"Fear" drives developers to settle awards
NST 07/09/2004

KUALA LUMPUR, Mon. - The fear of being blacklisted by the Government has prompted most developers to settle awards made by the Tribunal for Homebuyer Claims.

Since the Housing and Local Government Ministry decided not to approve any new projects for developers who failed to adhere to tribunal rulings, almost 90 per cent of some 400 claims have been settled.

Tribunal chairman Kamardin Hashim said the tribunal wanted to strengthen its role as an avenue for housebuyers to seek help.

"We are here to protect the public, especially from developers constructing sub-standard units and failing to hand over houses to buyers on time," he said.

Dismissing claims the tribunal was on a witch hunt, Kamardin said there were many good and responsible developers.