Masiung (right) being briefed by Nelson after handing over the key to Rumah Mesra SMJ to one of the recipients.
TONGOD: Single mothers and persons with disabilities (OKU) in Tongod will be given priority to apply and own a Rumah Mesra SMJ, even if they are not registered with e-Kasih.
Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah said that the owners of houses destroyed by disasters like a fire or flood also deserve consideration.
He said although the e-Kasih register is the main condition for applying for help, single mothers, OKUs and families affected by disasters cannot be left out.
“I found that many single mothers and OKUs in Tongod are not registered with e-Kasih, but they should be treated equally.
“There is a flaw in the e-Kasih database and it needs to be updated every year according to the conditions set,” he said after handing over the keys to 20 recipients of Rumah Mesra SMJ in a ceremony held at Kampung Alitang, here, yesterday.
According to Masiung, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is the first Sabah Government ever introduced a program like Rumah Mesra SMJ assistance.
He said a total of 60 Rumah Mesra SMJ have been built in Tongod since 2021 until now, involving an expenditure of RM480,000.
Masiung said the State Government allocated RM80,000 per Rumah Mesra SMJ unit under the Sabah Maju Jaya development programme.
This year alone, he said, the State Government has spent about RM5,840,000 for building Rumah Mesra SMJ in 73 DUNs.
In addition to having the opportunity to have Rumah Mesra SMJ assistance, people who are registered in e-Kasih in Sabah also have the opportunity to apply for housing assistance under the Federal-funded People’s Housing Programme (PPR) under the Federal Government funding.
Tongod District Officer Nelson Domil Ulok and Community Development Officer Tokyo Hashim Omar were also present.
