KUALA LUMPUR: Police have received a total of 17 reports from residents of the Bandar Tasik Selatan 1 low-cost apartment against its management over outstanding electricity bills amounting to RM2 million.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said all reports were lodged by the residents who were left unsatisfied with the Joint Management Body (JMB).
He added that the first complaint was received from a 35-year-old resident last Thursday after discovering a notice by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) on electricity cuts in all five blocks with nearly RM2 million in outstanding payment.
"The complainant claims that no payments have been made since Jan 31, 2022, despite residents paying a monthly maintenance fee of RM50 for each housing unit to the JMB.
"Due to the outstanding bills, the complainant suspects financial misconduct by the JMB chairman and lodged a police report," he told Berita Harian yesterday.
Previously, the JMB reportedly said they would engage in further discussions with TNB to address the distress caused by the impending power cut notice affecting residents.
A JMB representative had also revealed plans to submit an appeal to TNB, seeking a deferment of the scheduled power cut on Jan 17.
In response, TNB demanded payment from the property developer to settle the arrears.
He said negotiations between TNB, the developer, and the JMB took place before a notice was issued.
TNB insisted that the developer settle at least 10 per cent (RM200,000) of the total arrears.
However, the representative said that the JMB lacks the necessary funds, leading to the issuance of the power cut notice by TNB.
Meanwhile, Ramli added that preliminary investigations revealed the complainant and several residents had lodged a complaint with the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) since July 2022, where follow-up actions for the complaints are still in process until now.
He added that as of now, a total of 17 reports have been received by the residents and one report was lodged by the JMB chairman for the allegations made against the latter.
"The case is being classified as Refer Other Agency (ROA) under COB as it is under the commission's jurisdiction.
"It involves offences related to management corporations under Section 140 of the Strata Management Act 2013," he said.