TAWAU: The Federal Government is urged to expedite the construction of new people’s housing projects to address squatter settlement issues and provide homes for fire victims in the district.
State Youth, Sports and Creative Economy Development Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said the lack of proper housing continued to expose residents in densely populated squatter areas to fire risks.
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He said safer and more conducive housing areas should be prioritised to reduce the vulnerability of residents to fire incidents.
“As such, we hope the Federal Government will expedite the construction of new people’s housing projects for the benefit of the rakyat, especially squatters and fire victims who have lost their homes,” he said.
He said this after handing over assistance to 20 fire victims from five villages, namely Kg Tanjung Batu Laut, Kg Tanjung Batu Tengah, Kg Titingan, Kg Iban Merotai and Kg Pondok Pisang Hilltop, at the Tawau Municipal Council compound, Saturday.
The Apas Assemblyman said a suitable site in Kampung Kuala Apas had been identified for a proposed low-cost high-rise housing project involving 1,000 units, adding that the proposal had been submitted to the Federal Housing and Local Government Ministry.
“Our proposal has received strong support from the State Government, particularly Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the State Housing and Local Government Ministry.
“We hope the Federal Housing and Local Government Ministry will approve the allocation as soon as possible so the project can be expedited,” he said.
Nizam said the proposed housing project was expected to help ease accommodation problems among those who lost their homes in fires.
He also reminded residents living in high-risk fire areas, especially densely populated squatter settlements, to be more cautious and comply with housing construction regulations to prevent fire incidents.
He stressed the importance of adhering to electrical wiring regulations and remaining vigilant while cooking to avoid unwanted incidents and prevent fires that could lead to extensive damage and losses.
“If possible, avoid living in houses that are vulnerable to fires such as squatter homes by seeking safer and more comfortable accommodation.
“Residents should also ensure the land chosen for housing is a legal settlement area,” he said.
Nizam added that monitoring and enforcement against illegal electricity connections should be intensified to ensure offenders face action, while preventing power supply leakages and improving public safety.
On the financial assistance provided by the State Government, he expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister through the Sabah Welfare Foundation for helping to ease the burden of fire victims in the five affected villages.
“We hope those affected will remain strong in continuing with their lives and we are ready to assist those eligible to apply for Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya housing assistance,” he said.
Also present were Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and Tanjung Batu Assemblyman Dr Andi Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal, Tawau Municipal Council President Datuk Joseph Pang, as well as representatives from related departments and agencies.
