Number of
abandoned schemes reduced
16/05/2004 The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has reduced the incidence of abandoned
housing projects after it required developers to submit half-yearly
progress reports, Housing and Local Government minister Datuk Seri
Ong Ka Ting said.
He said the Government was also vetting the capability and financial
situation of developers before approving new housing projects.
He added that the situation on abandoned housing projects had
improved compared to the times during the economic crisis in 1997
and 1998.
Ong told reporters after opening the accounting firm BDO Binder
Group’s new office that developers were compelled to submit the
reports after an amendment to the Housing Development Act 1966 on
Dec 1, 2002.
He said the reports, which was monitored by computers, had allowed
the ministry to check and audit the progress of each housing project
in the country.
“We will know whether the project is moving or not,” he said.
On abandoned commercial buildings in the city, Ong said the
government was concerned over the glut of office space.
“All City Hall councillors are being told to be extra careful before
they approve further development projects.
“So of late, compared to two or three years ago, this situation is
improving,” he added.
Ong added that because commercial buildings did not come under the
purview of his ministry, the people who purchased such as buildings
or lots, such as service apartments, could only rely on the sales
and purchase agreement to take action against developers.
