By Mohd Khairy Abdullah
SOOK (sABAH), 7 nOV 2026 — One of Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup’s key achievements since being elected as Sook assemblyman has been securing an increase in the allocation of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) housing units for the constituency, from 40 last year to 65 this year, expanding access to housing assistance for families in need.
Arthur, who is also Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), said the additional 25 units, representing a 62.5 per cent increase, marked an important development for the people of Sook, particularly low-income households and families requiring government housing assistance.
He acknowledged that housing needs remained high in Sook and across the P.182 Pensiangan parliamentary constituency, adding that efforts to address the shortfall would have to be carried out progressively through increased housing allocations and a broader approach to economic development.
He said he would continue exploring new ways to expand housing assistance while stepping up initiatives involving various government agencies to stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities and improve household incomes.
Such efforts, he said, were important in strengthening the purchasing power of local communities, enabling more families to improve their living standards and meet basic needs, including securing more adequate housing.
The increase in allocation was highlighted during the symbolic handover of 40 SMJ homes to recipients in Sook. The houses were completed last year, but their formal handover was only carried out this year due to administrative arrangements.
Arthur said housing assistance remained necessary among rural communities, particularly families whose livelihoods had been disrupted by accidents, individuals who had lost their ability to work, and young couples starting their own families.
While efforts to expand economic and employment opportunities in rural areas remained a priority, he said certain segments of society continued to require direct government support.
“We want to help those who genuinely need assistance so that our communities can continue to live in peace and prosperity,” he said.
He also disclosed that approximately 100 housing assistance units had been secured for the wider P.182 Pensiangan parliamentary constituency this year, covering SMJ housing as well as other housing assistance schemes, including the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) and longhouse housing initiatives.
He said efforts to secure higher allocations and additional housing assistance would continue to ensure that more eligible residents benefited from state government initiatives.
