By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, April 30 — The state government will bring several new policy recommendations to the Federal government concerning the issue of abandoned housing projects in Malaysia and particularly in Selangor.
State executive councillor for housing Rodziah Ismail said doing so will also help buyers who must bear the risks, should their developers fail to carry out the housing projects.
“Many projects tend to commence in Selangor. If problems arise, Selangor is also the first to be affected. So before it can spread to other states, we aim for the issue of abandoned projects, strata and commercial ownership to be resolved locally first.
“Currently discussions are being held with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, to formulate a new policy which can then be adopted into legislation.
“If we do not do so, the issue of ‘sick’ housing projects will continue, especially in instances where developers have taken money from buyers and run off. This is a most troubling matter, which requires re-examination,” she said.
Rodziah was speaking at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house organised by the Shah Alam parliamentary seat together with the Batu Tiga and Kota Anggerik state constituencies, at the Shah Alam City Council Convention Center yesterday.
She added that at present, there are eight abandoned housing projects in Selangor which have been left derelict for over two decades. Of these, six have since been successfully completed.
“The sick housing project takes place on several levels, namely on the state government and the local authority levels. InsyaAllah, the remaining two abandoned projects will eventually be rectified.
“On the local authority level, for example, there is a problem with the certificate of completion and compliance (CCC), and the sewerage system. For smaller issues like utilities and electricity, we hope other agencies will facilitate the matter,” Rodziah said.
