Support for tougher action on errant high-rise owners

PETALING JAYA: The tough action against errant apartment owners has been lauded by unit owners and management bodies who believe this will reduce the number of defaulters.

Building Managers Association of Malaysia committee member Richard Chan said the seizure of movable items was a step in the right direction.

“However, there are cases where the units are empty because the owners don’t live there. So there are no items to seize.

“Perhaps it would be better to empower the authorities to seize and auction the property or unit itself,” he suggested, adding that this would be an even stronger approach to get owners to settle their debts.

However, he said, management bodies may still seek recourse from the Strata Management Tribunal which has been able to settle disputes quickly and efficiently.

“The mentality of residents needs to be changed. A stronger sense of responsibility is needed to maintain shared buildings and facilities.

“If you don’t have the right mindset, don’t live in stratified buildings,” Chan said.

A condominium’s management body committee member, who wishes to be known only as Ming, said the seizures were “the last resort” against hardcore defaulters after all avenues of collection had been exhausted, including sending letters and deactivating access to common facilities.

“It can even happen after such unit owners fail to pay up after a second hearing of claims at the tribunal.

“I hope the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry will publicise more of these raids to raise awareness and reinforce the need to pay maintenance char­ges promptly,” said the retiree, who lives in a condominium in Kuala Lumpur.

She said her condo’s MC normally sent reminder letters and made follow-up calls to the delinquent owners, followed by deactivation of their security access card to the lift.

“This first level of inconvenience usually prompts the owner to pay up immediately,” she said.

If those staying in the units are tenants, they would be forced to complain to their landlord or the owner.

“If such recovery measures fail, then the MC will file claims against the owner at the tribunal,” Ming added.

A condominium resident, who wished to be known only as Aaron, welcomed the enforcement efforts.

“It will definitely be more effective in getting more people to pay up,” said the 32-year-old engineer.

He said the failure of others to pay fees made it difficult to maintain the shared space and services for the benefit of all residents.

“But to be fair, there should be reasonable notice given before any seizure takes place,” he added.