Delays hit 441 homebuyers in Bintulu as Treetops Project faces completion challenges

KUCHING (Feb 6): A total of 441 homebuyers have been affected by delays in the Treetops Project which involves the construction of 585 service apartment units across Towers A, B and C.

The Bintulu project commenced on Nov 24, 2017, with the first Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) signed on Jan 15, 2018.

The original expected completion date was Dec 15, 2021, later extended to Dec 15, 2022, but delays have persisted.

State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang in a statement said the primary cause of the delay was the construction of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) substation, which requires excavation of a rock hill approximately 30 metres high and 100 metres wide.

“This rock-breaking process is complex and time-consuming and has significantly impacted the overall project schedule,” he said, adding that the pandemic also contributed to delays.

He added that while the main structural works of the apartment blocks have been completed, remaining tasks include finishing works such as painting, internal wiring, and other related works.

The Sarawak Housing Buyers Tribunal has settled one Liquidated Ascertained Damages (LAD) claim, with the plaintiff receiving RM26,121.92, while two other cases are ongoing.

The ministry has held three monitoring meetings — on Oct 17, 2024; Oct 9, 2025; and Feb 5 — to evaluate project progress and the developer’s commitment to the recovery plan.

Enforcement actions have included 10 compounds for failing to submit project progress reports, and the ministry is evaluating the suspension of the Advertisement and Sales Permits for this and other projects under the same developer.

Another delayed project is Golden Hill Villa 2, consisting of 75 units, including 63 double-storey terrace units and 12 double-storey semi-detached houses.

Commencing in 2014, the project was scheduled for completion in 2016 but has faced delays due to retaining wall issues and disputes with neighbouring landowners, which have prevented the developer from obtaining the Occupation Permit (OP).

To address the delay, the ministry supports a proposal by Syarikat Anna Synergy Berhad, a rescue contractor that in August last year offered to take over the project.

The plan involves dividing the development into two phases: Phase 1 for units unaffected by the land dispute, and Phase 2 for affected units.

Anna Synergy will submit the phasing application to the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) to expedite the issuance of Road Certificate and OPs, enabling homebuyers to move in as soon as possible.

Tiang said the ministry will continue to ensure all actions are carried out transparently, fairly, and in accordance with the law.

“Developers are fully responsible for completing their projects and must comply with all legal requirements and ministry directives.

“Clear commitment, a realistic action plan, and disciplined execution are expected. Failure to comply will result in stricter enforcement actions,” he added.