Syabas Water Rates For Condominiums

You might know, rather unhappily, that condo dwellers are charged commercial rates for water they consume. This is RM1.38 per cubic meter. Residential landed properties are charged RM0.57 per cubic meter.

Why you may ask is this the case? The rather improbable response proffered is that commercial activity may be ongoing in the condo.

Happily though, you might also know that Syabas, the water concessionaire for Klang Valley and Selangor , has initiated an avenue for applications by condo dwellers to convert bulk metering to individual metering, thus paving the way for the levying of the lower residential rate for water consumption.

Unfortunately, and also obviously unhappily, you might also know that Syabas has laid down some rules/compliances before such applications are approved, amongst them (quite unreasonably) being that the Management of the Condominium has no objections to the application and that all residents of the condo agrees to the migration exercise.

Taking the theme of this posting to its hilt, the conclusion to the current position is :-

Happily, the Management of the Condo has no issues with this,
Obviously, all residents would agree to this,
Incredibly, there is no format set as to how residents' consent is to be secured and produced,
Comfortingly, Management has initiated discussions with Syabas and is awaiting the outcome.

We too will await, with bated breath and guarded cheque books ;-).

Etiquette Series -1 : Article : Condo Etiquette & Common Sense

By and large, condo living has more advantages than disadvantages. Access to more expansive and higher quality facilities and the closer community feel are generally regarded as the up sides. With the closer proximity, clearly the most often quoted down side would be the friction caused by the common interests shared by all of the occupants of a condo. Navigating this landscape can be quite tricky and in the direst of situations, heaps of patience and compromise are the necessary qualities that one would have to have in one's armour. As such, some measure of etiquette would go a long way to soothing frayed nerves. Hence, this series is suggested to guide living in Sutramas to as blissful a living as possible . For the full article and the contents of the site, go "here".

Condo Etiquette & Common Sense

By Joe Vero, The Condo Guide, Guest Columnist, March 15, 1999

Condominium living has a lot of advantages to offer today’s buyer, as regularly highlighted on the pages of this publication. But it also may require certain lifestyle adjustment, particularly for those who are used to living in a freehold single family home.

In a condominium community, your neighbours are more than just your neighbours. Beyond any common interests you might share, you also have the same strong financial interest in keeping your property attractive and well maintained. So, as neighbours and co-investors, you’re going to have to co-exist and cooperate…which is facilitated by following a certain code of behavior.

Like good manners, “condominium etiquette” is largely just a matter of common sense and common courtesy. And by putting it into practice, you’ll likely enjoy your new condominium lifestyle in a much happier and harmonious way.

It begins with the suggestion to “know thy neighbor”. When moving into a condominium community, people rarely do know one another…but it certainly pays to do a little homework before making the move.

If you were an empty nester looking for a little peace and quiet and you moved into a family oriented community unaware, you’d soon discover the sometimes rambunctious nature of your young neighbours. Likewise, if you were a young couple looking to start a family, you’d want playmates for your children – something you certainly wouldn’t find an any of the more adult-oriented lifestyle communities.

So research the community before you move into it. Talk to some of the residents and ask them pointed questions about the quality of the homes, the administration and maintenance. You’ll get a much better idea of what the community is like be taking to them than you will from your realtor.

Is there a Neighborhood Watch program? Such programs indicate that owners are involved and concerned with the safety and general upkeep of their property. Do residents regularly get together to coffee or cards? Are there community Christmas parties, summer BBQs or other seasonal celebrations? Again, these are good indications that the community is a friendly one, providing an enjoyable living environment for all who reside there.

Once you have made the decision to move, get involved. Go out of your way to be friendly to your neighbours and those you meet on the grounds. Attend those parties or social functions. And join the Board of Directors.

That’s strongly recommended. You don’t have to take on a lot of responsibilities to be a member but it’s worth it to be kept informed and on the inside track. After all, your home is your greatest asset and you want to be kept abreast of its physical and financial status as well as having some influence in how it is run.

Another major part of knowing how to “behave” in your prospective new condominium home is through reading and understanding the condominium corporation’s rules and regulations. Before you buy, ask for a copy of the Estoppels Certificate which should contain a complete listing.

