1,000 units for housing programme in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: The 1Malaysia Civil Servants' Housing Programme will be extended here soon, as the government is identifying suitable land for the project.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said planning and land matters should be finalised in six months.

Speaking to reporters after a gathering with state and federal civil servants here yesterday, he said more than 1,000 units were expected to be available to not only federal, but also state civil servants here.

"We have identified one area in Tuaran, which has been agreed upon by both federal and state governments as suitable.

Ali added that while the project's model was similar to that of the pilot project in Putrajaya, it was likely to be landed units here instead of apartment-style.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in April, launched the first phase of the housing programme in Putrajaya, involving 1,256 units.

Ali said the houses would be cheaper than the current market price in Sabah.

The houses will be made affordable, based on the salaries of civil servants, but will still be of good quality.

Ali asked the 1,000 civil servants present to adopt the "Jejak Mesra Perkhidmatan Awam" or "Search and Assist" approach, where the officers go to the ground instead of waiting for those in need to come to them.

"Do not wait in the air-conditioned office.

"You have all the facts and figures, so go out and find the elderly, poor or the disabled who are in need of assistance or welfare.

"For example, if TV3 airs the plight of a poor old lady, we can trace her and provide assistance.

"This goes for all departments, regardless of federal or state levels.

"If it is not in your jurisdiction, then refer them (those in need) to relevant departments or even better, the district officer, who acts as a one-stop centre.

"He or she will know who to refer to."

Ali also called on civil servants to rise and fight back against untrue allegations against the government and its programmes.

"We have always been at the receiving end.

"Why don't we start fighting back, not with lies or rumours like them, but logically, with facts and figures.

"Civil servants need to be social media-friendly and have Facebook accounts, too, to face these culprits.

"We need to defend the good name of civil service.

"This is my challenge to you."

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