The association's Chinese section chief Tan Chong Leng is worried that the move will cause housebuyers to lose protection and lead to abuse by irresponsible developers.

On Friday, Abdullah said instead of CFs, the government would rely on the declaration from professionals like engineers and architects involved in a project to certify the safety of the building and that it was built based on its specifications.

He said the Housing and Local Government Ministry has been directed to prepare a cabinet paper on the plan. Tan said the move will no doubt be welcomed by contractors and developers but the association is against it as it will put housebuyers at a disadvantage.

"If the proposal materialises, developers will no doubt use it to full advantage to rush the handover of vacant possession of houses to buyers.

"However, if a developer is irresponsible and deliver houses before all infrastructure and safety features are in place, who is to be accountable should buyers suffer losses as a result?" he asked.

Tan felt that the, prime minister should direct the ministry concerned to find out the reasons for the delay in the issuance of CFs by local authorities and "treat the disease rather than the symptoms."

He said many a time, developers are to blame for the CF delays.

Tan also did not agree that the government should rely on the declaration from professionals involved in a
project to certify the safety of buildings. Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting has given an assurance that the government will ensure the interest of housebuyers is protected when the CF requirement is abolished.

He stressed that the government will not compromise on the safety of buildings.