Kota kinabalu: Housing issues and the empowerment of the agricultural sector will be the main priorities of Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Melalap seat, Datuk Jamawi Ja’afar, should he be given the mandate in the 17th Sabah State Election. Jamawi, 51, said he aims to expand low-cost housing projects under the Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB) to meet the needs of local residents, as current projects are insufficient to cope with growing demand.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jamawi emphasized the urgency of addressing housing issues, as many households, particularly in rural areas, accommodate up to four generations under one roof, a situation that can strain family relationships and potentially lead to social issues. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing LPPB housing project, which is now 70 percent complete, but noted that it remains inadequate, with only 50 houses available despite 412 applications received.
Jamawi outlined plans to resolve the issue of delayed commercial building lot construction, stalled for years due to cost constraints. He suggested collaboration with companies from the Peninsula to develop shophouses and public housing, highlighting the current lack of commercial building lots in Melalap.
On agriculture, Jamawi, a Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (UPM) graduate, plans to propose that the Sabah Government gazette suitable forest areas as permanent food production parks under the State Agriculture Department, similar to the model in Tawau. This initiative aims to create opportunities for youths interested in agricultural ventures while helping them boost their income.
He noted that his background as a former agricultural officer adds value to efforts in developing the agricultural sector in Melalap. The Melalap state constituency, located in the Tenom parliamentary constituency, is about 130 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu.
Jamawi will be in an eight-cornered fight for the Melalap seat, which has 21,320 registered voters. The polling day for the 17th Sabah State Election, involving 73 state constituencies, is set for Nov 29, while early voting is on Nov 25.
According to the Election Commission (EC) statistics, a total of 1,784,843 voters are eligible to exercise their responsibilities in this election. They consist of 1,760,417 ordinary voters, 11,697 military personnel and their spouses, and 12,729 police personnel and their spouses.