Housebuyers cautioned against syndicate collecting deposits
“I have written a letter to state police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Abdul Rahim Hanafi to look into the matter.” – Jagdeep Singh Deo
Housebuyers here need to be more cautious not to fall victim to a syndicate which is going around securing payments for units at an affordable housing project developed by the state.
Penang Town, Country and Housing Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said there were claims that the syndicate was promising and guaranteeing affordable units at a project in Tanjung Tokong.
He said the developer’s company which was developing the project at the site had received several complaints from the public that there were members of a suspected syndicate going around promising affordable units at the project by taking a payment of between RM10,000 and RM30,000.
Speaking after launching a corporate social responsibility programme by KDU College Penang at Cheshire Home here on Friday, Jagdeep said the developer had lodged a police report about the matter on July 22.
He said he had also written a letter to state police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Abdul Rahim Hanafi to look into the matter.
“I have received a reply from his office dated July 25 that they received my letter and the matter was under investigation.
“I hope the problem can be resolved as soon as possible,” he said.
Jagdeep assured the public that the state government’s low-cost and affordable housing units could not be secured by any agent or syndicate.
“The public must apply directly to the state and the application will be processed before they receive an approval letter from the developer if they are eligible for the units,” he said.
He added that the concerned project in Tanjung Tokong has 390 units of low mediumcost apartments and 859 units of affordable condominiums located on a 4ha site.
Jagdeep said that about 50,000 applicants had applied for affordable housing units in the five districts and the selection by the Selection Process Enhancement Committee (SPEC) would soon take place.
“The housing units will go to those truly deserving.
“So, I hope the public will be aware and not fall prey to such syndicates,” he urged.
Source: StarProperty.my
These types of syndicates are nothing new. One of the best ways in reducing it would be to make the whole selection process transparent. Not only the eligibility criteria, the whole selection or balloting process has to be opened to everyone to see.
Since there are so many applicants, it is very likely those who meet the criteria would be more than the units available. In such case, balloting would be fairest. The applicants have to attend the balloting session themselves in order qualify (no reps allowed).