Concerns over substandard construction practices have prompted the Sabah Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) to urge the Chinese Consulate General to address issues linked to Chinese contractors dominating Kota Kinabalu’s housing projects.
Satta chairman Datuk Seri Winston Liaw has obtained mounting complaints about poor workmanship, citing issues such as faulty piping and water leaks in several housing developments.
Many of these units are converted into Airbnbs or homestays, but quality problems are eroding confidence among owners and guests alike.
Liaw shared a personal account to underline the severity of the problem.
A group of his clients recently cancelled a four-night stay at a local establishment due to unpleasant odors caused by suspected water leaks.
He estimated that 70 to 80 percent of major housing projects in the city, including abandoned developments, involve contractors from China.
“This is why we are urging Consul General Huang Shifang to engage in dialogues with these companies to uphold higher standards of construction,” Liaw said.
“If projects are carried out with ‘cincai’ (sloppy) attitudes, it will damage China’s reputation, particularly under its Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to foster development in partner nations.”
Liaw also criticized contractors who submit unrealistically low bids to secure projects, only to cut corners with cheap materials to maximize profits.
Such practices, he warned, undermine trust in the local property market.
Additionally, Liaw called on the government to amend outdated housing development laws to protect buyers.
He raised concerns about banks failing to properly verify construction progress, enabling developers to falsely claim milestones and draw funds prematurely.
“There are too many loopholes in Sabah’s housing laws compared to other states,” he said.
“Developers and housing associations resist changes that would impose stricter penalties and greater accountability. The local government must not bow to their influence.”
Liaw emphasized that ensuring quality construction practices and stronger regulations is essential to safeguarding consumer trust and maintaining Sabah’s reputation as a desirable investment destination. – January 23, 2025.
