SIPITANG: The Sabah government will double the number of Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) units allocated to each state constituency next year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that around 3,000 units will be built next year to support more individuals in the hardcore poor category who do not yet own a home.
"Previously, we allocated 20 SMJ houses per state constituency for the hardcore poor, but next year we will increase this to 40 houses.
"We are aware that many people are still without homes and in need of assistance. We aim to build 3,000 homes next year for those in the hardcore poor category," he said during the inauguration of the Annual General Meeting of Gagasan Rakyat's Sindumin Division at Dataran QSS here.
Hajiji also said that this initiative, along with many others, including human capital development programmes, is only possible under the GRS-PH Plus government.
He added that the implementation of these initiatives is in line with the state government's continuous efforts to uplift the people and drive development in Sabah.
Regarding Sipitang, Hajiji expressed confidence in its potential to become a prosperous district due to its strategic location near Sarawak, Brunei Darussalam, and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
"Residents of Sipitang are expected to benefit from economic growth and job opportunities with the opening of factories and businesses in the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip).
"The industrial area is now fully occupied, based on agreements signed by investors who plan to establish factories and businesses there.
"The people of Sipitang should take pride in having SOGIP. The land in Sogip is now fully utilised, with many local and foreign investors having signed agreements to open factories and businesses in the area."
He added that the surge in investment is a result of the policies of the GRS-PH Plus government.
"Although we have yet to see it, in the near future, or by next year, investors are expected to begin opening factories in SOGIP, and the people of Sipitang will certainly benefit.
"Sipitang has a bright future due to its strategic location, close to the borders of Sarawak, Brunei, and Labuan. God willing, we will succeed."
The event was also attended by Gagasan Rakyat Sindumin Division Chief and Sindumin State Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, along with other Gagasan Rakyat leaders.