Errant developers to be blacklisted

The Star 28/08/2004

KUALA BERANG: Problematic developers, such as those with abandoned projects and found to have built substandard houses, will be blacklisted from receiving licence for new housing projects, said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.

However, housing projects, which have been started by such developers, must be continued until they were completed, he said.

“Their names are in my ministry and they will not be considered for new licences.

“If they are involved in a project now, we cannot order them to stop as this will lead to more problems to housebuyers,” he told reporters at a dialogue session with the residents here.

Ong, who is also MCA President, said developers who failed to abide by the decision made by the Housing Tribunal on the houses they built would also be blacklisted from being awarded new licences.

He said 42 developers have been blacklisted so far and they would be issued new licences only after they have resolved all their problems.

Ong also said his ministry had identified 30 housing related cases to be forwarded to the Attorney-General's Chambers before hauling up the developers to court.

He, however, said the legal action might take some time.

“I hope the affected parties will be patient as any punitive action must follow procedures,” he said. – Bernama