We commend the Deputy
Minister of Housing & Local Government YB Datuk M Kayveas for assuring the
public that his ministry will carry out a study to determine the waiver of
the imposition of the so-called ‘administrative charges’ of 1% levied by Developer
when one wants to transact on their property prior to the issuance of strata
title.
Strata title
As you are well aware, the purchase price in the sale and purchase
agreement between the developer and the purchaser includes the costs and expenses
of the developer in applying for strata titles and subsequent issuance thereof.
However, very often the developers are deterred in applying for the strata
titles since it costs them money to do so. You must understand that the cream
of an apartment project is the proceeds from the sale of the units. Presently,
there is no monetary motivation on the part of an errant developer to apply
for strata titles as the supervision and strict enforcement by the relevant
department is lax. It is often
left to the moral obligations of the developer to apply for the said strata
titles.
We urge the relevant
ministry to identify nationwide all cases that do not have strata titles.
The Ministry should come up with statistics to reflect the non-availability
of strata title in categories as to the number of years delayed.
The ministry should address the public as to the steps taken to remedy
the situation before it worsen.
Malacca has been the
fore-runner to a new process of eliminating problems relating to non-application
for strata title. Their concept is that Building Plans will not be approve
until the developer (for high rise buildings) had pre-paid all surveyors fees
and premiums, processing fees for subdivision and application for strata title.
Upon completion of the project Certificate of Fitness and strata title will
be simultaneously issued. This
will eliminate obstacles for house buyers against errant developers who delay
the application for strata or conveniently wind up their businesses after
reaping the proceeds from the sales.
We compliment the Chief Minister YAB Dato Wira Mohd Ali Rustam for
having the foresight of adopting stringent control that is due from a public
holding officer and with the public at heart.
Administrative charges
In the event, after the study by MOH, the so called ‘administrative
fees’ cannot be waived, HBA is of the view that a nominal fees be charged
in the following instances:-
-
RM250.00 or 1% of the transacted price,
whichever is the lower for property that is RM200, 000.00 or lower in value;
-
RM500.00 or 1% of the transacted price,
whichever is the lower for property that is RM200, 001.00 or higher in value.
Maintenance Charges
In relation to the
issue of maintenance charges, house buyers would be happy to pay whatsoever
sum that is reasonable provided always that the developer must exercise transparency
and accountability in arriving at the calculation of the maintenance charges.
Residents to take over maintenance
On the issue of residents
taking over management and maintenance of the respective apartments, HBA urge
MOH to conduct regular workshop to educate residents on the essence of running
the apartment and responsibility for the well being of all the residents at
large. One must understand that to be in the working committee of a resident
group, it is a thankless job and people who are committed should serve on
the committee for the sake of their common neighbours.
