KUCHING: The Ministry of Local Government and Housing yesterday announced the reappointment of five members of the Sarawak Tribunal of Housing Purchaser Claims (TTPRS).
Effective May 1, 2019 to April 30, 2022, the five TTPRS members that will be reappointed are chairman Datuk Maznah Dasmi, deputy chairman Peter Lim Thiam Seng, as well as three members namely Alhadi Ibrahim, Morni Wahie, and Robert Elone Sireng.
The TTPRS members are appointed by the Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian from amongst persons who possess a recognised legal qualification or who are members of any registered professional bodies in Sarawak and have relevant experience in the housing industries.
The TTPRS consists of a chairman, a deputy chairman and five other members. The appointment of a TTPRS member shall be for a period not exceeding three years and any reappointment has to be made upon the expiry of the term.
TTPRS is an independent body that was established since May 1, 2010 in accordance with an amendment to the Housing Developers (Control & Licensing) (Amendment) Ordinance 2009.
TTPRS provides an alternative to settle housing dispute other than the court. The TTPRS will hear and adjudicate housing purchaser claims for the compensation of liquidated ascertained damages, defects of workmanship and also for not complying with the specifications stated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement.
However, the claim has to be filed not later than 18 months from the date of the issuance of Occupation Permit or before the defects liability period end as specified in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. During the hearing, both purchaser and developer shall not be represented by any advocate.
Any person who fails to comply with an award made by the TTPRS has committed an offence and of conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not exceeding 2 years or to both.
In 2017, TTPRS has settled and heard 50 cases. There is an increase in cases solved in 2018 which are 103 cases and as for 2019, the Tribunal has settled 14 cases to date.
The public are advised to go to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing Sarawak official website https://mlgh.sarawak.gov.my/ or call 082-312501, 312507 for more information.
