House buyers’ awareness of rights still low

MIRI: The public’s awareness of their rights as house buyers is still low, says Sarawak Housing Claims Tribunal secretary Ali Abdullah.

“It is important and crucial for buyers to know their rights so they cannot be cheated by developers,” Ali told reporters at a seminar on the tribunal organised by the Ministry of Housing here yesterday.

Around 100 people including heads of departments and developers attended the seminar.

“Many buyers don’t know the setting up of the tribunal under the ministry and its function which is to protect their rights as buyers. Thus, they don’t know where to go and exercise their rights when there are defects in newly built ( houses) and (in cases of) failure to deliver according to sales and purchase agreements.

Ali said many people still do not know that they can exercise their rights such as to sue or take action against developers for late delivery of the house and defects on the property.

Last year, the tribunal received around 79 complaints from buyers. Out of this total, 49 complaints were registered, heard and settled through the tribunal while the remaining 30 were settled between buyers and developers out of court.

Buyers are only required to pay RM50 when they file their complaint with the tribunal. The filing can be done online and the case will be heard within 60 working days.

According to Ali, the case will be heard under the Housing Development ( Control and Licensing) Ordinance 2013. Three papers were presented during the half- day seminar.