Ministry sets out to identify some ‘sick' housing projects in Sarawak, declaring them as ‘abandoned'
Tiang gives away rice dumplings to an elderly man at the event. — Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (May 31): The State Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government sets out to identify 'sick' housing projects across Sarawak to be declared as 'abandoned' projects, as a bid to assist the homebuyers.
According to State Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, there are currently 14 of such projects in Sarawak being classified as 'sick'.
'Based on our records, we declared 49 'sick' projects all over Sarawak.
'We have resolved many, and also resumed some of the abandoned projects, meaning resuming the construction works.
'In total, we have just 14 'sick' housing projects remaining in Sarawak.
'As I mentioned earlier, we have re-identified some of them, and my ministry will select some to be declared as 'abandoned'.
'This classification is crucial because, once a project is deemed abandoned, we can work together with the bank to offer some relief packages to the buyers.
'That way, they (buyers) do not have to carry the burden of those loan repayments. There are some ways for banks to offer them some relief,' he told reporters when met prior to the distribution of rice dumplings to senior citizens at Jalan Bunga Teratai here, today.
Organised by the Pelawan Youth section of Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), the programme involved the distribution of over 500 packs of dumplings to the public, in conjunction with the Dragon Boat Festival here.
To a question, Tiang disclosed that there were some six 'sick' projects in Sibu, of which one or two was yet to be declared as 'abandoned'.
'As for the 'sick' projects, it means that there are long delays, whereas abandoned projects are those suspended with no works being carried out and no progress.
'Maybe you need to find another 'white knight' to take over (the abandoned projects).
'We have tested a few solutions and are quite happy with the results.
'So that's why I say we have resolved quite a lot,' explained the Pelawan assemblyman.
Towards this end, Tiang said that his ministry's special taskforce for 'sick' projects had performed well in their efforts towards resolving the issue. abandoned housing Michael Tiang sick projects
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