Taman Desa Kempas locals still living without electricity after 20 years

JOHOR BARU – Over 20 years have passed for the apartment-dwelling residents at Taman Desa Kempas, and it appears they will continue living without electricity supply until June. 

Johor housing and local government executive councillor Datuk Jafni Md Shukor told the state legislature in a written reply that the source of the problem for the residents is that they have yet to obtain the certificate of completion and compliance (CCC). 

Under the Street, Drainage and Building Act (Amendment) 2007, projects are required to have a CCC to ensure the buildings are completed with all statutory requirements met and are ready for occupation. 

Jafni said 565 units of low-cost apartments were completed and obtained certificates of fitness for occupation (CFO). 

However, the remaining nine blocks of apartments comprising 600 housing units and 12 shop lots were halted in 2012. 

“Only three blocks (172 housing units and seven shop lots) were completed by the developer Maju Delima Sdn Bhd,” Jafni said in his written reply. 

To solve the issue, Jafni explained that the developer has applied for permission to reevaluate the layout and boundary plans (Kebenaran Merancang Susunatur dan Pecah Sempadan) for the three completed apartment blocks, which would allow the issuance of a CCC and later the strata titles as well. 

Permission to re-evaluate layout and boundary plans was given to Maju Delima on January 7, 2021, the written reply revealed. 

“The Johor Baru City Council had made attempts to assist by holding a series of meetings in 2021 with the developer, consultants and technical agencies to expedite the issuance of the CCC. 

“However, until now the developer and consultants have failed to comply with conditions set by relevant technical agencies,” Jafni added. 

Currently, the project is being supervised by the Local Government Development Ministry. 

On February 21, 2023 discussions were held between the ministry and the developer. 

“During the discussion, it was agreed that the developer must comply with the Fire and Rescue Department’s requirements for issuing a recommendation letter which would allow Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) to provide electricity supply. 

“Besides that, consultants and the architect agreed to solve remaining technical issues and obtain recommendation letters from relevant technical agencies last month. 

“The developer also pledged to put a close to the matter in two months’ time, with the CCC expected to be issued by June,” Jafni added. – The Vibes, April 1, 2023