Kota kinabalu: The federal government has sanctioned RM195.35 million for the execution of 48 infrastructure development and repair projects across Sabah. These projects fall under the Housing and Local Government Ministry's (KPKT) Development Programme through the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming stated that all approved projects are slated for implementation this year, managed by 11 agencies within the ministry. The budget includes RM60.39 million earmarked for development projects, such as building a car park in Foh Sang (Kota Kinabalu), a multi-purpose hall in Ranau, a marketplace in Putatan, and slope repair works.
A sum of RM39.78 million is designated under the ministry's Housing Planning Division for 10 Residensi Rakyat and People's Housing Programme projects in Kionsom, Pitas, Lahad Datu, Kota Belud, Beaufort, Kibabaig, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kuala Penyu, and Tuaran. Meanwhile, RM24.48 million is allocated for Rumah Mesra Rakyat projects, overseen by Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad.
Nga further mentioned that RM13.74 million is set aside for the National Landscape Department to upgrade and develop public parks throughout Sabah, develop the Kota Kinabalu Botanical Garden, and conduct a master plan study for the Keningau District Council. Additionally, RM7.77 million is approved for the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department for constructing and upgrading fire stations in Putatan, Lahad Datu, Beaufort, Merotai, Kota Belud, and Semporna.
Commenting on the Putera Kiansom Residensi Rakyat project, Nga highlighted that under the MADANI government's leadership, KPKT has successfully completed the long-pending project, which started nearly 22 years ago. The project received its Certificate of Occupancy (OC) on May 5 this year for Blocks A, B, C, and D, after initial commencement in 2003 under the Third Rolling Plan 3 of the 8th Malaysia Plan but faced delays due to issues with contractors.
He expressed optimism that the remaining six blocks would be completed by the end of August and fully occupied by year-end. The Putera Kiansom Residensi Rakyat project comprises five-storey apartment blocks on a six-hectare site, offering 1,000 housing units of 750 square feet each, with a total development cost of RM152.9 million.