News

Managing Of Bumiputera Housing Quota In Penang Unsatisfactory - A-G's Report

Last update: 18/05/2016

GEORGE TOWN, May 18 (Bernama) -- The managing of Bumiputera Housing Quota by the Penang Government was found to be unsatisfactory, according to the Auditor-General's Report 2015, Series 1.

The report tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday said although the state government had set 30 per cent bumiputera quota for each housing development project, the audit carried out from August to November last year found bumiputera property ownership to be below the 30 per cent target.

"Buyer status of bumiputera units were not verified, bumiputera units were sold to non-bumiputeras before obtaining release from the authorities and the Penang Bumiputera Housing Trust funds were not utilised," it said.

The audit also found the calculation on relief on contribution to be inaccurate, payments not settled or delayed and certificates of fitness for occupation and completion and compliance certificates issued without letters of support.

The report said the objective of the audit was to assess whether bumiputera quota management for residential projects was managed effectively, efficiently and complied with the stipulated regulations.

As such, the report recommended that the state secretariat office take steps in establishing and improving its standard operating procedures, especially on its internal controls, application process and ensuring accurate calculation on relief contribution.

It also recommended that the state secretariat office establish rules and take action against developers not complying with the sale conditions and quota release.

-- BERNAMA