DAILY EXPRESS. 29TH MAY: Property developers in Sabah have been urged to build more affordable housing to meet the basic needs of the people and growing demand for such housing.
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurial Minister Phoong Jin Zhe said they should build more affordable houses priced between RM300,000 and RM400,000 instead of focusing only on luxurious housing like high-end condominiums and landed properties.
“Think for the people who can only afford to buy reasonably priced homes like this upcoming housing project – Damar Residence – at Sabindo, Lok Kawi.
“This new project, a joint-venture between Zalam Development (Sabah) Sdn Bhd and Sabah Urban Development Corporation (SUDC), is another success of the State Government’s efforts in its public housing agenda.
“I am sure this project is able to add value, especially in terms of improving the people’s economic wellbeing and quality of life,” he said after representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in performing the groundbreaking ceremony for Tropika Park City’s Damar Residence at Lok Kawi, here, Sunday.
Damar Residence covering is the first phase of the Tropika Park City development project located adjacent to the Pan Borneo Highway, about a 20 minutes’ drive from Kota Kinabalu and Papar township.
The word “Damar” is the name of a tree that is common in Sabah and West Malaysia.
Construction work on the 24-storey condominium project comprising 360 units has already begun and expected to be completed in 2025.
Phoong was confident that the project would create job opportunities, particularly for those living in Papar, Putatan, Penampang and Kota Kinabalu.
He commended SUDC Chairman Jamawi Jaafar for taking the initiative to renegotiate with Zalam to ensure the project is not abandoned.
“Jamawi personally negotiated with Zalam to get this new project (the agreement of which was made eight or nine years ago) started, within six months after being appointed as SUDC Chairman,” he said.
Phoong also urged property developers to build more green housing projects that promote a healthy living lifestyle, like Damar Residence, which will incorporate green elements such as jogging and cycling tracks, among others.
“It is not only affordable in terms of pricing but also built with green elements to foster a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Zalam Development (Sabah) Sdn Bhd’s Chairman Tan Sri Wong See Wah said the Damar Residence is one of the company’s initiatives to answer the Government’s call to provide practical and affordable housing for the M40 group.
He said it is the company’s main interest and goal to create a unique township in Kota Kinabalu that is fully equipped, where residents can live, play, exercise, eat, relax, shop and work in one place.
“That is why Tropika Park City was conceptualised. We propose a park centre where families can carry out recreation activities, jog and cycle at designated lanes, retail outlets and all facilities within short distances,” said Wong.
He described the Tropika Park City location as a “gem” which is set to become a new township with vigorous growth, including as a tourism attraction.
Jamawi believed the Damar Residence will change Lok Kawi’s landscape and become a well-known landmark in the area.
He said the mixed development Tropika Park City project is in line with SUDC’s tagline “Pioneering Progress”.
“I was made to understand that 65 per cent of the Damar Residence units have been booked and now left with 35 per cent,” he added.
Also held at the same venue on Sunday was the SUDC-Zalam 5km Kaamatan Fun Run at 6am, flagged off by Jamawi.
Some 700 people including from Brunei Darussalam and the peninsula registered for the run which offered a total of RM7,800 in cash prizes.
Also present were Zalam Development (Sabah) Sdn Bhd Managing Director Alan Ho Lee Beng, the company’s General Manager Hannah Ding Hwey Ern, director Kahar Iskahaarruddin Ahmand, Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Arsit Sedi and other senior officials.