I REFER to the complaint from Michael Ng about unoccupied homes (”Force owners to tidy up” — NST, Dec 14).

The Seremban Municipal Council has received many complaints on the matter and has taken action against the owners for allowing their properties to fall into a state of disrepair.

Last year, the council issued 576 notices to owners. Of this number, 29 houses were cleaned by their owners and another 38 by the council between Dec 1 and 8.

Under Section 82 of the Local Government Act 1976 ( Act 171), the council is authorised to clean unoccupied houses for owners who cannot be served with the notice.

These owners, however, will be billed for the cleaning work.

The council would like to remind owners of unoccupied houses that they must keep their premises clean.

Otherwise, the owners will face a maximum RM1,000 fine or six months’ jail, or both.

DATUK ABD HALIM ABD LATIFfor Seremban Municipal Council

Source: NST – January 2, 2008