Set up Strata Title Board, states told

The Star 19/07/2001

Four states need to urgently set up Strata Title Board to act as arbitrator to resolve disputes between property owners and management corporations.

Deputy Land and Co-operative Development Minister Dr Tan Kee Kwong said Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor have the highest number of high-rise residential buildings.

He said these states must take the lead in setting up the board under the Strata Titles Act 2001 as other states with fewer high-rises had less problems.

"The board can resolve disputes quickly which may otherwise take up to eight years if referred to the courts," Dr Tan told newsmen after a forum on the Strata Titles Act 2001 on Tuesday night.

Dr Tan said the board would comprise a president and deputy president who have legal background and up to 20 committee members.

"It can also act on complaints by management corporations against property owners who do not pay maintenance fees," he said.

He said although the Strata Titles Act would only come into force in October, the ministry had appointed a team to revamp the Act.

He said the revamp, based on feedback from the public and professional bodies, was expected to be ready in about 18 months.

"We are looking into grouses by property owners over the inclusion of a new provision that those who don't pay maintenance fees can be fined up to RM5,000 and an additional RM50 for each day of the offence.

"Some claim this provision is unfair," he said, adding that it was the responsibility of property owners to pay maintenance fees.

In his opening speech, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the state government was the first to set up a one-stop centre to process strata title applications in 1991.

He urged property owners and management corporations to work closely to provide an environment conducive for high rise living.