42,000 homes offered to Sabahans
KOTA KINABALU: More than 42,000 affordable dream homes in Sabah are up for sale during the five-day “Ekspo Jualan Perumahan - Ke Arah Sejuta Impian, Alami Gaya Hidup Sejahtera” here.
During the expo launching ceremony here on Saturday, Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia (PR1MA) chief executive officer Dato Abdul Mutalib Alias said 66% of the promised quality residential units were offered below RM300,000 at the expo in Sabah Trade Centre starting March 17.
He added this wide selection of homes were showcased from 10am to 10pm daily by federal and state housing agencies for the first time in Sabah during the largest nationwide home expo roadshow for middle-income (M40) and lower-income (B40) groups.
“We are cognisant of the fact that it is becoming more difficult to own a home following the rising house prices as well as stringent assessment of bank loans,” said Abdul Mutalib.
“In this regard, the various Federal and State housing agencies are coming together to bring to you this largest ever nationwide home expo, Ekspo Jualan Perumahan 2018, so that Sabahans will have the opportunity to start their journey in owning their first property.
“Most importantly, the Ekspo Jualan Perumahan 2018 offers various types of affordable and quality homes which are aimed at first-time home buyers and emerging young working professionals of different income levels who are looking to own a home in the urban or sub-urban area,” he added.
The event was officiated by Sabah Special Tasks Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Teo Chee Kang on behalf of Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman.
Among the dignitaries at the event was Sabah State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman.
The expo, a one-stop centre to assist potential buyers in their home ownership journey, is a joint initiative between PR1MA; the Sabah Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB); Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB); 1Malaysia Housing Projects for Civil Servants (PPA1M) as well as various state government agencies.
According to the latest Property Development Report 2017 by Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda), the average price based on properties launched in 2017 in the West Coast of Sabah was above RM400,000.
To ease first-time buyers’ registration process, the expo will also feature various information and sales booths, serving as a convenient one-stop-centre for potential buyers to gather all relevant information pertaining to PR1MA homes assisted by PR1MA staff as well as representatives from financial institutions and relevant agencies.
A total of 12 PR1MA developments covering both high-rise and landed units are showcased, including PR1MA projects highlights in Borneo Cove, Kota Marudu, Manggatal, Sandakan City Centre and Ranggu.
All PR1MA developments are complete with high-quality features and amenities suited for the modern Malaysian lifestyle.
Among the features and amenities, commonly found in projects by private developers, includes multipurpose hall, playground, surau, child care centre and swimming pool.
The expo will be making its round nationwide from March till April. The next one will be held at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur on March 24 to April 1, this year,
Sabah is the second state, after Ipoh, Perak to host this nationwide home expo.
Earlier during the event, Abdul Mutalib announced the opening of PR1MA’s first sales office to mark the organization’s commitment in providing modern quality homes for the M40 group in Sabah.
He said the office is expected to commence operation by this August at Aeropod at Jalan Kepayan here.
“Up to now, PR1MA Members of Corporation (MOC) have approved the development of 267,670 PR1MA housing units throughout the country,” said the PR1MA CEO.
“Of this amount, 30,155 units or 27 projects are currently at various stages of construction in Sabah. This makes Sabah the state with the second highest approved PR1MA homes for development,” he added.