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HBA in the News

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1. Counter-checking crucial to quality 08/01/2005 NST-PROP
   THE National House Buyers Association of Malaysia foresees many pitfalls if the certification of residential buildings for the issue of the Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CF) is implemented without a thorough study. The main fear we have is that the adverse effects of self-certification by professionals would be more far-reaching for buyers than any of the benefits that may be derived from such a stream-lining exercise.

2. Self-certification, as architects see it 22/01/2005 NST-PROP
   IN response to the National House Buyers' Association's opinion published in PropertyTimes on Jan 8 regarding the ills of consultants certifying projects as fit for occupation, the Institute of Architects Malaysia (PAM) have their say. Certain views have been expressed of late, in the press and at various public forums, on the issuance of Certificates of Fitness for Occupation (CF) by professionals, both architects and engineers. This was also the focus of an article by the National House Buyers Association (HBA) in PropertyTimes on Jan 8.

3. We are ready and able, say engineers 29/01/2005 NST-PROP
   THIS week, the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) argues why self-certification will benefit house buyers and rebuts the comments made by the National House Buyers Association in our Jan 8 issue

4. Careful study of two-generation loan needed  12/02/2005 NST-PROP
   FINANCIAL institutions want a "careful study" into procedure and implementation if housing loans are to be stretched over two generations - a recent proposal by Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting as a Ninth Malaysia Plan policy. Several financial institutions contacted said they do not see the proposal as triggering a sharp increase in their housing loan portfolios, since the move is aimed at making it easier for poor and hardcore poor families to buy low-cost houses.

5. Buyers nix self-certification 19/02/2005 NST-PROP
   A debate has been raging in the pages of PropertyTimes the past few weeks, following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's suggestion that industry professionals such as architects and engineers be allowed to certify housing as fit for occupation. The issue arose out of the perennial problem of delays in the issuance of Certificates of Fitness for Occupation. The National House Buyers Association argued its case against it, followed by rebuttals from Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia and the Association of Consulting Engineers. And now ...

6. HBA's vociferousness is commendable 19/02/2005 NST-PROP  By S.R Nathan
   I refer to the two Viewpoint articles from the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) and House Buyers' Association (HBA) in Property Times of Jan 29 and Feb 5 respectively. ACEM is a professional body of engineers whereas HBA is a non-profit, non-governmental and non-political organisation run and managed by volunteers - some of whom are professionals as well - for the benefit of all house buyers.

7. Issue has far-reaching consequences By Said Ali 19/02/2005 NST-PROP
   I refer to the views expressed in PropertyTimes in the Jan 22 issue by Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) and by the Association of Consultant Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) in the Jan 29 issue on the subject of self- certification for the issuance of Certificates of Fitness for Occupation (CFs). This idea was mooted by our Prime Minister, after being briefed on the large number of complaints about the late issuance of CFs.

8. Against the odds 26/02/2005 NST-PROP By Andrew Wong
   I'VE had a ring-side seat in the ongoing debate between housebuyers on one side, and architects and engineers on the other regarding the issue of whether the Government should be removed from the process of certifying houses fit for occupation. The clash, carried exclusively in our pages over the past few weeks, has so far seen the National House Buyers Association making the stand that the local authorities should not forgo this duty - presumably even if it means owners would still face delays in obtaining Certificates of Fitness for Occupation to their units - because the downside, it said, would be disastrous.

9. Minimising risks for buyers 14/03/2005 The Sun
   KUALA LUMPUR: Purchasing a home is a major milestone in one's life. With the exception of those fortunate enough not to worry about taking up bank loans, the purchase of a house usually represents the largest single investment of a lifetime.

10. Strata title delays still the main grouse of house buyers 21/03/2005 The Star
    PETALING JAYA: Delays in obtaining strata titles for subdivided buildings continue to be the main grouse of house buyers, said the National House Buyers Association (HBA).

11. House buyers caution against letting project consultants issue CFs 24/03/2005 MM By Dennis Chua
    KUALA LUMPUR: While the National House Buyers' Association (HBA) lauds Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's recent suggestion that the Certificate of Fitness (CF) be issued by professional project consultants, the association cautions that there may be several drawbacks.

12. CCC decision could open can of worms, says HBA 26/03/2005 NST
    THE National House Buyers Association (HBA) is unhappy with the Government's move to replace the local authority-issued Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CF) for completed housing with certification by industry professionals, who will issue the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) "Abolishing the CF for housing could open a new can of worms.

13. 'Local authorities still have power' 28/03/2005 NST By R. Sonia
    PETALING JAYA, Sun. - Local authorities will still be responsible for approving the development of housing projects and building plans. This is despite the Government's move to replace the local authority-issued Certificates of Fitness for Occupation (CF) with the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), which is to be issued by industry professionals.

14. CFs must prevail 02/04/2005 NST
    TWO distinct schools of thought have emerged since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi made the call for Certificates of Fitness for Occupation (CFs) for completed houses be issued by the professional consultants working on these projects instead of by local councils, as is currently the case. As a background, from December this year, as Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting recently announced, the CFs issued by local councils will be replaced by Certificates of Completion and Compliance (CCC), issued by a housing project's consultants.

