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Set up a housing watchdog
05/10/1999 NST
To the unscrupulous, it must be very inconvenient
to have an ex-developer like Tun Daim Zainuddin taking such a keen interest
in their affairs. In his latest reminder to the industry, the First Finance
Minister warned any developer against any attempt to compromise the specifications
for low-cost houses set by the Government. Since June, when the Government
agreed to a three-tiered price structure for low-cost houses - RM25,000, RM35,000
and RM42,000 - from a flat rate of RM25,000, developers are required to ensure
they build low-cost houses with a minimum built-up area of 600 sq ft, three
bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Daim's warning should also be seen by the
relevant authorities as a reminder for them to be vigilant in ensuring that
the specifications are adhered to. Often rules are broken or compromised not
only because of the lack of scruples but also because of poor enforcement.
In fact, some believe that it is the failure of the authorities to monitor
the housing developers' activities that encourages some of them to try and
cut corners. The rampant hill-cutting activities by developers is a clear
case in hand. Even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad has complained
about how the decision made by the Cabinet to ban the cutting of hills during
housing development went unnoticed. Despite protests, hills continued to be
cut and flattened to may way for houses. There have been cases where green
lung areas in the city or land meant for public parks or recreation were used
for purposes meant for the elite few. Not too long ago, Daim openly criticised
such abuses by developers and the failure of the relevant authorities to prevent
them.
The only way to convey the message to the
unscrupulous is to deal with them severely. There are many good and conscientious
developers who are anxious to see that the unscrupulous ones are dealt with
for the sake of the industry's image. Not all developers are so greedy as
to convert a lone football field among a jungle of concrete into yet another
commercial project. But for certain, there have been several such cases. Such
attempts were thwarted only when residents took up the issues with the media.
In turn, the media, staged campaigns against errant developers. Why and how
some of these cases even got pass the relevant authorities have raised some
pertinent questions. The answers and explanations thus far have been less
than satisfactory.
If it is shortage of enforcement officers
to check on errant developers, perhaps the industry ought to give a helping
hand. Just over a month ago, in its budget memorandum to the Finance Minister,
the Housing Developers Association proposed self-regulation for the industry
as a means to reduce costs through speedier delivery and less bureaucracy.
Perhaps this self-regulation idea can be extended to encourage the industry
to become its own watchdog. This watchdog, which can come under the HDA, will
complement the efforts of the relevant authorities to ensure that developers
abide by all rules and regulations. The industry watchdog can appoint representatives
or set up task forces in housing estates or towns, and these can consist of
a cross-section of individuals from outside the industry, including representatives
from residential committees.
The idea is to ensure that the housing industry
and the image of developers are not tainted because of greed and the uncaring
attitude of a few. By having its own watchdog, the housing industry will not
be accuses of failing to help discipline its own players. The relevant authorities,
however, will still need to enhance its own enforcement teams. Together, the
industry's watchdog and the relevant authorities can forma formidable force
to tidy up the industry and promote greater professionalism.
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