Masidi with the award winners at SHAREDA Nite 2026.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s housing and real estate developers have been urged to focus on sustainable development, better-planned towns and cities, and affordability in their future development plans.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said developers must adopt designs and construction methods that use resources efficiently, reduce long-term operating costs and address Sabah’s environmental needs.
He said they must also make efficient use of land and ensure transport, utilities and public amenities adequately support new developments.
“Developers also need to work with the Government to find practical ways to meet the needs of first-time home buyers, young families and middle-income households while keeping projects viable,” he said at the Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHAREDA) Nite at Magellan Sutera Resort here last night. His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister II cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
The Chief Minister said achieving these priorities required cooperation between the Government and industry players.
“They require honest dialogue, sound planning and a willingness to adapt. When we work together to create a more predictable development environment, we give investors greater confidence, support local businesses and help more Sabahans share in our state’s progress,” he said.
He said the State Government recognised the need for a practical and coordinated response to challenges facing the property sector.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies and industry stakeholders to improve the efficiency and clarity of approval processes, strengthen essential infrastructure, and identify obstacles that can be resolved without compromising safety, environmental standards or the public interest.
“SHAREDA’s experience on the ground will remain valuable to that work,” he said.
Hajiji said property development played an important role beyond providing homes and business premises, as it also supported construction jobs, professional services, local suppliers, transport and financing.
“Well-planned housing, commercial centres and industrial facilities also help attract investment and enable businesses to expand. In this way, a healthy property sector contributes to growth across the wider economy.
“As we advance the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda, the industry will remain essential to our priorities in agriculture, industrial development, tourism and infrastructure.
“These sectors need suitable land, reliable facilities, quality housing and well-connected communities in which to grow,” he said.
He acknowledged that developers and the property sector faced several challenges, including higher construction and financing costs, supply-chain disruptions and the cost of transporting materials to Sabah.
Developers also faced uncertainty arising from lengthy approval processes or unclear requirements, while constraints in electricity, water, roads and other infrastructure could delay projects or limit development opportunities.
“These pressures extend beyond individual projects. When development slows, contractors and suppliers receive less work, employment opportunities narrow, and investment may be deferred.
“When costs are passed on to buyers, more families find it difficult to own a home. Addressing these challenges is therefore important not only for the industry, but for Sabah’s broader economy and quality of life,” he said.
Hajiji also acknowledged SHAREDA as an important partner of the State Government, noting that its engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders had helped bring practical perspectives to discussions on development, urban planning and housing.
“I urge SHAREDA and its members to continue setting high standards of integrity, innovation and quality.
“Let us build not only more properties, but stronger communities and a more resilient economy for future generations,” he said.
