DEMOLITION OF APPROVED EXTENSIONS TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSES

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi: To ask the Minister for National Development whether there is a new policy which authorises the Building Control Division to demolish extensions to residential houses even though such extensions have been previously approved by the Department.

Mr Speaker: Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi.

Encik Sidek bin Saniff (Kolam Ayer): Mr Speaker, Sir, Question No. 9.

Mr S. Dhanabalan (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, there has been no change in policy with regard to extensions to residential houses. The Building Control Division has been taking enforcement action only against unauthorised extensions to buildings in various areas that cannot be regularised under the Building Regulations. In cases where the unauthorised extensions may be regularised through setting back, the owners or occupiers have been advised to demolish their existing extensions and to subMit applications for their proposed extensions for consideration. In no instance has the Division taken action to demolish extensions to residential houses where such extensions have been previously approved.