Housing Tribunal solves two cases although chamber yet to be completed — Abang Jo

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KUCHING: The State Housing Tribunal has solved two cases although its chamber is yet to be completed, said Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the tribunal had been receiving complaints, of which, two had been settled via proper negotiation and mutual agreement.

“The chamber is not completed yet but we are processing the complaints with some already settled.

“Apparently, we have managed to solve two cases without going to the tribunal. Negotiation is the first step… not necessarily we must go to the tribunal,” he told journalists after officiating at a function at the auditorium of Kuching North City  Commission (DBKU) in Semariang near here yesterday. Abang Johari said part of the role of the housing tribunal was  as a mediator between the complainant and the party being complained against.

“We negotiate between the two parties and if they agree to the solution, the case does not need to be brought to the tribunal. But if they do not agree, then go to the tribunal. Therefore, negotiation comes first,” he added.  It was, however, not mentioned when the complex would be ready.  The Sarawak Housing Tribunal Ordinance was passed at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in November last year. The tribunal was established on May 1 this year. Under the Sarawak Housing Developers and Licensing Ordinance, claims should not exceed RM40,000.

Dato Marjana alias Maznah Dasmi is heading the tribunal’s seven-member panel. The other six members are Thomas Akin Jelimin, a lawyer, Alhadi Ibrahim (an engineer), Mornie Wahlie (a quantity surveyor), Mike Boon Chee Khian (an architect), Peter Lim Thiam Seng (a chartered surveyor) and Robert Elone Sireng (an economist).

Among others, the housing tribunal hears cases involving complaints within 12 months after the release of Occupation Permit (OP) or after the defect liability period under the Sales and Purchase (S&P) agreement has lapsed.