Developers agree with pre-application inspection

NST-PROP 20/09/2003 By Nicholas Mun
 

They insist that local councils issue the CFs within 14 days of application

Now that all local councils are obliged to issue Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CFs) 14 days after an application had been received from a developer, many agencies are not accepting the applications until after a project has been physically inspected and approved by them in principal. However, many developers see no problem with this method of work-flow which  is becoming the norm.

In fact, some welcome the procedure as they can nip in the bud any problem that might affect the chances of a successful application.

Paramoden Sdn Bhd marketing manager Rustam Hamidon Drury said "local councils and the relevant technical departments are always invited to our sites before CF applications are submitted.

He said the company, a wholly owned subsidiary of MK Land Holdings Bhd, prefers this practice as it allows them to work hand in hand with the authorities to rectify any problems.

"It helps ensure there are no unnecessary delays once an application is submitted," he said.

Talam Corp Bhd general manager of marketing Adam Yap agreed.

"When a developer submits (the requisite application) Borang E, it means all requirements of the relevant technical departments have been satisfied," he said.

According to Yap, the only issue is whether the CF is issued within 14 days as required by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, another developer said local councils are still taking a couple of months to issue CFs, despite the Borang E being in order.

This is the problem National House Buyers Association (HBA) hopes would be addressed with developers needing the approval of only one technical agency - the Sewerage Service Department - from November.

Developers currently need the green light of another six departments that include Fire and Rescue Services, Waterworks, Public Works and Drainage and Irrigation Departments, Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Telekom Malaysia Bhd.

HBA secretary-general Chang Kim Loong, however, pointed out that the directive to issue CFs within 14 days of an application is not something new.

"For the record, amendments made some three years ago to By-law 25 of the Uniform Building By Laws provided for the issuance of CFs by local councils within 14 days from the date of acceptance of Borang E, failing which they are deemed to have been issued immediately after the expiry of the 14-day period," he said.

Chang proposed that in order for the industry to improve further, vacant possession should only be given after CFs have been issued.

"Since it is only a matter of 14 days between submission of Borang E and getting a CF, it is more meaningful if keys are given with immediate occupation to buyers."