Luqman's musings

                                                           Click on the image to enlarge it In my recent post about the retaining wall requirements at Vistana Heights ,  LINK , a friend messaged me on WhatsApp with this observation: Not enough complaints from your Taman . I think many are happy because they bought it at 1.7 mill and the current value is at 2.7 mill. They gain 1 mill. I'm not sure where the 2.7 million figure comes from, but based on recent online listings and past transaction data, it likely falls in the RM2.3 million to RM2.6 million range. A recent listing was for RM2.3 million, while a past median transaction price was RM2.34 million. Some listings show higher asking prices, such as RM2.38 million.   I replied to him with this pointed question, which he hasn't answered yet: What happens if ...

                                                        For a clearer view click on the image.   Key References from Historical Documents The 2018 development plan was signed by Mr. Stanley Chong, who was then the Director of City Planning at Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK); he was later promoted to Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.   Pelan pembangunan 2018 ditandatangani oleh Encik Stanley Chong, yang pada masa itu menjawat jawatan Pengarah Perancangan Bandar di Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK); beliau kemudiannya dilantik ke jawatan Timbalan Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Kerajaan Tempatan dan Perumahan. The 1997 circular issued by the relevant authority includes the following pertinent items: Surat pekeliling 1997 yang dikeluarkan oleh pihak berkuasa yang berkaitan merangkumi perkar...

                                                   The Isuzu Truck with its bumper removed.                                                                      The bumper An Update on Lot S2's Access Nightmares In a follow-up to my ongoing documentation of the challenges at Vistana Heights in Taman Ira Manis, Kota Kinabalu, I've now incorporated two striking photos that capture the real-world perils of Lot S2's infamous steep driveway. These images show an Isuzu lorry in a bid to conquer the incline: its front bumper ground against the slope, ultimately requiring on-site removal just to inch its way up. It's a stark visual testament to how this design flaw turns routine deliveries...

                                                   Driveway of Lot S20 (renumbered S2A)   I am getting documents ready for my court case against the developer and others involved in Vistana Heights case. I came across emails which I am posting here for future reference. George Sheh is the owner of Lot S20 now renumbered S2A. This is the house opposite S9. The highlight in the emails below is added by me. See notes below for explanation.

Fabricating false evidence intended for use in proceedings before DBKK (Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) could be considered an offence under Section 192 of the Malaysian Penal Code, provided certain conditions are met. Section 192 punishes whoever: ·         Causes circumstances to exist, or ·         Makes a false entry in a book, record, or electronic record, or ·         Creates a document containing a false statement, with the intent that it may appear in evidence in: Any proceeding before any public servant who is legally bound to take evidence.

Owning a home should bring peace, but my experience with Lot S9 at Vistana Heights, Kota Kinabalu, has been fraught with obstacles. Since 2022, I’ve been unable to sell my property due to restrictive conditions imposed by the developer, Topwira Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (TCSB). Additionally, a steep driveway and missing retaining wall have made the property unsafe and difficult to use. I’ve outlined these issues to seek clarity and solutions as of Sunday, September 20, 2025. The Problem with Selling

  Summary of the Newspaper Item LINK City Hall Advisory Board member and architect Tan Young has proposed rethinking flood mitigation strategies in Sabah by incorporating underground stormwater detention systems under underutilized open spaces like parks, sports courts, and parking lots. He emphasized that flooding has evolved from a seasonal issue into a critical urban crisis, and these systems could transform single-purpose land into multifunctional assets—providing recreational facilities above ground while offering flood protection below. Tan warned that the long-term costs of inaction would dwarf the expenses of innovative solutions. This proposal comes amid severe flooding in Sabah.

                                             I don't see a retaining wall behind the house. Do you?                                           I don't see a retaining wall behind the house. Do you? Dear Sir/Madam, I refer to my previous correspondence dated February 2023 and your response, referenced BEM/PPC/02 (09-23) (04), dated 30 July 2023. In your response, you indicated that, after reviewing the engineer’s reply, the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) found no case against the engineer. Unlike the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM), you did not provide a copy of the engineer’s response, which limits my ability to fully understand the basis of your decision. 

  Civil servants who misuse public funds must face consequences. When I raised legitimate concerns about unresolved safety issues in Vistana Heights with the chairman of the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department (JTU), I was met not with answers but with a directive to take legal action against the department. This response is both absurd and troubling. It implies that I, a taxpayer, should spend my own money to sue JTU, while JTU—funded by my taxes—would use those same public funds to defend itself. This is a clear misuse of taxpayer money, creating a perverse cycle where citizens are pitted against their own resources. Worse still, these civil servants, upon retirement, will draw pensions—again funded by taxpayers—despite such failures in accountability. There must be deterrents to prevent public officials from deflecting legitimate grievances into costly legal battles, which only burden citizens further while shielding systemic inefficiencies.

  This is not legal advice and reflects my personal analysis. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance. Certifying a non-existent retaining wall by a local authority like Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) in Malaysia could constitute a criminal offense if it involves intentional deceit, fraud, or corruption. Such actions may violate the Penal Code or amount to misconduct in public office, particularly if public servants knowingly or recklessly misrepresent facts for personal gain or to benefit others, such as developers. Potential Criminal Offenses