KOTA KINABALU — Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has urged Sabah’s housing and property developers to prioritise sustainable development, better-planned towns and cities, and housing affordability in their future projects.
He said developers must adopt designs and construction methods that use resources efficiently, reduce long-term operating costs and address Sabah’s environmental needs.
“They must also make efficient use of land and ensure that transport, utilities and public amenities adequately support new developments.
“Developers also need to work with the Government to find practical ways to meet the housing needs of first-time buyers, young families and middle-income households while keeping projects viable,” he said.
Hajiji was speaking at the Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHAREDA) Nite at Magellan Sutera Resort here tonight. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
He said neither the Government nor the industry could achieve these priorities independently, stressing the importance of collaboration between both sides.
“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.
Hajiji said the State Government recognised the need for a practical and coordinated response to the challenges facing the property sector.
“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.
He said property development went beyond providing homes and business premises, as the sector also supported 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.
Hajiji also acknowledged the challenges confronting developers, including rising construction and financing costs, supply-chain disruptions and the high cost of transporting building materials to Sabah.
He said lengthy approval processes and unclear requirements, coupled with limitations in electricity, water, roads and other essential infrastructure, could further delay projects and restrict development opportunities.
“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.
The Chief Minister also described SHAREDA as an important partner of the State Government, noting its contributions to discussions on development, urban planning and housing through engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders.
He urged the association and its members to maintain 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.
