KUCHING, March 23: Dato Maznah Dasmi has been reappointed chairman of the Tribunal for Housing Purchaser Claims for another three-year term.
Others also reappointed are Peter Lim Thiam Seng (deputy chairman), Alhadi Ibrahim (member), Morni Wahie (member) and Robert Elone Sireng (member). Their reappointment is from May 1, 2019, to April 30, 2022.
In a statement, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing said the Tribunal is an independent body established on May 1, 2010, pursuant to an amendment to the Housing Developers (Control & Licensing) (Amendment) Ordinance 2009.
The Tribunal members are appointed by the minister from among individuals who possess recognised legal qualifications or who are members of any registered professional bodies in Sarawak and have relevant experience in the housing industries.
The Tribunal serves as an alternative to settle housing dispute other than the court. It will hear and adjudicate housing purchaser claims for the compensation of liquidated ascertained damage, defects of workmanship and also for not complying with the specifications stated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement.
However, the claim has to be file not later than 18 months from the date of the issuance of Occupation Permit or before the defects liability period end as specified in the Sale and Purchase Agreement.
During the hearing, both purchaser and developer shall not be represented by any advocate.
Any person who fails to comply with an Award made by the Tribunal has committed an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.
In 2017, the Tribunal settled and heard 50 cases. In 2018, there were 103 cases. As for this year, the Tribunal has settled 14 cases to date.
The public are advised to go to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing official website https://mlgh.sarawak.gov.my/ or call 082-312501, 312507 for more information. — DayakDaily
