Waiting for nod from states
26/02/2007 The Star

GENTING HIGHLANDS: All that is needed now for the implementation of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) is the consent of all state governments, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said.

He said all respective laws had been amended by the Government and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's consent had been obtained.

“Constitutionally, we need the consent of the states,” he told reporters after a Chinese New Year luncheon here yesterday.

The event was hosted by Genting Group chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay and his wife Puan Seri Cecillia Lim.

Ong said a National Council for Local Governments meeting to be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has been scheduled for March 21.

He said after that a meeting for all local authorities and state representatives would be held, in which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will explain the new CCC system.

The CCC is to replace the existing certificate of fitness for occupancy (CFO) and this implementation would cut red tape by half.

“When this is implemented, local authorities will no longer be blamed. Architects and engineers submitting the building plan for approval will be responsible to ensure all the technical conditions are met,” he said.

He added that they would have to certify through the CCC that the buildings are safe for occupation. On the Housing Act, Ong said the ministry hoped to ensure that developers were more responsible in their delivery of services.

He said the existing law required developers to give an 18-month guarantee period for defect liability, but after an amendment in April, they would be required to give a guarantee period of up to 24 months.