These rules and regulations set a “living standard” which can change and evolve over the years (while being reviewed periodically by the corporation’s legal counsel to ensure the corporation’s legal counsel to ensure they’re legal and/or enforceable). They are all geared to the general comfort safety and well-being of the residents, and the physical well-being of the building…but you may find one or two give you some pause.

Got a dog or cat? Best check to ensure what the condominium’s declaration is on Rover before buying. Want to add an enclosure to your balcony? Ask first – there could well be regulations prohibiting such additions.

Most of it simply comes down to knowing the rules. You don’t have to be able to recite them by chapter and verse, but understand your tights and responsibilities as a condominium owner.

Be reasonable and respectful…be friendly and tolerant…and you’ll be happy living in a community with neighbours all dedicated to your common good and contentment.

Reading Room Organised!

Dear Residents,

The Reading Room has been organised to make selection of reading material easier. As you can see there is ample space for more reading material. We invite your kind donation of current magazine and books. The room lacks reading material for children. If you have some for donation, we thank you in advance for your kindness in sharing.

In order to keep the room organised, magazines going back to only as far as the beginning of year 2007 shall be kept.

Please feel free to stack donated books and magazine s in the room itself or deposit them to the management office.

Thank you.

Letter of 17th June 2008 from the Chairman of the JMC

17th June 2008

Dear Residents of Sutramas,

I write following the 4th JMC meeting held on 14th June 2008. In the last 3 meetings, the JMC has worked with the Condo Management to have a format of reporting containing relevant information. The format with the required information was tabled at the 4th JMC meeting.

Following this, my letters to you will also now take the format adopted here. It extracts the relevant and pertinent information as presented by the Condo Manager’s report.

(1) Operations & Maintenance

(a) Rectification & Repairs Done

During the month, the following repairs and rectification works were undertaken :-

• Window Ledge –The opening of window ledges at the lift lobbies of all levels have been restricted to ensure the safety of children.
• Cover Drain –The cover drains at the driveways have been concretised to reduce noise.
• Electronic Door at LG2 – The electronic door has been rectified to ensure its proper closure. § Bird Nesting - Wire mesh has been installed at the opening of bulb holders at the ceiling of Level G walkway to curb the nesting of birds.
• Swimming Pool – The swimming pool became operational again in early June 2008 § Landscaping work – Dead palm trees were removed and live trees were replanted in its place.

(b) Works, Repairs and Installations To Be Done In The Course Of The Next Month

In the next month the following are expected to be undertaken :-

• Water Stains Due To Rain Splashing – The developer is planning to increase the size of the roof enclosure to eliminate splashing during rainfall as the stains are caused by this.
• Wide Angled Mirror – To ensure added safety, a wide angle mirror is planned to be installed at the entrance to Sutramas. Quotes will be sourced.
• Notice Boards – For better dissemination of information through better visibility, notice boards are planned for each car park level at the lift lobbies. Quotes have been sourced.
• Water Feature – It is planned that the water fountains in the lobby be enclosed to minimise danger to children due to its low height. The design and quotes have been sourced.
• Spacing between pillars –It is planned that the spacing of pillars at the walkway to management office be restricted by poles as its width is of concern for children. The design and quotes have been sourced.

(c) Utility Consumption

(i) Electricity

The following is the electricity consumption for common areas for the year to date { see letter distributed to residents }

The energy saving exercise implemented in May 2008 showed minimal impact on energy consumption. This may be attributed to the operation of the pool in May 2008 during the repair works. With the recent hike in tariff rates, energy cost is expected to rise. More energy saving efforts are planned to be implemented in stages.

(ii) Water

The management will provide to the JMC water consumption for common property at the next JMC meeting.

(2) Finance & Accounts

(a) Opening of JMB Bank Accounts Monthly Collection

Two bank accounts have been opened at CIMB Bank. The accounts will be controlled by JMC members on behalf of all residents. For billing commencing from 1st July 2008, residents are requested to issue cheques in the name of SUTRAMAS (KL) JMB.

(b) Quarterly Billing

Beginning 1st July 2008, billings for service charges and sinking fund will be done on a quarterly basis. This is to reduce stationery and manpower cost. Payment obligations remain on a monthly basis.

(c) Collection Rate

The collection rate for the past 3 months is as follows :- { see letter distributed to residents }

As you can see, the collection rate is trending downwards. We seek your cooperation in ensuring that the trend would be quickly reversed.

