Kota kinabalu: The Sabah government is taking decisive steps to tackle squatter issues across the state by proposing the gazettement of 45 squatter colonies as formal villages. This move is aimed at creating more organized and safer settlements for the affected communities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif outlined a comprehensive phased strategy that includes the gazettement of suitable areas, resettlement programs, low-cost housing construction, and the provision of proper residential lots. Since 2023, the number of squatter colonies in Sabah has decreased from 285 to 233, marking an 18 percent reduction. The state government, through the Sabah State Squatter Affairs Steering Committee, has outlined these measures to effectively address squatter issues.
Mohd Arifin announced that the ministry has received RM257.44 million for 2026, representing a 4.2 percent increase compared to RM247.01 million this year. This budget boost will support initiatives under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Development Plan. The Sabah Housing and Town Development Board is accelerating affordable housing development, with ongoing projects in Kepayan Ridge, Kota Kinabalu, and Kimanis, Papar. Additionally, four large-scale affordable housing projects are planned under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which will bring a total of 1,564 housing units to various locations statewide.
Meanwhile, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar shared that Sabah is enhancing its agriculture, fisheries, and food entrepreneur ecosystem through targeted programs. These initiatives focus on youth, rural communities, and downstream industries, with key programs including the Agriculture Mentor-Mentee Programme, the expansion of the Tagal system, the Blue Economy Initiative, and the Sabah Kitchen Garden programme. These efforts aim to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the agri-food sector.
Jamawi further revealed that RM900,000 has been allocated under the Blue Economy Initiative for projects such as artificial reefs, fish aggregating devices for tuna fishermen, and the digitalization of fisheries operations, including the implementation of GPS buoy systems.