House buyers can now apply for connection of utilities prior to OP issuance — Sheda

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KUCHING: The Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) is happy that the Local Government and Community Development Ministry has agreed, in principle, that it would allow purchasers of completed housing units to apply for connection of utilities before the issuance of Occupation Permit (OP).

Sheda president Joseph Wong Kee Liong, who led his delegation for a meeting with the ministry last Thursday, was grateful to Local Government and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and his officials for such a fruitful outcome.

“The allowance by the ministry is valid, provided that the affected developers furnish a letter of undertaking to relevant local councils,” he said in a statement issued recently.

Joseph said under this letter of undertaking, developers would not allow purchasers to occupy the units nor any alteration or renovation works to be carried out prior to the issuance of OP. The purchasers, however, would be allowed to enter the premises to do necessary cleaning and housekeeping before moving in.

“However at the moment, purchasers are not allowed to apply for connection of utilities until after the OP is issued. This situation has caused considerable hardship to purchasers, who may have to service both rental and loan payments for their existing residence as well as the purchased properties.

“As such, the positive step forward taken by the ministry is very welcoming. Sheda would like to acknowledge and express its thanks to the minister for his understanding in and solution to this long-outstanding issue,” he said.