Penang the only State with Strata Title Board
NST 24/06/2004

KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. - Only Penang has established a Strata Title Board to look into complaints from houseowners and apartment dwellers, although the law requires every State to have one.

The Strata Title Act was amended in December 2001 requiring all States to have such a board, but most States seem to lack the urgency to implement it, resulting in consumers not having a proper channel for their grievances pertaining to strata titles.

Land and Mines Department director (strata titles section) Dr Azimuddin Bahari said setting up the board in each State was now a provision of the Act, but most States were lackadaisical about it.

Dr Azimuddin also attributed state authorities' indifference to the lack of awareness among the public on the advantages of a Strata Title Board.

"Many people may not be aware there is a provision for such a board and its role. If more people sent their complaints to the State Land and Mines Department, they would have little choice but to establish the board to look into these grievances," he said.

Dr Azimuddin said the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry had directed that the boards be established in each State as soon as possible.

The Strata Title Board is to look into disputes between parcel owners and managements to tackle issues such as maintenance and fees.

"If the board is established in every State, the Government would not only have a clear picture of the situation but also could initiate measures to solve problems faced by owners," he said.

He said Penang had been active in dealing with complaints from the public.