Kota Kinabalu: The State Government through the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB) has targeted to build 16,993 units of affordable houses under the 8th Malaysia Plan (8MP), Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Hj Hajiji Hj Noor said Wednesday.

He said of these, 5,675 units have been completed while 2, 280 units are being built and 9,038 units will be implemented soon.

Winding up the debate for his Ministry, he added the Federal Government through the National Housing Department (JPN) is implementing 9,086 units of low-rental flats under the People's Housing Programme (PPR) scheme in Sabah while another 9,225 units will be constructed under the 9th Malaysian Plan (9MP).

"In addition, the State Government through LPPB recently signed a MOU with the national housing company, SPNB, to build 30,000 units of affordable houses in Sabah. For a start, SPNB has agreed to build 13,000 units at 14 locations, subject to the suitability of the sites," he continued.

Replying to pointers raised by the Members from Gum-Gum and Tanjung Batu, the Minister said it is within the plans of both LPPB and JPN to build affordable houses in each town in the State, including Gum-Gum. He added however that its implementation in each town would depend on site suitability and local demand, be the houses for sale or for rent. Among factors to be considered are the site's distance from town centre and the presence of squatters.

On the issue of Bumiputra participation raised by the Member from Sulabayan, he said his Ministry will ensure that Bumiputra consultants are given priority in projects implemented by LPPB including those on joint-venture with SPNB.

On the request from the Tanjung Batu Assemblyman for a new township at Kalabakan in his constituency, Hajiji said the proposal would be listed under the 9MP.

Meanwhile, the Minister informed the House that the issuance of Strata Titles is the responsibility of the Land & Survey Department (which falls under the Chief Minister's Department).

"However, my Ministry has taken the initiative to assist in finding a solution to this matter. The issuance of Strata Titles should not be a problem if the developer is co-operative and fulfil the conditions," he added, referring to the long-standing problem.

On the setting up of a House Buyer's Claim Tribunal in Sabah, Hajiji said his Ministry is studying the draft amendments to the Housing Enactment (Control and Licensing of Developers) 1978 and when ready will be forwarded to the State Attorney-General for scrutinisation before seeking the Government's approval. (A similar Tribunal has been set up in Peninsular Malaysia.)

Replying to points raised by the Members from Kuala Penyu and Inanam on the re-issuance of Native Certificates, he said the Sub-Committee formed by the Cabinet Committee to study this matter had forwarded its recommendations to the State Attorney-General, who however requested for more time to scrutinise the matter in view of its importance and implications.