Buyers to act against developer

02/06/2008 The Star

HOUSEBUYERS of the low medium-cost Taman Sri Idaman apartments in Air Itam, Penang are planning to compalin to the Housing Tribunal against their developer for late delivery.

The disgruntled buyers only received the keys to their respective units last month some four years after the promised date.

“The sales and purchase agreement (S&P) was signed with a promised date of delivery in 2004.

“Under the agreement, buyers are entitled to a 10% compensation fee of the purchase price for every year the project is delayed,” said Block 9A pro-tem committee chairman Lee Yeok Chee, 50, during a meeting for housebuyers held at the apartment blocks yesterday.

Wong (right) listening to the problems brought up by Taman Sri Idaman Block A pro-tem committee chairman Lee Yeok Chee (left) and other residents at the meeting.

Present at the meeting were state Town and Country Planning and Housing Committee chairman and Air Itam assemblyman Wong Hon Wai and Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin.

The project was delayed because the developer was unable to construct an access road leading to the apartment as the landowner refused to give the go-ahead.

Lee said the developer had deducted RM900 when they made their last payment for the purchase price upon the delivery of keys but disagreed with any additional payments.

“We are only asking for fair compensation. Each of the 487 units costs about RM50,000 and the interest on the bank loan for the additional four years already comes up to over RM6,000.

“Although we are entitled to a compensation, we are willing to negotiate and settle the matter quickly failing which we will file a complaint,” he added.

To initiate the action, , pro-tem committee representatives from both blocks will be present outside the Taman Sri Idaman apartment Block B on June 7 from 2pm to 5pm and June 8 and June 9 from 10am to 2pm to help purchasers fill in forms for a case against the developer.

“We intend on filing our case with the Tribunal on June 10 if all goes well,” Lee said.

Wong said the committee had presented a memorandum to the developer during a meeting last month and he urged the two parties to reach an amicable solution.

When contacted, company project manager Yeoh Thian Soon said the company was willing to talk with the purchasers but asked the committee to send an official letter asking for a meeting.