ENGINEERING NOSTALGIA
First Generation Factory Pre-cut Site Assembly Modular System for Public Housing in Sabah in 1970s
By Cheo Hong Keyong
ENGINEERING NOSTALGIA
Photo 1 : “ Factory pre-cut for site assembly modular system ” house assembled at Likas Bay , Kota Kinabalu in the 1970s as part of a low-cost housing scheme .
In the 1970s , Sabah ' s public housing policy aimed to address the severe housing needs of its population , particularly focusing on the lowerincome groups . The state ' s policy was driven by the necessity to provide affordable and adequate housing to ensure the overall well-being of its citizens . The key objectives of the policy were : a ) Affordable Housing for All : The primary objective was to ensure that every citizen , especially those from lower-income brackets , could access affordable housing . This was crucial in a less-developed state like Sabah where economic disparities were prominent . b ) Urban and Rural Focus : The policy aimed to balance housing development between urban and rural areas to prevent overcrowding in cities and to promote rural development . c ) Improving Living Standards : By providing better housing , the Government sought to improve the overall living standards , health , and well-being of its population .
The mid-term review of the Second Malaysia Plan ( 1971-1975 ) tried to address the provision of low-cost housing and aimed at improving the living conditions of the urban poor who lived in the fringe areas of urban centres . These residents relied on urban centres for employment .
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