KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor urged Sabah’s housing and real estate developers to focus on three priorities in their future development plans. He said the priorities are sustainable development, better-planned towns and cities and affordability.
“Developers must adopt designs and construction methods that use resources efficiently, reduce long-term operating costs and respond to Sabah’s environmental needs.
“Developers must also make efficient use of land and ensure that transport, utilities and public amenities support new developments.
“Developers also need to work with the Government to find practical ways to meet the needs of first-time home buyers, young families and middle-income households while keeping projects viable,” he said at the Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHAREDA) Nite at Magellan Sutera Resort here tonight.
Deputy Chief Minister/Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun delivered the Chief Minister’s speech. Hajiji said neither government nor industry alone can achieve these priorities.
“They require honest dialogue, sound planning and a willingness to adapt. When we work together to create a more predictable development environment, we give investors greater confidence, support local businesses and help more Sabahans share in our state’s progress,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the State Government recognised the need for a practical, coordinated response.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies and industry stakeholders to improve the efficiency and clarity of approval processes, strengthen essential infrastructure, and identify obstacles that can be resolved without compromising safety, environmental standards or the public interest.
“Shareda’s experience on the ground will remain valuable to that work,” he said.
Hajiji said property development does more than provide homes and business premises, as it supports construction jobs, professional services, local suppliers, transport and financing.
“Well-planned housing, commercial centres and industrial facilities also help attract investment and enable businesses to expand. In this way, a healthy property sector contributes to growth across the wider economy.
“As we advance the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda, the industry will remain essential to our priorities in agriculture, industrial development, tourism and infrastructure.
“These sectors need suitable land, reliable facilities, quality housing and well-connected communities in which to grow,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the State Government also recognises the challenges facing developers and the property sector as a whole.
“Higher construction and financing costs can make projects harder to deliver and homes less affordable. Supply-chain disruptions and the cost of transporting materials to Sabah can add further pressure.
“Developers also face uncertainty when approval processes are lengthy, or requirements are unclear. At the same time, constraints in power, water, roads and other infrastructure can delay projects or limit where new developments are viable.
“These pressures extend beyond individual projects. When development slows, contractors and suppliers receive less work, employment opportunities narrow, and investment may be deferred.
“When costs are passed on to buyers, more families find it difficult to own a home. Addressing these challenges is therefore important not only for the industry, but for Sabah’s broader economy and quality of life,” he said.
Hajiji also acknowledged Shareda as an important partner to the State Government.
“Through its engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders, it has helped bring practical perspectives to discussions on development, urban planning and housing.
“I urge Shareda and its members to continue setting high standards of integrity, innovation and quality. Let us build not only more properties, but stronger communities and a more resilient economy for future generations,” he said.-pr/BNN
