELUD: A total of 50 Rumah Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) units in the Kadamaian constituency are set to be completed this year to assist families in need.
Kadamaian Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick said a joint survey with the Kadamaian Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) confirmed that all identified applicants are eligible for assistance.
Ewon, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said some applicants are registered under the e-Kasih system, while others are victims of fires and natural disasters, such as landslides.
He also said families living in cramped conditions, with some sharing a small house with up to 22 people.
“This clearly shows the urgent need to provide SMJ houses to those who genuinely require them,” Ewon said after visiting applicants’ homes in Kampung Lasou Minunsud, Kampung Lasou Podi, and Kampung Wani in Mukim Lasau on Friday.
The visits aimed to assess each application personally and ensure the transparent distribution of aid. Ewon assured that at least one deserving family in each village would receive an SMJ house.
Among the key selection criteria are families listed under e-Kasih, those with persons with disabilities (OKU), disaster victims, and those living in overcrowded or dilapidated homes.
He added that 10 units from this year’s quota are also allocated to newlywed couples as part of a State Government initiative.
Ewon noted that demand for SMJ homes in Kadamaian is higher than in other areas, especially for homes built on privately owned land. He pledged to submit a request for additional allocation to the State Government once the current quota is completed.
Ewon hoped the SMJ housing initiative would improve the quality of life for recipients, providing more comfort and creating better learning spaces for children.
On another matter, Ewon pointed out that Mukim Lasau is one of the largest areas in Kadamaian requiring further development, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, and land ownership under the PANTAS programme.
“Various facilities have been provided, including the construction of a community hall and concrete roads, but development efforts will continue to be strengthened,” he said. “I assure that no mukim will be left behind under the Kadamaian Development Plan.”
