KOTA KINABALU: Housing for the hardcore poor under the people’s housing programme (PPRT) throughout Sabah will be prioritised, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said the State government will look to build more houses especially in the rural and interior areas.
At present, an average of just eight PPRT houses have been approved for construction at each state constituency and this certainly warrant change, he stressed.
Under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), a sum of RM500 million has been allocated to build PPRT houses in Sabah but the State government will seek a bigger allocation, said the Chief Minister when chairing the State Development Action Council meeting at the State Administrative Centre (PPNS) near here Thursday.
The issue was discussed at length during the meeting attended by all state cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries and department heads.
In terms of implementation, Hajiji said a request had also been submitted to the Federal Rural Development Ministry to consider giving opportunity to F Class contractors in Sabah to do the project.
Addressing the Council earlier, the Chief Minister reminded all implementing federal and state agencies to continue improving performances and qualities of projects for the people’s benefit.
According to him, poor workmanship has rendered some buildings unusable upon completion such as the People’s Housing Programme or PPR Salagon in Beaufort.
Hajiji also mentioned the Sapulut – Kalabakan Road that he found to be below par compared with the North South Highway, which can accommodate trucks carrying bigger loads.
“I have personally use this road (Sapulut-Kalabakan) before the last election and I can see damages here and there,” he said.
Hajiji called upon the relevant ministries and agencies not to consider contractors as well as consultants in the future if found to be incompetent resulting in the delayed completion of government development projects, which was dubbed as ”sick” project.
The recent uncovering of a cartel that has monopolised 345 government tenders worth RM3.8 billion in the country had affected the confidence of the people on the public service, he said.
“I view this matter seriously and I wish to remind all State and Federal department heads to stress on providing delivery service with integrity and client friendly in line with government’s slogan and aspiration of humanising the public service.
“I also warn that I will not compromise with any civil service personnel who acted like little Napoleon and jeorpardise the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said as of Apr 5, Sabah had spent RM148 million or 2.57 per cent of its RM4.99 billion allocation, in the first Rolling Plan of the 12MP.
He reiterated on the need for all the planned development projects to be implemented immediately.
“No more excuses … there is no reason for us to delay. Any policy that hinders development in Sabah must be changed, particularly those involving our jurisdiction and authority in Sabah,” he said.
Also on hand were Deputy Chief Ministers – Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong and Federal State Secretary Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamed.-pr/BNN
