They were given a mandate to move into their new units by last September. No problem, except that the said units have yet to be supplied with water and electricity.

"The problem started when the buyers, formerly residents of Kampung Michael Chen in Puchong, were told to move as the developer, a subsidiary of a public-listed company, wanted to develop the area.

"The request to move was made in January 2000. As compensation, the developer agreed to relocate us to low-cost apartments in Taman Saujana Puchong within three years.

"Under a verbal agreement, we were told to buy the said units at a price of RM35,000 a unit. "But we only had to pay RM31,500 as the developer agreed to foot the downpayment of RM3,500," said Santokh Singh whose son had purchased a unit.

The verbal agreement also stipulated that a total of RM7,200 (RM300 a month per purchaser for 24 months) would be paid to every buyer. This excludes RM500 which is supposed to be the shifting allowance. However, a check with several residents revealed that the amount paid was not equitable. Some received less than others.

The apartments, which were supposed to be ready for occupation in September 2003, have also not been supplied with water and electricity.

"This means we will continue incurring further costs in terms of rental of our current homes. "According to the agreement, we need only pay rent for one year.