(3) Security and House Rules

(a) Security

There were no significant security breaches/issues in the past month.

(b) House Rules

(i) Clothes Drying

We seek your indulgence and good discretion in the manner of drying clothes on the balcony. Management has put up the necessary notices on this matter.

(ii) Renovation Work

Security would be stricter in respect of stopping renovation works going on after the permitted hours.

(4) Occupancy Rate & Renovation Work

There are 178 units in Sutramas. The current occupancy rate is as follows:- { see letter distributed to residents }

(5) Condo Management

En. Alauyun Mustapha, the present Condo Manager for Sutramas would be moving on to new horizons. His last day would be at the end of June 2008. A new Condo Manager has been appointed by See Hoy Chan Facilities Management and will report for duty on 3rd July 2008. We take this opportunity to thank En. Alauyun for the work he has done for Sutramas and wish him the best in his future endeavours.

(6) Residents’ Participation & Cooperation

(a) Usage of Utilities

We seek residents’ cooperation to ensure that air-conditioning and lighting in the facilities are switched off when use of the same is completed. The security guards are tasked to monitor this in their rounds but wastage may occur as the rounds are periodical. Hence we seek residents’ diligence in participating in this monitoring.

(b) Donation of Books & Magazines To The Reading Room

We plan to organise the Reading Room for better selection and choice of publications available to residents. In order that we maximise the function of this facility, we seek your donation of books and magazine (of some currency) to be placed in the Reading Room. You may place your donation to the Room itself or to Management office. For the enjoyment of all residents, we seek residents’ corporation in not taking the publications out of the Room.

(7) Information

For more detailed information and interactivity, please visit http://sutramas-kl.blogspot.com.

(8) Next Meeting

It has been decided that JMC meetings will take place every 2nd Saturday of the month. As such, the next Committee meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 12th July 2008 at 10.00 am at the Reading Committee. Please join us if your schedule allows for it.

Thank you.

For and on behalf of the
JOINT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

………………………………..
Chairman

Video Map To Sutramas

Wished you could hive off the tedium of giving directions to Sutramas? Now you can. Just point your visitors to http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6261052120879361763&hl=en to view a video map to Sutramas. For more portability, download the file to your mobile phone or other portable devices. The start point is the Tax Office at Jalan Duta.



Any volunteers to create a video map with different start points? Takers can send their work to sutramas.kl@gmail.com.

Article : Electing Your Council Leader In Your Home Community

Reproduced below is an insightful article on the certain extras required for harmonious condominium living. It is an article posted in "www.iproperty.com.my" for which credit was accorded to the NGO, the National House Buyers' Association. Electing your Council Leader in your Home Community

April 21, 2007

The concept of a management body should be fairly clear to a Management Corporations' Council' members or even many long-time strata property owners. For non-involved owners and residents - especially first-time owners - this form of common-interest 'governance' can be perplexing and, at times, bewildering., what with the many parties (developers, managing agent, management council, other buyers) involved as well as with the legal duties of each party.

Those who have never lived in an owners' corporation (condo, apartments, townhouses, gated communities) often do

not understand the necessity of service charges, sinking fund, rules and volunteering to sit in the management council. For them, the 'management' may be perceived as little more than a nebulous entity that expects prompt payment on monthly invoices. This lack of understanding can lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding with the general perception that condo living is 'hard'.

Required by law
Call it by whatever name, Joint Management Body (JMB), Management Corporation (MC), Residents Association, they are all basically a community association of property owners looking out for their best interest. In the first two, it is a requirement by law for strata titled property under the Strata Titles Act, 1985 and the new Building and Common Property (Management and Maintenance) Act, 2007 ('BCP'), whereas Residents' Association are voluntary organizations registered as a society.

The new BCP Act now allows the formation of a joint management body from the start and owners do not have to wait till the first annual general meeting called by the developer to have a say in how their investment is managed and maintained.

Very often, only a small percentage of owners in condominiums or other types of strata titled development take interest in how their properties are managed. This leaves the handful of volunteers burned out after years of volunteering their services. There are also some who are interested but do not have the knowledge or skill to sit in the decision making council.

Challenging duties

In the BCP, the joint management committee representing the purchasers' should number at a minimum 5 purchasers, maximum 12. Whereas, in the Strata Titles Act, the Management Council should consist of, a minimum of 3 parcel owners, maximum 14.

