Govt Wants To Abolish CF, Says Abdullah

Bernama.com 26/6/2004

PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Friday said the Housing and Local Government Ministry has been asked to study the possibility of abolishing the certificate of fitness (CF) issued by local authorities for occupation of completed buildings and houses.

The Prime Minister said it was proposed that the CF, on the other hand, would be replaced by a verification issued by the project's engineer or architect, which affirmed that the premises were fit for occupation.

"We can utilise the same approach by using details and recommendations from architects and other professionals who confirm that the buildings are in good condition, hence there is no more need for CF."

He said this at the news conference after meeting secretaries-general of ministries and heads of administration at his office here Friday.

Abdullah said the proposal was brought up at the cabinet meeting about a month ago and he was still waiting for the Housing and Local Government Ministry's report over the proposal,

Abdullah said no time limit was imposed on the ministry to submit the report.

"No need for urgency, the ministry has to study all aspects," he said.

Abdullah said it was crucial for parties involved in making the declaration to give an accurate declaration and assessment that the buildings were built according to specifications and safe for occupation.

"They will have to face action if what they declare is inaccurate and this is in the form of severe action to prevent any case of cheating," he said.

Abdullah said the declaration and verification must be signed by accredited and licensed engineers and architects.

"Previously we can accept that we are short of engineers and architects, but now there are many of these highly-qualified professionals, so we can use their views.

"This approach is based on trust but action will be taken against those who provide wrong information," he said.

On another development, the Prime Minister said he was satisfied with the improved management of land matters.

He said as of last December, there were 325,744 backlogged land cases and the number of cases disposed off were 205,700, some 63.15 percent of the total number of cases.

Abdullah said the success was achieved in Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Melaka.

Abdullah also said there was better frontline public services now but there was still room for more improvement.

"For example, issuance of passport took about three months previously but later it was shortened to a month, after that two weeks and then three days, and now a passport can be issued within one day," he said.

Abdullah said he had stressed on the importance of reducing bureaucratic red tape during the meeting.

He said the government would use the "e-government" application and information communication technology facilities to smoothen administrative work.

"But for the government the important thing is the role in terms of enforcement, that is vital," he said.-- BERNAMA