Nga's 'travel ban' for rogue developers' families likened to loan sharks

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has come under fire over the plan to impose a travel ban on the family members of developers responsible for fraudulent activities and abandoned housing projects.

The National House Buyers Association likened it to the same measures employed by loan sharks.

The association’s honorary secretary-general Chang Kim Loong described the move as both “ridiculous” and an “overreach”.

He clarified that while the association does not oppose taking action against errant developers who breach the provisions of the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 (Act 118), their families, who are not responsible, should be spared.

“(Nga’s) reasoning is no different from loan sharks going after the innocent family members of a borrower,” he told Free Malaysia Today.

On Oct 24, Nga (above) said the government is considering a proposal to prevent fraudulent housing developers and their families from leaving the country as part of its plans to amend the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 (Act 118).

“If the amendment is successful, any housing developers found guilty of fraud will be barred from leaving the country, and their families will also be blacklisted. This is to ensure that housing developers operate with integrity.”

In August, Nga said the amendment is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat next year.

He added that the ministry was consulting stakeholders to ensure the amendment would be fair to all quarters, including property buyers.

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