Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans who face difficulties securing housing loans through conventional channels are urged to apply under the Skim Jaminan Kredit Perumahan (SJKP), a Federal Government initiative under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, to help them own their dream homes.
Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) President Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee said SJKP is not a financial institution but a government-backed loan guarantee scheme that particularly benefits Sabahans with irregular incomes, including small business owners, micro-entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who often fail to meet conventional banking requirements.
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He said many Sabahans running small businesses, such as food stalls and other micro enterprises, are frequently turned down by commercial banks because they do not have fixed incomes or traditional employment records.
“Therefore, I am calling on those whose housing loan applications have been rejected by commercial banks to seek advice from SJKP.
“Under SJKP, the Madani Government provides a loan guarantee, enabling participating banks to extend financing to eligible applicants.
“The requirements are relatively straightforward, as applicants only need to demonstrate that they have a source of income, even if it is not entirely consistent,” he said.
Speaking to reporters during the 25th PropEX 2026 organised by Shareda here recently, Johnny said many eligible homebuyers in Sabah remain unaware that the Federal Government-backed scheme could help them secure financing for affordable homes, despite there being 2,124 affordable housing units currently available in the State.
“Although we are encouraged that more homebuyers in Sabah are beginning to benefit from this scheme, greater efforts are needed to raise awareness of the SJKP facility in the State.
“Shareda was the first organisation to introduce and promote the SJKP scheme in Sabah in 2022. According to SJKP, this resulted in 93 applications involving properties worth RM22.49 million that year.
“In 2023, the number rose to 643 applications involving properties valued at RM181.99 million, followed by 930 applications worth RM268.22 million in 2024.
“A total of 725 applications involving properties worth RM209.86 million were recorded in 2025, while 284 applications worth RM91.95 million were received between January and May this year,” he said.
Johnny said he had consistently promoted the benefits of the scheme over the past four years, describing it as one of the Federal Government’s most impactful initiatives to improve access to homeownership.
“I hope the number of applications will continue to increase this year and in the years ahead, so that those who believe they are not eligible for housing loans will realise they can benefit from this scheme and eventually own their dream homes.
“My message to prospective buyers of affordable homes is not to assume that you are automatically ineligible for a housing loan. Even if your income is irregular, seek advice from SJKP on how you can qualify,” he said.
He added that more than 2,000 affordable homes, priced between RM272,000 and RM400,000, were showcased at PropEX.
Johnny said an increasing number of commercial banks have begun participating in SJKP, with more financial institutions expected to offer SJKP-backed financing from next year.
“There are already more than 10 commercial banks participating in the scheme to assist eligible Sabahans, particularly micro-entrepreneurs and those in the gig economy, to own affordable homes.
“I understand that CIMB and Public Bank are expected to join the scheme next year,” he said.
Johnny also urged SJKP to consider establishing a branch office in Sabah to improve accessibility for those seeking information and assistance.
“Having an SJKP office in Sabah would make it easier for people to walk in and seek advice directly instead of relying on communication with officers in Peninsular Malaysia.
“We understand that SJKP is studying the possibility and exploring the funding required to make this happen,” he said.
He added that although annual allocations for SJKP have continued to increase, Sabah has yet to fully utilise the available financing.
Responding to a question, Johnny said the Madani Government has allocated RM20 billion for SJKP nationwide this year, but financing approved for Sabah has yet to reach RM1 billion.
From 2022 to May 2026, SJKP recorded a total of 2,685 applications in Sabah involving properties worth RM774.51 million, he said.
Johnny said Shareda would continue promoting the scheme, particularly in view of the 2,124 affordable housing units currently available in Sabah.
“So I hope that in the second half of this year, more people will seize this opportunity to apply for housing loans under SJKP through participating commercial banks.
This will strengthen our case when requesting a larger allocation specifically for Sabah.
“Now is a crucial time to submit this proposal as the 2027 Federal Budget will be tabled in October. We hope the Madani Government will continue supporting Sabah through the SJKP scheme,” he said.
