MEMBAKUT: Four individuals here received the keys to their new Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) houses presented by Membakut Assemblyman and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Datuk Dr Arifin Arif.
He said it is the government’s Christmas gift and hopes that they will be grateful.
Among the recipients are Inai Inting Kalingan from Kampung Poring Maragang, Jetrin Akang (Kg Bandau and Unsiu Kunsingan (Kampung Kayai).
“In conjunction with the celebration of Christmas this year, the recipients can occupy a new house that is more comfortable for their entire family. Their previous homes were dilapidated and unsuitable for habitation.
“The people also need to thank Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for approving the construction of the houses.
“The government never breaks its promise and will provide houses to those who deserve them, especially those whose houses are dilapidated,” said Arifin.
One of the recipients, Jetrin Akang, expressed his joy for the early Christmas gift to Daily Express.
The family can celebrate Christmas with gratitude in comfort and safely.
“I would like to thank the Sabah government for the gift and also Datuk Arifin for giving us a good enough house for my family,” he said.
Also present were the Membakut Community Development Leader and staff.
Meanwhile, the fate of a family who lost their house due to a fire in Kampung Batam Baru, here late last year, was saved by the construction of a new house through the Rumah Ihsan Membakut (RIM) Program.
One of the recipients, Dayang Marakani Abd Salim, 35, said that she and her family felt very grateful for the RIM assistance because they could not afford to build a new house.
She said that her family had to rent a house in a neighbouring village but faced difficulties due to limited finances, which were only enough for family expenses.
“My husband only works as a manual labourer with a meagre income, just enough to feed the family with two children who are still in school, while I am just a housewife.
“Therefore, we are very happy with the construction of the RIM, which is almost completed as a result of the concern of Membakut Assemblyman Datuk Dr. Arifin Arif,” she said.
She said this when met during Ariffin’s inspection of RIM construction works in the area.
Meanwhile, Ariffin said RIM is fully funded by the Membakut Assemblyman’s allocation and has built more than 15 houses for affected residents since it was launched three years ago.
He said, apart from burnt houses, RIM’s assistance also includes houses of the poor that are dilapidated or destroyed due to other natural disasters.
“It is a total of RM45,000 to build a RIM unit, but for fire victims who have already built a house, we will also provide financial assistance to complete what is necessary for their homes.
“There have been several burnt houses before that we have helped under the RIM initiative since, including three in Kampung Pimping as well as in several other places,” he said.
Meanwhile, a family of seven will have a memorable Christmas celebration soon as they moved into their new house of Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ), given by the state government under the SMJ Housing Programme, here recently.
Sabah Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (KSTI) Datuk Dr Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif, who handed the house key to the head of the family, Fandy Serutin from Kampung Takapan, said the family was undoubtedly delighted to receive the new house.
He said the house was provided by the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as one of his initiatives to assist the underprivileged. Ariffin said this after the house handover ceremony.
“Now, Fandy and his wife with their five children can live comfortably in the newly completed house as their previous home was no longer suitable for living and I hope this brings joy to them,” he said.
According to him, more eligible individuals will continue to benefit from this programme in the future.
Also present at the event were Membakut District Officer Ibrahim Terki and others.
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