MCO conundrum: 'He kept begging to move in, what were we to do?

 

The management of a condominium in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, was left in a dilemma when a new tenant wanted to move in during the movement control order (MCO).

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the president of the residents' committee complained that the standard operating procedure (SOP) is unclear and to make matters worse, the authorities appear to have different interpretations of this rule.

Willing to be known only as Mok, she said the tenant was unable to shift on the agreed date due to the implementation of the MCO.

When the tenancy agreement at his old residence ended, the man repeatedly pleaded with the management to allow him to move in to avoid having to fork out rent for two places.

Since the committee did not want to violate the SOP, he was advised to obtain permission from the police.

Mok said when the tenant went to the police station, he was told that he needed the permission of the management and not the police.

According to the MCO 2.0 SOP issued by the National Security Council (NSC), shifting homes in all strata title buildings is prohibited.

Elaborating, Mok said the management was worried that if it allowed the tenant to move in, there would be backlash from other residents or it would be slapped with a compound for violating the SOP.

“We insisted that he cannot move in but he came begging daily. What were we to do?

“In the end, we asked him to undergo a swab test to prove he was Covid-19 negative. We felt that it was unfair to compel him to do the test but there was no other alternative.

“The tenant might even sue us for forcing him to do the test,” she added.

Mok said the government should be clear and consistent when implementing policies related to the MCO instead of shifting the burden to others to use their discretion and bear the consequences.

Ng Wei Aik, a registered property manager and former DAP lawmaker, told Malaysiakini that those whose tenancy agreements expired during the MCO period found themselves in a conundrum.

“Owners will not be pleased if the tenants do not move out.

“When they go to the police, there are mixed reactions. Some stations issue approvals and some pass the buck to the management,” he said.

Confusion in rental market

Similarly, Malaysia Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) president Lim Boon Ping said the issue has created confusion in the rental market.

He revealed that property agents received approval letters from the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) to travel for work purposes.

MIEA president Lim Boon Ping

At the same time, condominiums and apartments are barring visitors as well as new tenants from moving in, which in turn prevented the agents from taking clients to view units.

“(The confusion) makes things difficult, slower and less efficient. We don’t know what can be done and what cannot be done,” he added.

Lim said since the first MCO was implemented last year, the demand in the rental market has escalated.

“Since income is affected, fewer people are buying properties. However, you still need a place to stay and so many opt to rent instead,” he added.

The SOP also restricts visitors unless it is to visit elderly relatives who live alone, patients or residents who need immediate medical intervention or food.

Meanwhile, one tenant, who identified himself only as Yap, said the SOP has prevented him for renting out rooms in his condominium unit.

“I need to rent the rooms to get some money during this difficult time,” he rued.

Malaysiakini has contacted the NSC and the Housing and Local Government Ministry for comment.

Previously, Malaysiakini reported that several condominium managements have made it mandatory for their tenants to undergo Covid-19 tests.

Following this, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the management of condominiums and residential complexes has the right to compel foreign residents to undergo the test and bar those who do not from entering the premises.

This ruling, however, courted flak from public health experts. - Mkini