PEKAN: The state government will act as a mediator to resolve a housing issue involving homeowners forced to vacate their units after soil movement in their area four years ago.
Local Government, Housing, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff today said the issue needed to be studied before both parties reached a win-win solution.
"The Pahang government is prepared to act as an intermediary between Taman Gambang Damai residents and the housing developer.
"We have to look at the big picture before providing assistance.
"We are prepared to meet the residents' representative, developer and other agencies to identify a solution.
"We hope the authorities, including the Kuantan City Council, can provide reports on to the project for us to examine."
He told the 'New Straits Times' this when met at the Kampung Merchong community hall here.
On Jan 5, 2021, soil movements caused two semi-detached houses to collapse, four units had severe cracks and some 20 houses were categorised as red zone (in landslide area).
The residents are renting elsewhere now.
In June last year, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said he was waiting for a full report on the issue from the residents, adding that the state government would assist.
Meanwhile, a source in the state government said: "It involves a project on private land and the state government will not be able to take full responsibility for it.
"Six owners who homes were badly damaged received houses under the PR1MA (1Malaysia People's Housing Scheme) project in another location by the same developer in Kuantan.
"The Pahang government can offer solutions and see if the developer and residents are prepared to follow them.
"It seems a little complicated and might require a longer time to be sorted out."
