Dream to own a home gets more expensive
The Malay Mail 10/4/2006

KUALA LUMPUR: A construction site supervisor’s dream to own his first home is marred by extra costs.

Lee Wai Thong, 30, first had to pay 14 months rent when the apartment he bought in September 1999 was delivered late.

To compound matters, even though the Tribunal for Housebuyers Claims awarded him RM8,700 for late delivery, Lee had to pay more than RM5,000 for legal fees as the developer is taking him to the High Court in a judicial review of the tribunal’s decision.

Lee is among 100 housebuyers of Desa Heights condominium in Kepong who had sought the help of the tribunal claiming various inconveniences incurred by the late delivery of the apartments.

"It’s disheartening to see housebuyers being victimised," he said.

The father of two had bought his fourth floor apartment as he wanted to provide a home for his family.

"I grew up here but my parents could not afford to buy a house. So when I had the chance to buy a place, I chose this condominium as we are all familiar with this area," he said.

While waiting for delivery of his apartment, Lee said he had to continue renting the house he had lived in for RM650 a month.

The family only shifted to the apartment in November 2003 after it was issued a Certificate of Fitness and minor repairs were carried out.

"I did not foresee the late delivery and the extra costs incurred as a result," he said.

He also did not think that making a claim would result in more costs.

"I had sought the help of the tribunal as it was cheap. I am not a rich man.

"It looks like the tribunal has no power after it has made a decision," he said.

After the tribunal had awarded the housebuyers in September 2004, the developer Mega Mall Development Sdn Bhd filed its case against Lee.

The developer is seeking a judicial review of the tribunal’s decision and was reportedly planning to file its case against the other buyers one at a time.

Lee has had to fork out RM5,000 to hire a lawyer.

"The case has dragged on for more than two years because the hearing has been postponed seven times.

"If it goes on much longer, I may have to spend much more for legal fees," he said.

He does not know when he will see the RM8,700 the tribunal awarded him.

"I cannot imagine what the others are going through especially the aged buyers. They may have to wait years and years more before they get to see their money if at all as the developer plans to take them to court too," he said.