Tribunal settled 44,308 cases since 2003

PUTRAJAYA: The House Purchaser Claims Tribunal (TTPR) recorded a 100 per cent settlement in 44,308 of the 44,581 cases filed by buyers from January 2003 to June 30 this year.

Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said the Strata Management Tribunal (TPS) settled 7,645 or 78 per cent of 9,787 cases, referred to the ministry from July 1, 2015, to June 30.

She said statistics showed a significant increase in buyers’ awareness about making claims regarding housing and strata cases.

“For the first half of this year, there has been an increase in case filings with 709 cases, compared with 2,355 case managements.

“This is due to increased awareness from promotional activities by the Tribunal for Housing and Strata Management (TPPS) in the north, east, south zone and headquarters here,” she said after the TTPR and TPS presidents appointment ceremony here yesterday.

Present were ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek, his deputy, Datuk Indera Khairul Dzaimee Daud, and TPPS chairman Yaacub Chik.

Zuraida said most of the TTPR cases involved claims for damages for the delay in the handover of vacant possession of a home or common property, while the majority of TPS cases filed were claims for maintenance charges and issues of inter-level leaks.

She said the ministry was committed to ensuring housing claims and strata processes were accelerated.

“The average settlement of a claim is between three and five months, but there are cases that have been delayed for years, especially those involving expert witnesses and legal advocates.

“Only three cases have not been completed since 2015.”

Six TTPR and 10 new TPS presidents received their appointments from Zuraida at the event.

“This increases the number of TTPR presidents to 15 and 20 for TPS.

“They will hear and determine claims and disputes over the issue of housing and management of stratified building maintenance.

“I hope all those appointed can adopt a new, fair and efficient work culture in keeping with the good name of the Pakatan Harapan government,” she said.

Zuraida said the presidents of the tribunal were appointed based on their experience.

They should have held positions in judicial and legal services and have a minimum sevenyear experience as advocates and solicitors.

“They need to have experience and knowledge of civil litigation, especially cases involving housing and strata.”

For the first half of this year, there has been an increase in case filings, with 709 cases, compared with 2,355 case managements. This is due to increased awareness from promotional activities... ZURAIDA KAMARUDDIN

Housing and local government minister