Kuching: After nearly 30 years of waiting, shoplot owners at Chonglin Park along Jalan Tabuan are still without strata titles, leaving them as “owners in name only” and unable to fully exercise their property rights.
The long-standing issue was raised when DAP Sarawak Chairman Chong Chieng Jen met a group of affected owners at his law firm to hear their grievances and better understand why the application and approval process has remained stalled for so long.
“The prolonged delay in issuing strata titles for the Chonglin Park has persisted for almost three decades, severely affecting owners in terms of property resale, loan applications, and asset appreciation,” he said.
According to Chong, despite holding a valid Occupation Permit (OP), the owners say the absence of strata titles has severely affected their ability to sell, refinance, and benefit from property value appreciation.
Chong said the matter has dragged on for decades, causing significant financial and practical difficulties for owners.
“Without strata titles, any attempt to sell requires developer consent, making transactions slow and complicated,” he said, adding that this has weakened market demand and reduced liquidity for the properties.
He also noted that banks are more cautious in approving loans for such units, making it harder for potential buyers to secure financing and further suppressing market value.
Chong described the issue as part of a broader problem in Sarawak involving delays in strata title issuance, which he said is linked to weak enforcement, despite the existence of the Strata Management Ordinance 2019.
He urged both the state authorities and the developer to take immediate action to resolve the long-delayed applications.
“This matter should have been resolved long ago. Owners should not be waiting decades for what is rightfully theirs,” he said.
Chong added that he will continue engaging the relevant authorities and the developer to push for a resolution and ensure the long-overdue strata titles are finally issued.