Although these are voluntary positions, it has to be taken seriously because it involves people and their investments. Most owners' corporations are headed by a leader who might also be the chairman at meetings. Strong leadership is an essential component of every successful owners' corporation. Very often, those who speak the loudest at meetings are elected which may not be sufficient for the long term.

A good leader can make a difference for an owners' corporation spirit. By considering the strength and qualities it takes to succeed, selecting your leader can in a very real way, lead to a more productive and happy community. Here are some tips on how to choose the leader of your home community.

"A manager does things the right way and a leader does the right thing." A leader is someone who not only recognizes the "right thing," but who can also motivate others to help him get the right thing done. Strong leaders should have skills, knowledge, and experience plus the abilities to motivate and command.

How do you recognise who has this special combination of insight and inspiration? There are personal characteristics that point to strong leadership style. Look for people who display these particular abilities:

• Ability to take criticism - No one in a position of power will escape criticism. Leaders have the ability to discern when criticism is valid and when it is not.
• An open mind - A leader must be able to approach a problem creatively. Perspective is an invaluable leadership tool. A council/committee that is afraid of change will stagnate.
• Communicate well - Explains, persuades and praises. Some volunteers are not particularly articulate, yet are valuable and productive. Leaders should be able to express ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Decisiveness - Taking a stand involves making mistakes. A good leader takes a stand and if an error is made, acknowledges it and makes a course correction.
• Enthusiasm - Enthusiasm is contagious. With it, council members are motivated to keep volunteering. Without it, voluntary work becomes a burden.
• Leads by example and promotes teamwork - Arrives on time, never shirks responsibilities and demonstrates good work habits. Instills cooperation among volunteers, making it easy for them to pitch in together. Pitches in along side others and not just issue orders for others to follow-up.
• Listens to others - Source for and uses other's ideas and gives credit when credit's due.
• Problem solving skill - Uses knowledge and experience to help get the job done.
• Sensitivity - A genuinely caring leader inspires confidence in others. Confidence leads to results. Leaders delegate, give and seek constructive feedback. A leader knows how and when to give praise. Praise is the simplest and often the most valued form of reward. A leader knows how to criticize constructively: pointing out what is wrong without attacking personalities. A good leader seeks opinions and ideas from others.
• Sound judgment - Has the ability to identify and prioritize issues. A good leader then weighs alternatives carefully before making decisions.
• Takes responsibility - Never blames others for problems.
• Vision - A strong leader understands and promotes the community's best interests. Leaders set goals, communicate what's needed to achieve them and then move toward them.

Here are some tips to consider when electing the leaders of your owners' corporation:

• A leader should understand the functions of the owners' corporation and be familiar with significant historical events of the community. Newcomers frequently make good volunteers. However, there are some situations which call for someone possessing a historical perspective. For example, if the corporation is in the midst of a sensitive litigation or a new management contract, a newcomer might detract by insisting on covering old ground again.
• How much interest has the candidate shown in the community and its undertakings? Has there been regular meeting attendance and participation in activities? If not, investigate the sudden interest. Be particularly careful about "one-issue" candidates who volunteers because they dislike a certain contractor or are opposed to a recent service charges increase.
• A candidate should not have conflicting personal and professional commitments. For example, a high public profile candidate may have numerous commitments that mean infrequent participation.

If all the above sounds to you like a mini-government, it is in fact one. If you own a property with common property, you automatically become a member, like it or not. Over time, we have noticed that home owners can be categorized into three groups; those who make things happen, those who wait for things to happen and those who asked what happened. Which group do you belong to? Choose your leaders well and prosper or wait for the next election at the annual general meeting and run for council member post.

Sutramas (KL) JMB Bank Accounts Opened

A notice has been put up informing that two banks account have been opened under the name of Sutramas (KL) JMB. The accounts are maintained at CIMB Bank at Solaris Mont' Kiara. The signatories are selected members of the JMC.

With the opening of these accounts, all funds are slated to be transferred by the developer to the hands of residents shortly.

Beginning 1st July 2008, cheques are requested to be made out to "SUTRAMAS (KL) JMB". For residents who have standing instructions through credit card debiting, it shall be informed shortly if the current arrangement will still stand as it may be required to switch the current debiting bank from HSBC to CIMB.

