Kota Kinabalu: The State Government must have a more structured and effective mechanism to control housing prices across Sabah so that people can buy and own the affordable houses, said Karambunai Assemblyman Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan.
He said policies are needed to ensure affordable housing is truly affordable, and not just in name.
He also urged authorities to reassess land prices, development costs and profit margins, which he said are excessively high and continue to burden buyers.
“Land prices must also be reassessed, including development costs and profit margins that are too high and burden the people.
“We do not reject development, but it must have a human dimension. If the people themselves cannot afford it, then the objective of such development must be re-evaluated,” he added.
He raised this concern over home ownership, which is becoming increasingly challenging, particularly among youths and low-income groups, due to rising house prices that are not in line with income growth.
He said a mismatch between escalating property prices and stagnant income growth has left many, particularly youths and low-income earners, unable to purchase homes despite their years of working and saving.
Dr Aliakbar questioned whether current housing developments are truly aligned with the needs of local communities.
“The question is, who are these houses built for? If locals themselves cannot afford them, then such development loses its meaning,” he said.
On the issue of squatter settlements, Dr Aliakbar described the situation as increasingly alarming, noting that some families are still forced to live in unsafe areas such as riverbanks and reserve land without access to basic amenities.
He said these conditions are driven not by choice, but by economic hardship and limited opportunities for home ownership.
As such, he called on the State Government to introduce a more comprehensive approach, including structured resettlement plans, adequate transit housing and realistic home ownership schemes for low-income groups.
He said enforcement actions against squatters must also be carried out with compassion and accompanied by sustainable solutions.
“The true measure of progress is not just physical development, but how far people are able to live comfortably, safely and with dignity.
“Do not let the demolition action of destroying homes also destroy the hopes of the affected families. Therefore, the State government must offer not just enforcement notices, but holistic and lasting solutions,” he said.
On a related development, Dr Aliakbar also called on the State Government to have a clear economic preparedness plan to uncertainties of global geopolitical that has the potential to directly impact the local economy.
He said tensions between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran not only affect global oil prices, but also impact import costs, trade security and supply chain stability.
“Sabah, which relies heavily on imports for food and essential goods, must have an economic preparedness plan. We cannot depend too much on external conditions without building internal resilience.
“The State government must consider strategies for food security, strengthening local industries and ensuring essential supplies if international conflicts persist.
“Efforts to empower the agriculture, livestock and local enterprise sectors must be intensified to reduce dependence on imports,” he said.
At the same time, Dr Aliakbar emphasised the importance of prioritising basic infrastructure as the foundation of development, including consistent clean water supply, stable electricity, safe roads, and access to healthcare and education.
According to him, without these essentials, other forms of development would not carry meaningful value for the people.
