Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad views the matter seriously and will give the appropriate advice through suitable channels.

Speaking to reporters after opening the Malaysian Property Expo (MAPEX 2000) he said his ministry will also send reminders to all parties involved.

The CFO guidelines require the local authorities to get approval from seven technical departments.

They are the Waterworks Department, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Telekom Malaysia, Public Works department, Fire and rescue department, Drainage and Irrigation Department and Town Planning Department.

Local authorities cannot add other non-technical requirements such as asking developers to contribute to funds for road drainage, Ong said.

“I was informed that some local authorities even asked developers to contribute by planting trees after getting an approval of CFO,” he added.

On Oct 24, Real estate and Housing Association (REHDA) expressed their confusion over the different guidelines set by the states on the issuance of CFOs.

Mapex 2000 is organized by REHDA to showcase more than 60,000 units of properties worth over RM11 billion, which are offered for sale in the nationwide expo.

The main event is held between Nov 8 and Nov 12 at the Putra World Centre.

On amendments to the Housing and developers Act, Ong said its preliminary draft is more or less ready.

“We are fine-tuning it and waiting for feedback from the relevant parties to ensure that we will come up with a balanced and fair act that covers everybody,” he said.