Four blocks ready; six by August: 22 years after RM152 million Federal project was launched
Published on: Sat, Jul 12, 2025
By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Residents finally receive the keys to their long-awaited homes at PPR Putera Kionsom. Kota Kinabalu: Four out of 10 blocks at Taman PPR Putera Kionsom, Inanam, are partly ready — 22 years after it was launched. Introduced under the Eighth Malaysia Plan in 2003, the People's Housing Project (PPR) was supposed to be completed within five years. In May, the low-cost flats received the Occupation Certificate (OC) for the four blocks. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who officiated the key handover ceremony, Friday, said once completed, the RM152.9 million project would house 1,000 families. 'After more than two decades, the Madani Government has finally delivered on a promise to the people of Sabah,' he said. Nga said the remaining six blocks are scheduled for completion end of August. The project includes 10 disabled-friendly units, two kindergartens, six shop lots, four suraus and eight community halls. He said the Federal Government would continue working with the State Government to provide more low-cost housing options, including rent-to-own schemes, especially for the B40 income group. 'Under this arrangement, the State provides the land, while the Federal Government funds the projects,' he said. Outlining the PRR model, Nga said urban PRR units are offered on a rental basis, while rural residents may benefit from a 20-year rent-to-own scheme. To strengthen rent compliance, he proposed implementing a hotel-style access card system that grants entry only to tenants with up-to-date payments. A pilot project in Johor reportedly increased collection rates from 45 to 95 percent. 'The rent is low as RM124 per month. With government assistance such as Bantuan Tunai Rahmah, there's no excuse not to pay,' he said. As of now, Sabah has 39 PPR projects with 35 completed, two under construction, and two more in the pipeline representing a total investment of RM3.02 billion and delivering 26,299 housing units statewide. Nga said new PRR sites are being considered in several districts across Sabah. He also revealed that RM195.35 million has been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) Fifth Rolling Plan for 48 infrastructure and repair projects in Sabah. Of that amount, RM39.78 million is allocated specifically for PRR and PPR works in Kionsom, Pitas, Lahad Datu, Kota Belud, Beaufort, Kibabaig, Sandakan, Kuala Penyu, and Tuaran. Other allocations include RM24.48 million for Rumah Mesra Rakyat, RM13.74 million for parks and landscaping, RM7.7 million for fire station upgrades, and RM32 million for landfill projects. As part of his Sabah working visit, Nga also toured several local developments, including the Foh Sang multi-level parking site, Luyang Multipurpose Hall, Tanjung Aru Recreational Park, Kepayan Square and Menggatal Residency (Phase 1A), where he handed over house keys. He also presented allocations for the maintenance of 15 non-Muslim places of worship. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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