KUCHING, May 18: Stricter legislation and high penalties should be introduced to deter irresponsible developers from fulfilling their duties in obtaining occupation permits (OPs) for homebuyers.
Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang said there has been prolonged delays in obtaining OPs by some irresponsible housing developers.
“It is disheartening to witness how these developers neglect their obligations and disregard the financial hardships faced by innocent homebuyers who have invested their life savings in the hope of finding a safe haven.
“Regrettably, the delays in obtaining occupation permits have extended not for months but for years. It is distressing to see these developers show a lack of cooperation when approached to address the issue.
“They seem to consider legal actions as mere inconveniences, as there are no substantial consequences to ensure the immediate issuance of these permits,” said Pang when debating the Sarawak Governor’s speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting at the DUN Complex here today.
To address this critical issue, he urged the relevant ministry to propose a new law with harsher penalties specifically targeting these irresponsible developers.
He believed that it is essential to hold them accountable and ensure that they promptly fulfil their obligations in obtaining OPs.
“The financial losses incurred by house buyers, who have spent their hard-earned savings on purchasing a home, cannot be ignored.
“They continue to face the burden of housing loan repayments while being unable to reside in the property they rightfully own,” said Pang.
Pang emphasised that stricter legislation and severe penalties may instil a sense of responsibility among developers and deter them from such negligence. — DayakDaily
