Don’t use worker shortage as an excuse, builders told

The Star 19/08/2002

KUALA LUMPUR: Housing developers and contractors should not use the shortage of workers in the construction sector as an excuse to delay completion and delivery of their projects.  

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said the Government would neither tolerate nor accept such excuses as it has the responsibility to protect the interest of house buyers. 

“Developers and contractors must also ensure their housing projects meet all standards and that they are able to deliver before selling their projects,’’ he added. 

Ong said developers, who had obtained permits and approvals from the relevant authorities for their projects should also ensure they were able to deliver on time before signing any sales and purchase agreements with buyers. 

“Developers must complete their projects according to the schedule as agreed,’’ he added yesterday after launching Hartamas Heights at its site here. 

It has been reported that the construction sector has been badly hit following the exodus of foreign workers, when the amnesty for illegals ended on July 31. This has resulted in work being adversely affected as 90% of the workers in the construction sector were Indonesians, with half the number being illegals. 

Earlier in his speech, Ong said under the Eighth Malaysia Plan a total of 615,000 units of houses were expected to be built with 37.7% or 323,000 units being low cost houses. 

“The Government aspires for everyone, especially those in the low income group to have access to quality houses to own or to rent,’’ he added.