SIBU: The Jalan Deshon townhouse housing project here has been labelled as one of the most sick projects in Sibu.
State Deputy Local Government, Housing and Public Administration Minister Datuk Michael Tiang said his ministry is in the process of formally declaring the project as abandoned under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Ordinance 2013.
“We anticipate that the declaration will be made by next month, pending formal confirmation from the Minister himself, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian,” he said
The move, according to Tiang, is expected to bring some relief to purchasers, enabling them to negotiate with their respective banks for potential loan interest waivers.
“This is our first step in alleviating the financial burden of the buyers.
"Following this, we will engage with the landowner to explore options for reviving and completing the project,” he told reporters during a site inspection on Friday (July 18).
The project involving 80 townhouse units started in 2012 and was scheduled for completion in 2015.
However, more than a decade later, construction remains incomplete, with only a 70% completion rate.
Tiang explained that prolonged delays to the project have led affected buyers to initiate legal proceedings.
"This is one of the most seriously stalled developments in Sibu, as there has been no substantial progress for a prolonged period.
"The developer was also declared bankrupt by the Sibu High Court in 2022," he added.
Tiang also mentioned that several other housing developments across Sarawak are similarly categorised as "sick" projects and are being closely monitored by the ministry.
“We will continue to carry out on-site inspections to identify abandoned projects, especially those where developers are no longer financially capable of proceeding,” he said.
Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of homebuyers, particularly in cases involving long-delayed housing developments.
