Assemblyman Calls For Study On Building SMJ Friendly Homes On Water

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 16 (Bernama) – A Sabah assemblyman has called for a comprehensive study into building Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) friendly homes on water to house the state's unique water-based communities.

Datuk Mohamed Razali Razi said the study would allow the housing design to be adapted to local realities and the genuine needs of the people.

"This approach does not need additional land, thereby making the initiative more inclusive and practical," he said during the debate on the 2026 Supply Bill at the State Legislative Assembly today.

He also proposed including multi-storey SMJ-friendly homes in semi-urban areas as a key component of the state's sustainable housing policy.

He stressed that the reality in areas like Sepanggar demands a more strategic approach, as the key issue is not just the number of units, but the scarcity of available land due to a growing population density.

He explained that a single plot of land previously capable of holding only around 20 single-storey houses could potentially accommodate twice as many multi-storey homes. 

He also welcomed the increase in the housing quota to 50 units per state constituency in the 2026 Sabah Budget, a move that will provide greater relief for residents seeking to own a home.

Separately, Mohamed Razali noted that the RM670,000 allocation to expand the Sabah Autism Centre also involves upgrading works to transform it into a true second home for the community, rather than just a training facility.

He said this would ensure the centre not only operates to provide quality, affordable early education for children from the age of three to seven, but also provides them with a safer, structured environment featuring life skills training, daily routines and social activities.

“Additionally, I propose special scholarships and a skills training fund focused on soft skills and vocational training, so that autistic children can become self-reliant,” he added.

-- BERNAMA