Hajiji greeted by participants at the MPPS.
KOTA KINABALU (June 23): The Sabah Cabinet will decide on the Housing and Urban Development Board’s (LPPB) proposal requesting tenants of the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) who have stayed for more than 10 years to vacate their houses.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said that the issue and proposal will be brought to the State Cabinet meeting for careful discussion so that a decision can be taken on the matter.
“We will bring this issue to the State Cabinet meeting next week. So, we will make a decision. Although there is criticism from the Audit Department on the matter, for me, our stance is that we cannot do that (asking the tenants of more than 10 years to vacate their houses).
“This is because those living at the PPR rented houses are those who still need a place to stay and so on.
“We wait for the State Cabinet decision next week but in principle, we will ensure their fate is protected,” he said after launching the closing of the Sabah Student Consultative Council Conference (MPPS) at the Ming Garden Hotel here on Thursday night.
Also present were Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Tasks) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif and State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Safar Untong.
Hajiji was commenting on the notice issued to tenants who have stayed over 10 years at PPRs to vacate their houses after the National Audit Department reprimanded the LPPB on non-compliance with the set rental period limit.
LPPB issued the eviction notice to tenants of over 10 years at three PPRs around the Kota Kinabalu area.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the State Government has agreed to create the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Transit House for job-seeking students after completing their studies.
He said that the proposal will be extended to the Local Government and Housing Ministry so that it can be created at PPRs that are still under construction.
“We will have many PPRs that are still under construction such as in Inanam. So, for a start, we informed the ministry to prepare 50 units, for example, out of 1,000 units, as transit houses with minimum payment,” he said.
He said that the preparation of the transit houses was among the proposals presented by MPPS participants at the conference, aimed at reducing the burden facing job-seeking graduates to acquire housing at a low rental rate.
Earlier, Hajiji stressed the State Government’s commitment to develop human capital as among the main issues outlined in the SMJ Halatuju (roadmap) development plan.
He said various incentives have been created to help in the development of the sector including cash assistance for disadvantaged students when furthering their studies involving huge allocations every year.
He also described the programme with university student leaders from Sabah, in conjunction with the MPPS conference, as part of the human capital development initiative in the direction of SMJ.
“We cannot run away from this human capital because our children will become our heirs in the future. Because of that, our government focuses on human capital development,” he said.
“This programme is our way of expanding the minds of Sabah university students and this is the second time it is being held. During the three-day conference, many proposals were presented.
“I observe and pay attention and take action on any proposals that we think must be prioritised because the voice of youths are important for Sabah. We not only listen to the voice and opinions of non-government organisations and other associations but also the young we also listen and give priority,” he said.
He said that the government must help the younger generation to ensure they have the expertise and skills needed in Sabah through education at universities.