A friend in deed to hapless housebuyers
THE MALAY MAIL 15/07/2004

KUALA LUMPUR: Ng Yean Shiunn makes it his duty to ensure housebuyers get what they are entitled to.
As a member of the House Buyers Association of Malaysia, he listens to their problems and helps out in whatever way he can.

"There is a lot in the house-buying process that people don't know about. Unless you are a professional, you wouldn't be aware of theserights," he said.

For his work, the 39-year-old architect has been nominated for the New Straits Times Press-PricewaterhouseCoopers ( NSTP-PwC) Young Humanitarian Award.

HBA is a non-governmental organisation that ensures fair and equitable treatment for housebuyers in their dealings with developers.

Last year, when a disabled man faced problems with the condominium unit he bought in Shah Alam, Ng came forward to help.

Although his condo was on the ground floor, Murugeswaran Veerasamy, who is wheelchair-bound, had difficulty entering his home because of a series of staircases separating the car park from his condo.

The developer suggested building a ramp for Murugeswaran, but Ng proposed to rearrange the condo layout and make a side entrance, a move that was less costly.

Ng also volunteers to meet housebuyers at HBA meet-the-people sessions on weekends.

"Our motto has always been to help the poor buyers who cannot afford professional advice," Ng said.

The Young Humanitarian Award received 37 entries after nominations closed on June 30.

The winner will receive a trophy, RM20,000 and another RM20,000 to be donated to a charitable organisation or cause of his or her choice next month. The award presentation will be held next month.