by David E.
KOTA KINABALU: Nov 2, 2026 – The Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHAREDA) remains committed to supporting the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) vision through close cooperation with the state government in the development of the housing and real estate sector.
Its President, Datuk Johnny Wong, said the sector remains one of the main pillars of Sabah’s economy as the industry supports more than 140 downstream sectors, including manufacturing, professional services, logistics and retail.
“Every dynamic housing scheme, commercial centre and mixed development represents job creation, infrastructure expansion and direct capital investment into our state’s economy,” he said at the SHAREDA Night 2026 Annual Dinner last night.
According to Johnny, throughout 2026, SHAREDA members demonstrated remarkable resilience despite global economic uncertainty and changing market conditions.
“We continue to build, provide homeownership opportunities for Sabah families, drive urbanisation and support the state’s broader economic trajectory,” he said.
He said SHAREDA welcomed active cooperation with the state government in several priority areas, including clarifying policies and procedures to shorten approval periods, and reducing compliance and operational costs.
“This will ultimately lower housing costs for everyday buyers,” he said.
Other priority areas include streamlining regulatory approvals, title issuance processes and public utility connections to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
SHAREDA also proposed cooperation with public agencies to explore innovative financing models, incentives and modern construction techniques to widen access to quality homes for young families and first-time buyers.
“We are also committed to fostering green building practices, environmental conservation efforts and robust infrastructure planning to ensure our developments are climate-resilient and sustainable for future generations,” he said.
To address affordable housing needs, Johnny said SHAREDA was ready to work with the state government through the use of strategic land, cross-subsidy frameworks, innovative financing models and modern construction methods such as the Industrialised Building System (IBS).
“This cooperation can widen access to quality and affordable homes for young Sabah families, B40 and M40 first-time buyers,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, who was represented by Guest of Honour Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi bin Manjun, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II and State Finance Minister.
Source: MOF
