'Don't cheat housebuyers'

The Star 26/04/2004 BY SUSAN TAM

KUALA LUMPUR: Developers are advised against duping housebuyers into signing the sale and purchase (S&P) agreement before ensuring that full preparations to complete the housing project are made, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said.

“We want to advise all housing developers to ensure that they can afford to carry out housing projects before marketing their houses.

“Don’t try to sell quickly and get the buyer to sign the S&P agreement then make excuses that you are not prepared due to financial problems or incomplete amenities,” he said, after opening the 27th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Association of Malaysia yesterday.

Ong said the ministry would not accept such excuses anymore as it had received many complaints about this.

Asked what action could be taken against the developers, he said the housing tribunal could take action against errant developers based on the S&P agreement.

He said he would not entertain any requests from the developers to ease regulations under the S&P agreement if the developers created excuses for not completing the project.

Ong also said the ministry wanted to remind the local councils to be more efficient in handling certificates of fitness for occupation applications.

“As a one-stop centre for these applications, the councils must check if all the conditions are met in the applications and issue an acknowledgement in writing as a proof of receipt,” he added.

Asked if there were problems with the efficiency of the local councils, Ong said: “I am not saying that, but I want to be proactive to give them an early reminder before the problems becomes too serious.”

Ong also said the Cabinet had approved the application for the Kulai District Council to be upgraded to a Municipal Council.