15. House buyers beware 16/04/2005 MB By Joanna Sze
    IT HAS been 14 years since the Housing Development Account (HD Account) was introduced in 1991 under the Housing Development Act. Since then, housing developers have been required to open the HD Account within 14 days after the issuance of the housing developer's licence. All progress payments by buyers must be deposited into the account, from which developers can only withdraw in stages, based on the level of construction and certification by their architects and engineers. This was legislated as a move to protect house buyers who have invested their savings into property projects, only to see their developers vamoose with their money, leaving only half-completed shells and broken dreams.

16. Foreign observations 23/04/2005 NST By Salleh Buang
    EVER since my good friend and editor, Andrew Wong, invited me to "join him" (and leave behind us another daily) to become a regular contributor for PropertyTimes, I have always enjoyed the prospect of opening my email Inbox every morning and perusing the messages that readers of my column send me. These letters vary in length and content. Some are short (ranging from polite but nevertheless sincere expressions of appreciation to requests for further information), but a few are indeed lengthy, extending a couple of pages.

17. Board to hear condo residents’ woes to be operational soon 23/05/2005 The Star 
    KUALA LUMPUR: Residents of apartments and condominiums can soon bring complaints they have against the buildings' managements to the Strata Titles Board. 

18. Strata title boards for KL, Selangor soon  03/06/2005 The Sun
    Meanwhile, National House Buyers Association (HBA) secretary-general Chang Kim Loong already has a few names in mind for the KL board.

19. Kaji semula CCC ganti CF 18/6/2005 Kosmo
    KUALA LUMPUR - Harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi. Demikian perumpamaan daripada Persatuan Pembeli Rumah Kebangsaan (HBA) mengenai kewibawaan segelintir arkitek perumahan.

20. Best formula for CCC 22/06/2005 The Sun
    House Buyers Association secretary-general Chang Kim Loong felt that all professional bodies should be consulted on the issue of certification to be done by architects and engineers.

21. Responsibility lies with developers  01/07/2005 The Star By CHANG KIM LOONG, Secretary-General, National House Buyers Association, Kuala Lumpur.
    WE READ your report, "RM3b to revive projects", (The Star, June 26), with mixed feelings.

22. Protecting common rights 31/07/2005 Sunday Star By June Chan
    BLOCKS of Disharmony (Homelife, July 17) seems to have touched a chord in numerous people.

23. Condos filled with woes 29/08/2005 The Star 
    HBA secretary-general Chang Kim Loong said that most of the complaints they received were on the inefficiency of management companies set up by the developers and management committees elected by residents.

24. HBA urged the government to protect house buyers from being cheated 03/09/2005 besonline.rtm.net.my
    Kuala Lumpur - The Malaysian House Buyers' Association, (HBA), is asking the government to implement the build and sell concept as soon as possible to protect house buyers from being cheated by irresponsible housing developers

25. Cadangan jual rumah siap 04/09/2005 Harian Metro
    KUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan Pembeli Rumah Kebangsaan (HBA)) mencadangkan kerajaan melaksanakan sistem 'Bina dan Jual 10:90' bagi mengatasi masalah pembeli ditipu pemaju hingga menyebabkan projek perumahan terbengkalai.

26. HBA syor kaedah baru beli rumah 04/09/2005 Berita Minggu Oleh Rohaniza Idris
    KUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan Pembeli Rumah (HBA) menggesa kerajaan memansuhkan konsep pembelian rumah beli dan siap seperti yang wujud sekarang dan menggantikannya kepada konsep 10:90 iaitu pembeli membayar pendahuluan 10 peratus dan 90 peratus lagi selepas rumah siap.

27. Call to let lawyers keep deposit of house buyers
     04/09/2005 Daily Express
    Kuala Lumpur: The National House Buyers Association (HBA) has suggested that the 10 per cent deposits made by house buyers should be kept by lawyers in a special account instead of being paid to developers.

28. House buyers propose compromise payment plan  05/09/2005 MM
    KUALA LUMPUR: Fed up with shoddy treatment by housing developers, house buyers have come up with a proposed payment system dubbed the "10-90" model.

29. Compromise payment plan 05/09/2005 NST  By Eileen Ng
    KUALA LUMPUR, Sun. - Fed up with shoddy treatment by housing developers, house buyers have come up with a proposed payment system dubbed the "10-90" model.

30. HBA kemuka cadangan baru 05/09/2005 kOSMO
    KUALA LUMPUR - Persatuan Kebangsaan Pembeli Rumah (HBA) mencadangkan supaya kerajaan melaksanakan sistem "Bina dan Jual 10:90" bagi mengatasi masalah pembeli ditipu pemaju sehingga menyebabkan projek perumahan terbengkalai.

31. HBA sifatkan bajet mesra rakyat 11/09/2005 Berita Harian
    PERSATUAN Pembeli Rumah (HBA) menyifatkan Bajet 2005 sebagai bajet mesra dan prihatin rakyat khasnya kepada golongan berpendapatan rendah.

