Stronger strata enforcement needed to safeguard owners, says DAP Sarawak chief

MIRI (Jan 9): The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has called for stringent enforcement of laws governing strata properties to protect owners from irresponsible developers.

He highlighted that gaps in enforcement and investigation of complaints had left strata property owners dealing with prolonged issues due to developers’ negligence or refusal to comply with the law.

“In reality, we may have all kinds of laws, but enforcement must be strict,” Chong told a press conference here.

He stressed that relevant authorities must intensify their efforts and avoid complacency, as failure to uphold the law ultimately harms the public.

The press conference also provided a platform for owners of a serviced apartment here to voice their complaints.

Lester Tan, representing the owners, had alleged several breaches by the developer, including misuse of common property on the ground-floor lobby, failure to open a ‘Maintenance Fund and Sinking Fund Account’, and not providing audited accounts for collected funds.

Tan emphasised that the purpose of the Strata Management Ordinance 2019 (SMO) and the Strata (Subsidiary Titles) Ordinance 2019 (SSTO) — effective March 1, 2022 – was to ensure proper maintenance and management of subdivided buildings and common property.

“Strict enforcement is essential; otherwise, the laws risk being ignored, and the issues they were meant to resolve will persist,” he stressed.

Adding on, Chong assured that he would continue monitoring the issues, maintaining contact with the owners’ representatives, and raising the matter at the next State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting should the matter remain unresolved.

DAP Sarawak secretary Alan Ling was also present at the press conference.