Not in buyers' best interest ,says HBA
28/06/2004 MM

KUALA LUMPUR: The House Buyers Association (HBA) is concerned over potential abuses arising from architects being empowered to issue building certificates.

Its secretary general, Chang Kim Loong, said yesterday that doing away with the Certificate of Fitness requirements by the' local authorlties may not be in the best interest of the public.

He said there have been many complaints from house buyers on fraudulent certification by architects even with the check-and-balance of local authorities.

"If architects are given absolute control to self-certify the fitness of buildings they may to act without anyone watching over them."

He said it is not enough to penalize architects who make false certifications.

"The damage suffered by house buyers would far exceed the penalty. All we are seeking is a house that is fit to occupy."

The association's central committee member, Brig Gen (Rtd) Datuk Goh Seng Toh, said house buyers will be even less protected if absolute reliance is given to professionals.

"We represent buyers at large and at the end of the day, we the recipients of the product.

"We should also not forget that most architects are under the payroll of developers. There fore, some level of bias can be expected.