32. GRRs anyone? 16/09/2005 MB By George Lai
    IS the Guarantees Rental Returns (GRRs) scheme a classic case of caveat emptor - guaranteeing investors nothing but heartache as highlighted by the HBA article titled `Swayed by Guaranteed Returns?' published in the July 1st, 2005 issue of Malaysian Business' Housing & Property pullout? GRRs plans are indeed extremely innovative and breakthrough business ideas especially for cash-strapped property developers to improve their cash flow positions to finance and complete property projects. Instead of carrying the financial costs of unsold and even uncompleted property units, the promise to pay buyers rentals ranging from 8% to 12% per annum of the purchase price for a certain length of time is such a brilliant win-win strategy that only those with a Malaysia Boleh spirit can conceive

33. Government moves on build-then-sell 01/10/2005 NST
    THE Government wants the various sectors within the housing industry to state whether they are willing to commit to the "build first, sell later" concept of housing delivery before it makes a decision on the matter.

34. Bid to further protect buyers 10/10/2005 NST By DATUK SERI YUEN YUET LENG
    THE National House Buyers Association (HBA) has been pushing for a pragmatic review of the outdated "Sell and then Build" (SB) system and its replacement with the "10/90 Build and then Sell" concept that Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Kah Ting, had identified in Australia not just as a concept but very importantly, an applied operating system.

35. ‘Run a check on builder before buying a house’ 14/10/2005 The Star
    Meanwhile, the National House Buyers Association is calling on the ministry to compile a list of errant developers who have been convicted in court and publish it on its website. Association secretary-general Chang Kim Loong said the database of errant developers would enable house buyers to assess the risk when purchasing property.

36. Pillory the rogues 22/10/2005 NST
    THE clamour for transparency in Government since the Approved Permit for vehicles fiasco broke out several months ago should have taught the Ministry of Housing and Local Government some lessons, considering that it had received so many pleas from aggrieved house buyers for such a long time.

37. Rogues exposed 29/10/2005 NST By G. Umakanthan
    IN a move welcomed immediately by the National House Buyers Association, the Housing and Local Government Ministry four days ago posted on its website (www.kpkt.gov.my) lists of housing developers who have run foul of the law.

38. Disciplining rules 29/10/2005 NST By Andrew Wong
    Labelled “rogue developers” by the media and the National House Buyers’ Association, they account for 15.5 per cent of the developer barrel totalling 4,500.

39. Laws alone are not enough 29/10/2005 NST By YIN EE KIONG
    THERE'S nothing new in the issues raised by the National House Buyers Association (HBA) in PropertyTimes last week ("Pillory the rogues", Oct 22, 2005). This debate has been going on for 40 years and each time a housing scandal arises, new legislations are put in place to police the industry.

40. Housing heartaches 29/10/2005 NST By Salleh Buang
    IN May 2004, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was quoted by the local media as saying, "I think it is not right to pay money first, before you get your house ... if they (developers) don't get to sell all their houses, the money won't be enough for them to build.

41. Exposed on Net  07/11/2005 The Star BY Devid Rajah
    National House Buyers Association secretary-general Chang Kim Loong, who described the move as “very encouraging”, called on the public to visit the website.

42. Buyers' Recourse - Salvaging unwise choices 11/11/2005 The Sun
    The National House Buyers Association (HBA) is a body to which house buyers can turn to. Chang Kim Loong, its honorary secretary-general, encourages buyers to approach it when they encounter problems or need advice.

43. Tubuhkan jawatankuasa pembeli 21/11/2005 Kosmo
    Sementara itu, KOSMO! turut mendapatkan penjelasan berhubung masalah terseuut daripada Setiausaha Agung Persatuan Pembeli-Pembeli Rumah Kebangsaan (HBA), Chang Kim Loong. "Kami akan membantu dari segi khidmat nasihat secara percuma kepada para pembeli unit di Super Taipan itu supaya hak mereka terbela," katanya.

44. Strike equitable balance 22/11/2005 NST By V.T.
    Additionally, the House Buyers Association (HBA) needs to be institutionalised and empowered and get the support of the Government, developers, local authorities and banks.

45. Seven developments put on hold 01/12/2005 The Sun
    Meanwhile, Chang Kim Loong, honorary secretary-general of the National House Buyers Association (HBA), lauds the government's move.

46. Buyers, builders argue over housing patterns 03/12/2005 NST
    But the National House Buyers Association (NHBA) does not buy the doom-and-gloom outlook. Its secretary-general Chang Kim Loong describes them as "mere frighteners".

47. What house buyers need to know 03/12/2005 NST
    HERE'S an event that those intending to buy a house or have already bought one off a developer's colourful brochures should not miss:

48. Defective workmanship, late delivery top grouse list 14/12/2005 The Sun
    KUALA LUMPUR: Defective workmanship and late delivery of housing units topped the list of complaints received in 2000-05 by the monitoring and enforcement division of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. 

HBA in the News

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