They are upset because their dreams of owning a house were dashed.

To add to their anger, their demand for the return of their deposits, totalling close to RM1 million, was not entertained.

The project, consisting of four blocks of 380 medium-cost apartment units and five shoplots, was launched in 2005 and was scheduled for completion this year.
 

The apartments cost between RM148,888 and RM222,888 each.

However, due to reasons unknown to the buyers, the project did not take off.

A house buyer, Goh Siew Ting, said she was disappointed that her dream of owning her first home was dashed after the project did not take off as planned.

"It was a big decision for me when I decided to invest in the apartment.

"It was affordable and I was also interested because of its strategic location," said the 29-year-old executive.

Goh said like other house buyers, she paid a RM16,260 deposit to the developer in 2005 through its lawyers and looked forward to moving in this year.

"Imagine my disappointment when I found out that the project did not take off," she said.

Goh claimed when she contacted developer for a refund, she was promised a payment by last August.

"It has been close to 10 months and I still haven't seen my money."

Wan Ying Choi, 45, said what the house buyers wanted was for the developer to refund their deposit so that they could move on.

"Apart from the deposit, we also paid legal fees for the sale and purchase agreement."

Wan said that to make matters worse, many of them had taken bank loans to buy the properties and had to service the loans.

He said he had sought legal redress for fear he would not get his money back.

"My lawyers are looking into the matter," he said.

The group has also sought help from their MP Tan Kok Wai to solve their problem.

Tan, accompanied by several house buyers, recently visited the site.

He said that it was unfortunate that the group had been left in this position by the developer.

"I managed to contact the developer. However, the company refused to provide the details."

He said the house buyers had been taken in by the impressive brochures distributed by the developer and the housing scheme's strategic location.

Tan said he was informed that 10 house buyers had sought redress with the Housing Tribunal under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

"I am seeking an appointment with the developer to help the buyers.

"If the developer refuses to entertain their demand, I have no choice but to lodge a formal complaint with the ministry."

He said he would also recommend that the ministry blacklist the company and its directors as they had been irresponsible.