Sarawak resolves 75 pct of problematic housing projects, says Dr Sim

KUCHING (Dec 3): The Sarawak government has made significant progress in addressing problematic housing projects across the state, with 75 per cent of identified stalled or problematic projects successfully resolved, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said the ministry has identified 647 housing projects across Sarawak, of which 57 were flagged as problematic.

“Since the formation of the task force — Jawatankuasa Teknikal Pemantauan Projek Perumahan, under the leadership of Datuk Michael Tiang, 43 out of 57 or 75 per cent of problematic projects have been successfully addressed,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech.

He noted that only 13 projects remain under various stages of intervention, with one declared abandoned.

“This positive development clearly demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of homebuyers and ensuring that developers comply with the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Ordinance, 2013.”

He added that the list of abandoned projects has been published on the ministry’s official website to enhance transparency and serve as a warning to developers to fulfil their contractual obligations.

Dr Sim said the ministry has intensified enforcement measures, including freezing Housing Development Accounts for two non-compliant developers and issuing at least 20 compounds this year to others committing offences under the Ordinance.

“My ministry also scrutinises the conduct of professional persons, such as architects and engineers engaged or employed by a housing developer.

“To date, one case involving the misconduct of an architect in relation to a housing project has resulted in the professional being fined RM60,000 by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia,” he added.

At a press conference, Tiang, who is State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, highlighted ongoing efforts to revive stalled projects.

“This year alone, six projects in Kuching, Sibu and Lawas have been completed and issued with Occupation Permits, while one project in Bintulu is partially completed,” he said.

He stressed that reviving stalled projects requires strategic planning, sustained commitment and continuous engagement with stakeholders, noting that one project in Sibu was formally declared abandoned on Oct 28 this year.

“Any developer whose project is declared abandoned will face consequences under Section 27(2) of the Ordinance. This includes potential prosecution, blacklisting, and holding directors, managers and officials personally liable,” he said.

Tiang explained that affected house purchasers are entitled to a full refund, including compensation of up to 10 per cent of the purchase price, and may also seek financial relief from their respective financial institutions.

He added that while the ministry has intensified monitoring through site visits, ground assessments, and stakeholder engagement, it is also adopting a more proactive regulatory stance by strengthening existing regulations.

“It is vital to ensure regulatory compliance and accountability not just of private housing developers, but also of professional persons involved in the projects.

“This is in line with the Building (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which ensures that only qualified and accountable professionals participate in the housing industry.”