Just a thought 2… (partly taken from NST 11/10/2008)

No. 1
I think before everybody becomes piss off and things get out of hand… it is better that EVERYBODY KNOWS and UNDERSTAND what Joint Building Management Body (JMB) is. This so call JMB came into the picture when Government introduces Act 664 a.k.a. Building and Common Property (Maintenance and Management) Act 2207 (BCPMM) on April 12, 2007 (that is about year and a half ago).

The first thing to note: Before the formation of this JMB, the DEVELOPER is responsible for maintaining and managing the common property and is duty bound to convene the first meeting of the purchasers within the stipulated time (our first JMB meeting was oranised by Medan Idaman in April but was postponed due to lack of attendance. A second meeting was later organised in May).
(Note: Pls correct me if the month is wrong).

JMB comprising the DEVELOPER and OWNERS is responsible for providing proper maintenance and management of the buildings and its common areas. The agenda for holdings the first JMB Meeting should include:
1. Election of officer bearers (this was the first thing done by the developer)
2. Confirmation of insurance policies taken out by the developer
3. Determining the amount payable by owners to Buildings Maintenance Fund
4. Determine the late interest payable
(Note: The last three items were not discuss because it all have been implemented earlier by the developer. Its only apply to newly developed condos/apartments)

Power and duties of the JMB
To be effective, the JMB is powered to:
a) Collect maintenance and management charges
b) Authorise the expenditure to maintain and manage the common areas
c) Recover sums against purchasers expended by the JMB
d) Acquire property for stratified owners’ enjoyment of the common areas
e) Appoint property agents
f) Draft house rules

Looking at the above statement, YES, JMB is responsible to take charge, as well as to maintain and manage the property and common areas with in Idaman Sutera. However, to act effectively, JMB must first set-up a bank account (will be known as Building Maintenance Fund – BMF) and allow developer to transfer any surplus amount (or what ever left off) from the Building Maintenance Account (BMA) to BMF.

For information, this account was only step-up by our Idaman Sutera JMB (IS-JMB) last month. However, it does not stop IS-JMB from doing its job, and one of the first thing they did is extended the maintenance company contract (DG Management) till end of December 2008 (this will give JMB ample time to seek other option with another companies). At same time, IS-JMB is doing it level best to get all the audited accounts, service provides contracts etc from the developer, in-order to unsure that our condo can be managed smoothly and for the residents’ betterment.

Although JMB is bestowed with powers, it is important to note that JMB IS AN INTERIM BODY. Apart from managing and maintaining the condo, it has a greater task that is to ensure at least 25 percent of the owners obtain their strata title. Upon that Joint Management Corporate comprising owners will be formed and Idaman Sutera JMC will superseded IS-JMB. And, only after this a proper Management Corporation can be formed by the owners of Idaman Sutera to take full control of our condo.

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No. 2

With regards to all the teething problems at Idaman Sutera, I would like to suggest few things for IS-JMB’s consideration:

1. Set-up a clear House Rules (a.k.a. “By-Laws” in the Strata Titles Act). If I’m not mistaken there is a book printed and was circulated by developer (during the vacant possession)on Idaman Sutera House Rules. IS-JMB can take that as a guide and further improve on it to suit our current situation. Pass a copy of it to COB, and circulate it to the residents including tenants. They have to follow strictly the rules, failing which action can be taken against them.

2. Pls revive the Residents Association (RA). This is important because:
a) Will be a good training ground for owners to learning about managing and management for property and common facilities at Idaman Sutera. Later, maybe few of the Residents Assc. Members (owners especially) can be appointed in the JMC or MC.
b) RA can be the body to look after the social-relations among residents which comprising various races and citizenship.
c) RA also can act as the water-dog to JMB or JMC and vice-verse.

3. Problem with the swimming pool. The ideal action is to close it temporary and put a warning sign. If any resident still ignore the warning, it is at their own risk. Look into the BMF account and if it is sufficient, maybe IS-JMB can consider repairing the water-pump at the swimming pool. However, it is wise to look after the more important matter first such as the Gen-set, the lift, water pump at each block and the security aspect of Idaman Sutera.

4. Motorbikes parking fronting the Management office, I think its need to be relocated to another area. The road needs to be cleared from any obstacles for emergency cases such pathway for ambulance or bomba. The other back road is not suitable because it does not have a good turning point (especially at block B) and most of the time the entrance gate was lock and have to request the Security Guard to open it.

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Note: All this is just my personal thought on how we can STRIVE TOGETHER TO PROTECT OUR PROPERTY. Do remember this -- To improve the standard of stratified living is everybody’s effort and does not lies on JMB alone.