Should residents have any queries, please send an email to sutramas.kl@gmail.com.

Claiming Your RM625 Rebate

Unsure of the procedure on claiming the RM625 rebate? Read this light but helpful blogposting "Its Wise To Claim Your RM625 Rebate Soonest Possible", then go download this form before heading out to the Post Office.

Posting : Sutramas Condominium, Dutamas (Introduction)

Here is a recent posting from a blog on property review "Sutramas Condominium, Dutamas (Introduction)".

In the posting, the following views were offered by the author.

1. ......(w)hile close to Mont' Kiara, Dutamas is still a struggling upcoming enclave......because it will take some time before developments there take off due to lack of commercial activities and higher end developments.
2. .......(a)lso, Dutamas lacks the presence of reputable developers at this stage, unlike Mont' Kiara with the big boys.
3. ........Sutramas, in itself, lacks the quality of finishes expected from Mont' Kiara developments.
4. ........ if you are looking for capital appreciation, it will not rival those of Mont' Kiara's.......... as most developments in (Mont' Kiara) achieve at least 30-50% appreciation upon completion.

While noting the views of the author, as owners and occupiers of Sutramas, the following is offered to balance the opinion expressed.

1. Dutamas has seen some active development lately. Apart from Sutramas itself a year ago, "Changkat View" saw the completion of the first 2 blocks with 2 more on the way. And it would just be a matter of months before the high end "Mesra Terrace" development is handed over to owners. The papers recently reported a proposal by IJM Group to develop the tract of land behind Menara Duta 2 into a mixed high rise and villa unit development. And we all know that the "L" shape tract next to Sutramas belongs to the "Bandaraya Group"
who themselves are aggressively developing their landbank. In short,development is coming this way but that does not necessarily mean that that is what owners want.
2. Sutramas is developed by the "See Hoy Chan Group" and as mentioned, the Bandaraya Group owns the piece land next door. Prestige is important but "first-mover advantage" is an edge that is more savoured by developers. For owners, this translate to lower entry cost.
3. Sutramas was developed with the prime objective of providing quality in every aspect. This extends to the quality of finishing.
4. Capital appreciation is not the sole motivator for most owners of Sutramas as its profile is almost all owner occupiers. Despite this, most owners of Sutramas would conservatively report at least a 25% to 30% appreciation in value over the course of the year.

Community Portals

A new blogroll of other community portals has recently been added to the sidebar.

The portals have graciously linked this site as we have theirs. It is hoped that this will widen the network of information and knowledge to mutually benefit residents in achieving their objectives.

Do visit these sites when the demands of everyday life permit. The wealth of information and the issues brought up and discussed would make the time well spent, if only to benchmark that of the position in Sutramas.

Article - Palm Spring Panel Formed

Here's a relevant article appearing in The Star today.

Notice of 4th JMC Meeting

The 4th JMC Meeting is on Saturday, 14 June 2008. The venue is at the Reading Room. The meeting will start at 10.00 am. All residents are welcomed to attend.

Hike In Electricity Tariff - Sutramas Energy Expenditure

In the posting "Letter of 15th May 2008 from the Chairman of the JMC", cost cutting measures were introduced. The first of these was regulated illumination with the primary goal of reducing the monthly electricity bill from the current RM15,000 to RM17,000 range. The results following these changes are eagerly anticipated.

But, the recent hike in electricity tariff has indeed been a set back. See The Star at "Electricity Rates Go Up" and Bernama at "Mixed Reaction At New Electricity Tariff Structure".

The effect of these hikes will most certainly extinguish the planned savings from the regulated illumination. However, the bright side (pun certainly intended) to this is that there are many more ways to approach cost management while continuing with the plan already in place.

Formation Of Sutramas (KL) JMB

In the postings, "Law Regarding The Management and Maintenance of Sutramas" and "Letter of 7th April 2008 from the Chairman of the JMC" , it was notified that the JMB was formed on 5th April 2008 and called "Sutramas (KL) JMB".

The formation of the JMB was completed with the issuance of the Certificate of Formation issued by the Commissioner of Buildings under the Building & Common Property (Maintenance and Management) Act 2007.

Sutramas - In Construction

Here are some photos of Sutramas during the construction phase. See if you can recognise some of the places.

