The Penang High-rise Unit Owners Association has called on the Government to set guidelines for property managers.

Association president Assoc Prof Dr Tiun Ling Ta said that now, property managers were given “a free hand.”

“Without such regulations, they can actually quote astronomical monthly maintenance fees,” he said in an interview after an awareness talk by the association on Saturday at the Caring Society Complex.

Dr Tiun, who is an associate professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), added that without the guidelines, property managers would be “encouraged” to cut corners.

“Now, the management of properties is done through tenders. To ensure they land the contract, managers tend to give a low bid,” he said, adding that this might affect the upkeep of properties.

Association committee member S.L. Chang said a pricing guide for charges could be drawn up for property managers.

“Property managers now charge fees based on the value of the property and its locality. The maintenance fee is higher if the property is a condo and if it is in an exclusive area,” he said.

Earlier, Batu Uban assemblyman Goh Kheng Sneah, who opened the talk, commended the association for organising the talk.

“As high-rise dwellers are facing problems such as those concerning management companies, common property, sinking fund and strata titles, such talks are timely,” he said.