REHDA urges govt to amend Covid-19 Act

PETALING JAYA (May 28): The Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (REHDA) has urged the Government to amend the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (Covid-19) Act (Act 829) to suit current needs.

In a media statement today, its president Datuk Soam Heng Choon (pictured) raised the concerns on the delay of construction works due to the reinstatement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of the infectious coronavirus.

The Covid-19 Act is part of the measures introduced by the Malaysian Government for individuals and companies economically affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and is aimed at reducing the impact of the pandemic.

The Act, which was gazetted in October last year, was extended in March 2021 for another three months, from April 1 to June 30 this year.

Rehda lauded the Government’s efforts in tightening the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of MCO 3.0, which began from May 25, 2021, and emphasised that the association will continue ensuring that all developers and construction sites abide by the tightened SOPs without exception.

However, REHDA also reiterated that as the number of cases continue to rise, necessitating a prolonged MCO similar to last year’s, the various restrictions have a direct impact on the wellbeing of the industry and recovery of the nation’s economy.

“We therefore wish to call upon the Government to amend the Covid-19 Act,” said Soam, adding that the delays to construction works, for instance, will affect delivery of projects which already have set completion dates and the necessary amendments are critical to address the various problems that may arise, and at the same time protect all the affected contracted parties.

“We would like to once again affirm our support to the Government in its undertakings against Covid-19. As the leading voice for property developers in Malaysia, we will continue to work together with the authorities to protect the welfare of the industry, all stakeholders, the Rakyat and the nation,” said Soam.

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