Government must not let
private sector issue CFs The Star 13/07/2006
THE Consumers’ Association of Penang is deeply disappointed with the recent
announcement by Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu that architects and
engineers will soon take over the responsibility for the issuance of the
Certificate of Fitness (CF) from the local authorities.
According to the minister, this is being done to speed up the issuance of
CFs.
If that is the reason, the Government should be working hard at cutting down
red tape in the application and issuance of CFs and not let the private
sector take over.
The problem of conflict of interest is unavoidable when architects and
engineers who work for developers are given the authority to issue CFs.
Approval by local authorities means that a government body has inspected the
building and declared it safe for occupation and that the developer and the
architects/engineers have complied with the relevant procedures.
This would increase the confidence of house buyers.
Without the local authorities, there will be no system of checks and
balances, which is important, since the safety and lives of people are
involved.
The Government cannot absolve its responsibility to the public. The issuance
of CFs must remain with the local authorities.
S.M. MOHAMED IDRIS,
President,
Consumers Association
of Penang.
