Rehda: 'Termite' law not necessary 

The Star 26/07/2001 By Hwa Mei Sheen

DEVELOPERS say education on the right chemicals and techniques for soil treatment will be more effective in tackling the termite problem on project sites than introducing a law compelling them to treat the soil. 

Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) Penang chairman Datuk Ong Gim Huat said such a law was not needed as there was "no logical reason" for not treating the soil if developers knew it was infested. 

"We have a responsibility to treat it and responsible developers will do it with or without a law. 

"Even if the authorities come out with a law, there will still be errant developers," he said yesterday. 

Universiti Sains Malaysia's Dr Lee Chow Yang had urged the Government on Tuesday to introduce a law compelling developers to treat the soil before they are allowed to undertake projects. 

He said many major housing projects were built on former estate land known to have termites, citing one where over half the units were believed to be infested even before the Certificate of Fitness could be issued. 

Ong said it would be better if developers, contractors and workers were educated on the proper chemicals and techniques required to ensure that treatment was effective. 

"Most sites that need it are treated but I'm not sure if the correct chemicals and techniques are being used," he said. 

The Penang Builders and Building Materials Dealers Association, however, supported Dr Lee's proposal. 

Its executive adviser Lim Hun Swee said while responsible and caring developers included soil treatment in the contract, others did not. 

"If the units are attacked by termites a few months after completion of work, the contractor will be blamed. This is not fair as it is beyond our control. 

"We are not in a position to insist that developers include soil treatment in the contract," he said. 

He said termite problems could show up as fast as within two to three months on untreated sites while those treated should be trouble-free for "a couple of years" at least.