KUCHING: The Ministry for Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the interests of house purchasers and ensuring strict regulatory compliance among private housing developers.

According to a statement by MPHLG Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, a site visit was conducted on Monday serving as a clear signal that the ministry is moving beyond administrative monitoring to on-the-ground intervention.

“I am taking this opportunity to provide a critical update on the firm actions undertaken by the ministry through the Technical Committee for Housing Project Monitoring (JKTP),” he said on Monday.

The Taman Muhibbah project located in the Meradong Land District, has been under intense scrutiny as it has been delayed by over seven years, affecting more than 20 house purchasers.

A proposal has been submitted by the landowners to MPHLG regarding the revival plan for the Taman Muhibbah project involving a potential rescue contractor where several engagements have been conducted.

“Through these engagements, the most recent meeting concluded with several decisive actions to be taken by the Ministry as well as relevant stakeholders.

“These include the proposal to declare the project abandoned and the appointment of the rescue contractor which will be executed concurrently, with initial assessment suggesting approximately 12 months to reach completion upon commencement.

“On the other hand, the landowners will recourse to court for the legal matters surrounding the project. MPHLG will work closely with all parties with the goal of resuming work by this year,” he said.

Touching on the Sibu O.T. 34592 project, Datuk Michael Tiang noted that the project has shown significant progress with the completion of Phase 1 consisting of 21 units of double storey terraces.

According to him, the Occupational Permit (OP) for Phase 1 was issued on 4th March 2026. For Phase 2, the developer is currently undertaking works to complete the remaining 26 units.

“The delay for Phase 2 is contributed by the delay in the completion of Phase 1 due to works involving the installation of underground cables as well as the connection of electricity and water supply which could only be carried out after the issuance of OP for Phase 1,” he said.

He added that the Kemunyang Height project in the Seduan Land District has now resumed construction after several engagements involving the developer, house buyers and relevant technical agencies.

“Following a meeting held on 10 March 2026, the developer has proposed that the OP approval for the project be implemented in phases considering that the structural construction of the single-storey terrace houses have been fully completed.

“Through this phased approach, the developer will be able to focus on completing the necessary infrastructure works for Phase 1 and subsequently proceed with the completion of Phase 2 after the issuance of the OP for Phase 1,” he stressed. -UKASnews