The 18-month liability period for newly-constructed houses approved by the Housing and Local Government Ministry should be longer, covering at least 24 months or up to 72 months, according to the Consumer Association of Sabah and Labuan Federal Territory (Cash) today.

"Given the generally poor quality of housing projects in Sabah, it is desirable that the period be extended to provide basic safeguard for consumers," Cash deputy president Joshua Kong ( right ) said.

Even in more advanced countries like Australia, the liability period is up to six years, he added.

According to Kong, Cash has received reports about some houses that are sinking

"As we are very concerned about dengue, what would happen if the newly-reclaimed land sink within the ground below the houses? Pools of stagnant water could attract mosquito breeding grounds," Kong pointed out.

Houses are still built in what was once swampy lands as suitable lands are becoming scarce.

"So what's wrong if the houses are well built and six years is nothing to worry for the established builders. The builders can take up insurance to support them to indemnify any such unfortunate damages later," Kong said, adding that consumers, including the builders themselves, only want to be assured of general safety in all buildings in win-win scenarios.

Fishing violations

On another unrelated matter, Cash said foreign and local trawlers have been found to have violated the laws on the marine protected species like turtles over the years in Sabah waters.

"We need to view the fishing violations in the context of all other illegal practices in that sector like fish bombings, poisoning of live fishes, use of fomalin and other harmful preservatives, abuse of subsidised fuel, employment of illegal workers and unhealthy practices in the fish markets and over fishing in some areas," Kong said.

"We have been talking of such downsides in this sector as it was one of the special efforts by the state government earlier, but till today we have yet to resolve the problems."

As a safeguard to the pressing issues for the consumers and environmentalists, Cash suggested a pro-active NGO be established to handle this unresolved challenge.

This NGO would need to be well equipped in the sea and the market places to monitor the illegal activities so rampant in Sabah, Kong said.