KOTA KINABALU: Cases have emerged of recipients renting out their People's Housing Project (PPR) units for quick profits, says Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
"According to the agreement, those who get the houses under the PPR programme are not allowed to rent them out," he said during his working visit to the Local Government and Housing Ministry (MLGH) at Wisma Innoprise near here today.
"Their actions show that they do not need the houses, thus denying others who are deserving of such facilities. I want all local authorities to scrutinise all applications and strictly monitor the implementation of the PPR programme in their areas."
Hajiji added that the state government had requested 5,000 additional PPR houses for Sabah in next year's federal budget.
Earlier, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said that various approaches had been taken to ensure active participation from all 25 local authorities, departments, and agencies under the ministry.
Dr Joachim emphasised poverty eradication and swift action to resolve squatter colony issues.
Sabah has 281 squatter colonies, with the highest numbers in the state capital, Sandakan, and Tawau. Kota Belud, Tuaran, and Ranau have zero colonies.
"Resolving the squatter issues requires an integrated approach involving all relevant state agencies," he said.
The meeting was also attended by cabinet ministers, assistant ministers, State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, and senior officials.