Pilih pemaju berwibawa
Memiliki rumah atau hartanah sendiri menjadi impian setiap orang apatah lagi ia bagaikan 'hadiah'
Deputy Chief Minister cum Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam acknowledged the long-standing issue during Wednesday’s question time at the State Legislative Assembly, following concerns raised by nominated assemblyman Datuk Suhaimi Nasir.
“I agree that most of the older buildings previously constructed by the government did not require OC and were still usable,” Joachim said.
“However, I know the difficulties where federal maintenance allocations cannot be used because the buildings lack valid OCs. The Ministry is taking action to obtain OC approvals.”
Suhaimi had earlier cited several instances in Sandakan, including the market premises, where federal allocations were secured but could not be used due to OC-related issues.
He highlighted a specific case where RM2.7 million allocated two years ago for the construction of the Gum-Gum Tamu cannot be used due to ownership.
“The bigger issue is that we get allocations from the federal government, but we cannot use them due to a lack of authorisation.
“Some of these funds were eventually withdrawn,” Suhaimi said.
Earlier, Sekong assemblyman Alias Sani had questioned the delay in the construction of the new Karamunting Market in Tanah Merah, Sandakan.
In response, Assistant Minister to the Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, said that contractor appointment had only recently been approved.
“Construction works for the Karamunting Market, located in Tanah Merah, received approval for contractor appointment and preliminary work at the site began in early April 2025,” Isnin said.
Alias also raised concerns about the current temporary market, which he claimed was operating without permission from the local authority, leaving over 50 traders without basic sanitation and maintenance services.
Joachim confirmed the site was located on private land and thus beyond the jurisdiction of local councils.
“Since it is on private property, the local authority does not have the power to enter the area.
“However, they are still assisting in cleanliness,” he said.