If you have any photos of your own, email it to sutramas.kl@gmail.com and it will find its way to this blog.

Swimming Pool Back On The Blink?

Update! 6th June 2008
Swimming pool is back in operation!!
Well done, all concerned!!


It appears that the reopening of the swimming pool was short lived joy.

These pictures taken on Wednesday, 4^th June 2008 shows the state of the water.

A call to management elicited an explanation. They said that the holding tanks below the pool had debris and construction material left from the recent rectification work. These materials were circulated during the operations of the pump and caused the water to be murky.

Cleaning of the holding tanks took place yesterday and today (4^th and 5^th June 2008) and the pool is being filled with filtered water from the main rather than from the hydrant.

Chlorine and clearing agents are expected to be delivered today and deposited into the pump. Management explained that it would take a day of circulation for the chlorine and clearing agents to improve the water quality.

Let’s hope that the pool would be ready for the kids to enjoy, at least for the last weekend of the school holidays.

Below is an email from the developer.

-----Original Message-----
From: CCH@shcsb.com.my [mailto:CCH@shcsb.com.my]
Sent: Thursday, 5 June, 2008 4:52 PM
To: MAM@shcsb.com.my
Subject: Re: Fwd: Pool

I was informed that the Main Contractor will reimburse or replace the material used by the Contractor directly to FMC.

Since the Main Contractor is unable to treat the water to the required water quality, the Developer is engaging a swimming pool maintenance contractor to treat the pool before handing over the pool to FMC.

We target to achieve the required water quality over the weekend.

As for the granite arch, we will engage a granite specialist to look into solving the problem.

Thank you.

Regards,

CCH

Sutramas on Wikimap

Click here for a Wikimap of Sutramas just before completion!

Assessment For Individual Units

Related to the posting immediately before this, residents are informed that Sutramas Management had also recently appealed to DBKL on behalf of all residents of Sutramas over the comparatively high assessment rate imposed for Sutramas, in comparison to the surrounding condominium complexes.

This appeal is undertaken as a further complementary appeal to any appeal undertaken by residents themselves, which is the proper appeal process.

As it is likely that any decision by DBKL would be communicated to residents directly, it is requested that if any resident is in reciept of such favourable communication, kindly inform by way of an email to sutramas.kl@gmail.com in order that a coordinated approach can be undertaken to extend such decision to all residents.

Thanks!

Waiver of Assessment for G15 and G20

Following from a recent appeal by Sutramas over the assessment imposed by DBKL for Lot G15 and G20, DBKL had advised by way of their letter dated 30 May 2008, that the previously imposed assessment had been waived.

The background to the matter is that Lot G15, which is the previous daycare/tadika centre (in front of Management Office) and Lot G20 which is the Reading Room, were previously assessed to have commercial value. This is because G15 is a daycare and G20 was previously intended as a business centre. As the tadika is now moved to 2 retail lots at the front of Sutramas, G15 is no longer to be ulitised for this purpose. On the same footing, the plan for the business centre did not take off at all, hence the Reading Room. The appeal to DBKL had proceeded on the basis that, for now, these 2 lots are no longer intended to be of commercial use and is intended solely for the use of residents. DBKL recently visited Sutramas to run a verification and being satisfied, the assessment rates were waived. As such, the Sutramas fund has one less expense.

Letter of 15th May 2008 from the Chairman of the JMC

15^th May 2008

Dear Residents of Sutramas,

Since my last letter of 7th April 2008, the Committee has met two more times, that is on 19^th April 2008 and 10^th May 2008.

A lot of matters were discussed. The meetings were also an avenue for the members to learn more of the operations of Sutramas and the issues that need management and resolution.

This letter is intended to inform you of the pertinent matters that transpired from the meetings.

(1) Formation of Sub-Committees

The following sub-committees have been formed in order that the task of managing Sutramas be distributed amongst its members and to allow for better handling of matters that come within the purview of the Sub-Committees.

