Only about 1,000 cases are pending before the tribunal, which was set up on Dec 1, 2002, with powers to handle claims on sales and purchase of houses amounting to not more than RM25,000.

"The tribunal has handed down many decisions, only 1,000 problematic cases remained unresolved," Ong told reporters after launching a 3x3 basketball tournament organised by MCA Youth at Berjaya Times Square.

"There is significant progress now compared to when the tribunal started operations," the MCA president said, adding many cases referred to the tribunal were resolved amicably as developers paid the compensation amount decided by the tribunal.

He advised housebuyers intending to file claims on sales and purchase of houses to refer their grouses to the tribunal.

He said this would speed up the settlement process as it would indirectly encourage housing developers to settle the cases promptly.

"This is why more than 90 % cases could be solved so far."

Ong assured house buyers that every case filed with the tribunal will be given appropriate attention. - Bernama