Problems abound for folks at condo

The Star 16/6/2006

GOLDEN Villa condo and apartment residents in Kampung Jawa, Klang, are unhappy with the developer over several issues, including non-issuance of CF and lack of maintenance.

The residents were issued vacant possession (VP) notice in October 2003 even though the premises did not have water and electricity supply or lifts.

They approached the developer many times but to no avail.

In March 2005, a group of them approached the Housebuyers’ Tribunal under the Housing and Local Government Ministry regarding the handing over of VP by the developer without proper installation of basic amenities.

The residents were awarded the case in October 2005, but the developer has yet to pay them the tribunal claims.

The residents moved into their homes in July 2004, yet most still have not received Certificates of Fitness from the Klang Municipal Council (MPK).

Out of the seven blocks in the area, only the low-cost apartments in Block G were issued with VP and CF, while the other 800 condo and apartment units have only received VP notices.

Blocks A, B, C and F received a temporary CF, which was valid for three months from October 2004.

“We would like to know why a permanent CF was not issued for the remaining six blocks.

Nobody has given us any reason why the CF was not issued, thus we are not sure if the building is safe for occupation,” said Raja Suppiah, 43.

He said residents were also unhappy with the lack of maintenance including improper fire alarm connection to the guardhouse, broken streetlights, improperly fixed lifts and parking bays that would become flooded whenever it rained.

Security is another issue. There have been cases of motorcycle and car thefts as well as house break-ins, even though security guards are stationed at the guardhouse.

When contacted, one of the developer’s representatives said: “We want to dispute the tribunal claims' date of awards, hence we want to appeal at the High Court. We are waiting for a hearing date, as the initial May 23 hearing was postponed.

“As for the CF, we will try to fulfil the requirements set by MPK and continue to apply for full CF. We did get MPK to extend the temporary CF, which was valid until May 2006.”

“The company is trying its best to maintain all the facilities, but it is difficult when they are frequently vandalised by occupants. Residents are supposed to pay RM60 maintenance fees a month, but only 30% of them have paid as at January 2006. We repair most of the facilities even though most residents don't pay the maintenance fees.”

An MPK representative said the CF would not be issued until the developer complied with all technical requirements, including rectification works like fixing the cracks in the building.