Operations & Maintenance Sub-Committee (includes defect liability matters)			Security & House Rules Sub-Committee
1.	Thomas Pagnoux (Chairman)		1.	Ronnie Tan (Chairman)
2.	Timothy Ong		2.	Timothy Ong
3. 4.	William Tan Tony Ng		3.	Aman Dev (Guest Member)
5.	Terence Leong
Social & Recreation Sub-Committee			Complaints & Suggestions Sub-Committee
1.	Tony Ng (Chairman)		1.	Emil Zubrin (Chairman)
2.	Thomas Pagnoux		2.	Nadia Watt
3.	Terence Leong		3.	Lee Poay Keong

Finance & Contracts Sub-Committee
1.	Lee Mun Kheong (Chairman)
2.	Au Weng Sang
3.	Finton Tuan
4	Aman Dev (Guest Member)

(2) Defect Liability of Common Areas

One of the main focus of the Committee at present is to ensure the proper identification and rectification of defects to the commons areas of Sutramas. This is important as the guarantee period ends in the 3^rd quarter of this year.

The relevant members of the Committee are working closely with the building managers and the developer in respect of this matter.

The most conspicuous defect which you are all aware is the swimming pool. The Committee has in no uncertain terms put across to the developer its unhappiness towards the progress of the repairs. The developer has given its commitment that rectification works would be completed no later than end of May 2008. The Committee intends to pursue the matter vigorously if rectification is not completed by that date.

(3) Cost Savings

The Committee is striving to ensure an appropriate level of operating cost while maintaining a service/quality level corresponding to the status expected of Sutramas.

Utility consumption is one of the focus as monthly electricity expense for common areas at Sutramas is currently in the RM15,000 to RM17,000 range.

As an immediate step, the Committee is implementing the practice of fully illuminating the common areas only during high traffic times i.e. between 7.00 pm to 11.30 pm. At all other times, illumination would be at 40%.

This is a trial and residents are requested to inform management office should the level of illumination is insufficient at any particular units / floors.

The Committee hopes for the success of this trial in order that real savings to the monthly operating expenses be achieved, thus benefiting all residents.

The next Committee meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 14^th June 2008 at 10.00 am at the Reading Committee. Please join us if your schedule allows for it.

Thank you.

………………………………..

(sgn)

Chairman

Letter of 7th April 2008 from the Chairman of the JMC

7 April 2008

Dear Residents of Sutramas,

(1) Members of the Joint Management Committee

Following from the AGM convened for the formation of the Joint Management Body of Sutramas, held on Saturday, 5 April 2008, we are happy to inform of the formation of the Joint Management Committee (“JMC”) comprising of the following residents.

1.	Mr. Ronnie Tan (Chairman)	7.	Mr. William Tan
2.	Mr. Finton Tuan (Secretary)	8.	En. Emil Zubrin
3.	Mr. Lee Mun Kheong (Treasurer)	9.	Mr. Lee Poay Keong
4.	Mr. Timothy Ong	10.	Mr. Terence Leong
5.	Mr. Thomas Pagnoux	11.	Mr. Tony Ng
6.	Mr. Au Weng Sang	12.	Ms. Nadia Watt

By the provisions of statute, the developer would also be a member of the JMC. The developer has nominated Mr. Chong Cheong Hin as its representative.

(2) First Meeting of the JMC

The JMC held its first meeting immediately after the AGM and as required by statute, elected the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

(3) Complaint Lodgement

The JMC takes note of the serious concerns of residents voiced during the AGM regarding the attention devoted to addressing complaints. As such, this was discussed at the first JMC.

The JMC wishes to inform the residents that it intends, in due course, to develop a comprehensive complaints procedure. In the meantime however, the JMC has resolved the following :-

(a) That a dedicated letterbox be allocated for the deposit of complaints/suggestions. Residents are requested to ensure the deposit of complaints/suggestions into this letterbox. The building managers will clearly mark such letterbox for identification.

(b) An email address sutramas@shcsb.com.my has also been set up as an alternate mode of complaints/suggestions lodgement.

(c) All complaints/suggestions lodged will be presented for the attention of a dedicated member of the JMC together with the building managers for appropriate action. A report of the same shall also be presented at each JMC meeting for the attention of all members thereof.

(4) Next JMC Meeting

The next JMC meeting is scheduled for 19 April 2008 at 10.00 a.m. The agenda for the meeting would be, amongst others, to review the accounts as would be presented by the building managers and also to receive a report of the operations of the condominium. The agenda also includes an agenda for the formation of sub-committees to address operational matters more closely.

Should residents intend to raise issues for the JMC to discuss, the dedicated complaints/suggestion mail box / email can also be used.

………………………………..

(sgn)

Chairman