19/10/2009 The Star

LABUAN: The background of companies undertaking housing projects, including that of directors and ownership, will be thoroughly checked before approval for implementation is given.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Lajim Ukin said his ministry was serious in resolving abandoned housing projects in the country.

“We receive complaints everyday on such abandoned projects,” he said during a visit to the Labuan Fire and Rescue Services Department on Saturday.

“However, not many are from our ministry, through the Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB).”

According to Lajim, there were a number of developers, who were blacklisted for abandoned housing projects, but had later set up new companies.

“That is why we need to check the directors’ and owners’ background,” he added.

Lajim said SPNB would revive all the abandoned housing projects in peninsular Malaysia.

On housing projects that were Projek Sakit or problematic projects, Lajim said ministry officials would hold discussions with other developers and financiers to expedite such projects.

It was reported earlier this year that a Sabah-based private company offered to share its expertise in helping to resolve the long-standing issue in peninsular Malaysia.

The company, appointed by the Sabah Government to revive all abandoned housing projects in the state, had been successful in its mission. – Bernama