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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government remains committed to ensuring every Sabahan has access to quality, affordable and sustainable housing despite mounting cost pressures facing the property sector, said Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.

He said the State, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, would continue expanding housing opportunities, improving accessibility and enhancing the quality of life of Sabahans while working closely with the private sector to meet growing housing demand.

“The Government provides the policy framework and public housing initiatives, but the private sector remains an indispensable partner in addressing Sabah’s housing needs.

“Hence, I commend the Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) and its member developers for delivering quality property developments and sustainable communities that contribute to the State’s continued growth,” he said.

Dr Mohd Arifin said this in his speech when opening Shareda’s 25th PropEX 2026, here, recently.

The theme, “Keys to Your Future: Own, Build & Thrive,” he said, reflects the shared aspirations of the Government and the property industry and aligns with the Government’s vision of promoting homeownership as a catalyst for family wellbeing, community development and long-term state prosperity.

Over the past 25 editions, he said PropEX has grown into Sabah’s premier property exhibition, bringing together developers, financial institutions, government agencies, industry stakeholders and prospective homebuyers on a single platform.

“Beyond showcasing properties, it promotes investment, facilitates business collaboration and helps more Sabahans realise the dream of homeownership,” he said.

He described the property sector as a key pillar of Sabah’s economy, generating employment, attracting investment and supporting a wide range of downstream industries.

However, Dr Mohd Arifin acknowledged that developers are operating in an increasingly challenging environment.

“The global economy in 2026 continues to be affected by geopolitical conflicts, supply chain disruptions, fluctuating exchange rates and higher fuel prices, all of which have pushed up development costs.

“Recognising these pressures, the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has responded by strengthening targeted fuel subsidy measures to help ease the cost of living and reduce business operating costs,” he said.

Dr Mohd Arifin said the Ministry has received feedback from developers reporting moderate increases in construction and regulatory compliance costs, which are expected to translate into higher prices for new residential properties.

“To address these challenges, the Ministry has been strengthening collaboration with Shareda, local authorities and other stakeholders to enhance the efficiency of development approval processes.

“The initiatives include streamlining approval procedures, reducing administrative delays and expanding the use of digital platforms for planning and development approvals.

“These measures will improve efficiency, enhance transparency and reduce holding costs for developers while maintaining regulatory standards and good governance,” he said.

While the industry continues to face rising costs, Dr Mohd Arifin said it remains imperative that housing continues to be accessible and affordable, particularly for first-time homebuyers and those in the B40 and M40 income groups.

Therefore, he said developers play a broader role beyond constructing buildings by creating integrated communities and sustainable townships that improve residents’ quality of life.

At the same time, Dr Mohd Arifin urged developers to embrace innovation, improve productivity and adopt responsible planning practices based on genuine market demand and long-term sustainability.

He said the Ministry would continue engaging industry players to explore practical measures that support housing affordability while ensuring a resilient and sustainable property market.

Congratulating Shareda on organising the property exhibition, he encouraged the public to visit PropEX to explore the wide range of housing options, financing packages and investment opportunities on offer.

During a walkabout of the exhibition booths, Dr Mohd Arifin also officially launched JSK Group’s latest residential project, Taman Universiti Utama, unveiled at Shareda’s 25th PropEX.

He was accompanied by Shareda President Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee, who is also JSK Group Managing Director, and who briefed him on the special features of the 33-unit double-storey terrace housing development in Telipok.

Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Assistant Ministers of Local Government and Housing Datuk Fairuz Renddan and Datuk Dr Maijol Mahap, Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, Shareda Deputy President Benny Ng and PropEX Organising Chairperson Wilson Loke.