2 days ago
Sarawak mulls star rating system to protect homebuyers from scam developers
Tiang (left) presents a cheque to one of the house owners, while others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (July 20): The Sarawak Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government is considering implementing a star rating system for housing developers in the state to protect homebuyers from scams.
Its deputy minister Datuk Michael Tiang revealed talks are currently taking place with the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers' Association (Sheda).
He also disclosed the ministry was blacklisting housing developers with poor track records in Sarawak.
'We are not only going to blacklist them, but we might use the publicly available star rating system for reference.
'So, if you purchase a house from developers with a one-star rating, you should think twice. However, if you buy from those with a five-star rating, you can proceed with confidence,' he told reporters when met on the sidelines after a ceremony presenting reimbursement for septic tank self-installation to Rejang Park homeowners here yesterday.
He said the rating system functions similarly to other online rating platforms, allowing them to distinguish the quality of developers.
'It categorises them as five-star or one-star developers, helping users steer clear of potential scams.
'We have come across many scams among housing development projects, so we want to find ways to help our consumers to avoid these unnecessary scams, because they use their hard-earned money (to buy a house). Maybe they only buy one house in their whole life (time).
'This is a huge decision they are making, so we want to help them make better decisions,' he said.
When asked when the rating system could be implemented, he said the ministry was still in discussions with Sheda, but opined it could be soon.
'The content will be published on the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government's website and perhaps on Sheda's website as well. This will go a long way to remind developers about their moral duty to house buyers.
'They shouldn't just think about making money or how much they can earn. They have a moral duty to deliver whatever they promise, not only an agreement. As developers, people use their hard-earned money to buy a house from you, so you better do it properly,' he said.
Meanwhile, Tiang also shared his message for the upcoming Sarawak Day: 'I wish all Sarawakians a joyous Sarawak Day and be proud to be Sarawakians.'
Also present was Sibu Municipal Council Market and Petty Traders standing committee chairwoman Jenny Ting. homebuyers Michael Tiang scams Sheda star rating system
