KOTA BELUD, March 28, 2026 — Kadamaian State Assemblyman Ewon Benedick wants all 50 units of Rumah Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) in the Kadamaian constituency to be completed this year to provide better living conditions for families in need.
Ewon, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said inspections conducted together with the Kadamaian Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) found that all applicants were eligible for the housing assistance.
He noted that some applicants are registered under the e-Kasih system, while others have lost their homes due to fires and natural disasters such as landslides.
“There are also families living with siblings who have their own families, with up to 22 people sharing a small house. This clearly shows the urgent need for SMJ housing for those truly in need,” he said.
He spoke to reporters after visiting applicants’ homes in Kampung Lasou Minunsud, Kampung Lasou Podi and Kampung Wani in Mukim Lasau, Kadamaian, on Thursday.
Ewon said the ground visit approach allows authorities to personally assess applications and ensure assistance is distributed transparently to eligible recipients.
“Many applications are received in every village, but we will ensure that at least one truly deserving family in each village receives an SMJ house,” he said.
According to him, key selection criteria include families registered under e-Kasih, households with persons with disabilities, disaster victims, and those living in overcrowded or dilapidated homes.
He added that 10 units from this year’s allocation have been set aside for newly married couples as a new initiative by the state government.
Ewon said the demand for SMJ housing in Kadamaian is high compared to other areas, particularly involving homes built on applicants’ own land.
As such, he plans to submit a request for additional allocations to the state government once the current quota is completed.
He expressed hope that the SMJ housing assistance will provide greater comfort for recipients, including better spaces for children to study and enabling families to build more stable lives.
In a related development, Ewon said Mukim Lasau is among the largest areas in Kadamaian requiring attention in terms of development, including infrastructure, agriculture and land ownership under the PANTAS programme.
He noted that various facilities have already been provided, including community halls and concrete roads, but development efforts will continue to be strengthened.
“I assure that no mukim will be left behind under the Kadamaian Development Plan,” he said.
— Minutes MY / Ramani
