Tawau: The developer involved in the Sabindo open spaces controversy says it will continue to construct buildings at the five sites in question "in the absence of an official notification" by both the State Government and the Tawau Municipal Council (TMC) on the supposed stop-work order.Stressing this here, Monday, Jeramas Sdn Bhd Managing Director Haji Tahir Mohd Yahya, who is involved in the RM22 million project, said he had yet to receive an official letter to this effect, or even a telephone call from the Council or the State Cabinet.
According to him, the project, being undertaken by contractor KK Land Sdn Bhd, was based on an agreement signed between the company and the TMC in 1996.
"Therefore, there is no reason why we should stop work without a black and white directive, other than statements made to the media," he said, adding he would seek an explanation from the Council as well as the Government if the developer is required to stop the project.
He also questioned who would take the responsibility if the project is stopped, saying that half the total lots had been sold.
Tahir pointed out that while the company was accorded the project on Dec 16, 1996 and had to wait nine years before getting it off the launching pad.
He insisted he was never aware that the site had been gazetted as an open space, claiming that TMC had informed him that the open space had been moved elsewhere, up to the time the building plans for the project were approved.
He also pointed out the question of compensation to the buyers if the project could not be completed within 30 months.
"There is nothing wrong with the agreement and I was not the one who formulated it. We are only following the regulations of the Government that earlier approved the project," Tahir said.
He also questioned why similar projects on open spaces in other districts went ahead without undue interruption.
The project comprises two blocks of 22 shotlots, with Block A having 10 lots and Block D with 12 lots. Of the number, the TMC has been allocated two lots in each of the blocks.
