Cabinet should reconsider move to allow self-certification
New Straits Times 28/03/2005

REFER to the Housing and Local Government Ministry's decision to do away with the issuance of Certificates of Fitness (CF) by local authorities in favour of self-certification by professionals to speed up the issuance of CFs.

There was also a move by the ministry to set up a one-stop agency to cut red tape in application and issuance of CFs.

In a series of dialogues held by the ministry, most participants were of the view that local authorities should continue to be responsible for CFs to ensure the safety of buildings as well as to prevent false
certification by professionals.

It is unfortunate that despite this, the ministry has decide to pursue self-certification.

One of the main concerns is, who will be responsible should there be premature certification or non-compliance with approved plans or shoddy workmanship or, even worse, some mishap? Professional bodies will take action against the professional responsible.

However, what good is this punishment to the suffering house buyer?

The buyer still has to take action against the professional in court, paying huge fees and going through tremendous stress.

S.M. MOHAMED IDRIS Penang