Yesterday, the five buyers of flats under the Hardcore Poor Development Programme in Taman Intan Baiduri sought help from the MCA Public Service and Complaint Department.

L. P. Son, 52, said he was approached by the middleman identified as Tan Thian Lai to buy a low-cost house.

Tan, a vegetable hawker, convinced Son he was well connected with the local authority and could get the flat at a discount.

"On July 2004, I paid him RM6,300, thinking he could deliver on his promise," said Son, a construction supervisor.

"After several months, I asked Tan if he could still deliver the house.

He convinced me he could."

Last December, Tan gave Son a letter from Kuala Lumpur City Hall approving his application.

Son said the letter looked dubious as there was no signature on it.

Son checked with City Hall on March 25 and discovered that his name was not on their list.

"I asked Tan to return my money but he kept giving excuses," said Son.

Department head Datuk Michael Chong advised the public who could not afford a house to register with the local authorities.