Sabah to evict ‘proxy’ residents

State govt to remove ineligible PPR occupants soon, says masidi

KOTA KINABALU: Those ineligible to live in the People’s Housing Project (PPR) facilities will be evicted soon, the state government has warned.

Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the authorities were aware of “proxies” living in the PPRS.

He said the authorities were also aware that people were renting out the flat units to others.

“We must stop approving applications based on recommendations and make sure that only genuine recipients from the B40 group get help.

“I am sure this is not only happening in one but many PPR areas.

That is why we have set up a taskforce to ensure that only the hardcore poor – or B40 group – live there,” he told the state legislative assembly yesterday.

He was replying to Moyog assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking about the state of affairs at PPRS in Sabah.

Masidi said officials will go to all PPR units to check on the occupants.

“Those who are not eligible will be evicted. This is to ensure that only targeted groups can live there,” he added.

He stated that PPR units were not intended for long-term stays, but rather as a temporary residences until those involved could afford their own shelter.

Masidi also said that checks showed that there were luxury vehicles parked at PPR areas, but said that these could be due to drivers staying there.

The monthly rental for a PPR flat is less than RM200 per month.

Masidi also assured that the state government was doing its best to expedite the construction of more PPR units, which he said had been delayed for some time due to various reasons, including technical issues.