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KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Local Government and Housing Ministry is addressing the long-standing issue of government buildings without Occupancy Certificates (OC), which has blocked the use of federal funds for upgrades and maintenance.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam acknowledged the problem during the State Assembly, citing efforts underway to secure OCs for affected buildings.

Nominated assemblyman Datuk Suhaimi Nasir highlighted cases in Sandakan, including the stalled RM2.7 million Gum-Gum Tamu project, where lack of OC and land ownership issues prevented utilisation of allocated funds.

Separately, Assistant Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih said the Karamunting Market project in Tanah Merah had just begun preliminary works in April after contractor appointment.

Sekong assemblyman Alias Sani also raised concerns over the temporary market site operating without local council approval, leaving over 50 traders without proper facilities. Joachim clarified the site was on private land, limiting enforcement by authorities.