BINTULU: Housing developers who fail to complete their projects as promised will face stern action, including being blacklisted, fined, and prosecuted under the Housing Development Ordinance.

The strong warning was issued by Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG), Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee following his site visits to two delayed housing projects here, the Tiara Seni and Golden Hill Villa projects.

“We cannot allow buyers to continue being victims. If developers refuse to fulfil their responsibilities, we will take firm action.

“This includes blacklisting the company, forfeiting their deposit, and taking legal action,” he said.

According to Datuk Michael, the Golden Hill Villa project developed by Homas Development has stalled due to ongoing land disputes and encroachment issues, necessitating legal intervention.

Some buyers have already moved in without access to clean water and electricity, raising serious health and safety concerns.

As an interim measure, MPHLG will issue a support letter to Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd to enable temporary water supply even though the project has not yet obtained an Occupation Permit (OP).

Meanwhile, discussions with Sarawak Energy Berhad are ongoing to resolve the electricity supply issue which involves stricter procedures.

The Pelawan Assemblyman also announced that the Golden Hill Villa project will be declared an abandoned project, enabling buyers to restructure their housing loans with the banks.

As for the Tiara Seni project, the situation is comparatively better with Phase One currently undergoing the OP application process which is expected to be completed within the next two to three months.

The delay was caused by cable theft incidents, and the developer is currently working to replace the system.

“We urge them to expedite the process as buyers have waited long enough. We want no more excuses moving forward,” he stressed.

He also shared that MPHLG is now mobilising a special task force on sick projects to identify and monitor housing projects that have been delayed for more than a year throughout Sarawak, including in Bintulu, Kuching, Miri, and Sibu. -UKASnews