BINTULU: Housing developers who fail to deliver their projects on time will face strict enforcement actions including blacklisting, fines, and prosecution under the Housing Development Ordinance.
Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, issued the warning during a site visit today to two delayed housing projects in Bintulu – Tiara Seni and Golden Hill Villa.
“We will not allow homebuyers to continue being victims of irresponsible developers,” Tiang stressed.
“If developers refuse to fulfil their responsibilities, the ministry will not hesitate to blacklist their companies, forfeit their deposits, and initiate legal action.”
He said the Golden Hill Villa Project has stalled due to ongoing land disputes and encroachment issues, which now require legal intervention.
“Some buyers have already moved in despite the absence of clean water and electricity, which poses serious health and safety risks,” he revealed.
To ease the burden of affected residents, Tiang said the ministry has issued a support letter to Sarawak Water Supply Sdn Bhd to facilitate a temporary water connection, even though the project has not yet obtained an Occupation Permit (OP).
Efforts are also underway to resolve the electricity issue through ongoing discussions with Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB), though this involves stricter regulatory procedures.
In view of the prolonged delays and unresolved issues, Tiang confirmed that the Golden Hill Villa Project will be officially declared an abandoned project.
This move will allow affected buyers to renegotiate or restructure their housing loans with the banks.
As for the Tiara Seni project, he said the situation is more promising.
“Phase One is currently in the process of applying for an OP, which is expected to be approved within the next two to three months,” he said, noting that delays were caused by cable theft incidents.
The developer is now working to replace the stolen infrastructure.
“We urge the developer to speed up the process. Buyers have waited long enough, and there must be no more excuses,” he added firmly.
Tiang also revealed that his ministry has mobilised a special task force to monitor and address “sick” housing projects, especially those delayed for over a year across Sarawak, including in Bintulu, Kuching, Miri, and Sibu.
