Release  Date: 10 April 2010

Following the recent seminar on modern longhouse concept, the word ‘strata title’ had been loosely quoted in the news media.

This press release seeks to give a brief definition on the usage of ‘strata title’.

‘Strata title’ is issued under the Strata Title Ordinance. ‘Strata title’ is a subsidiary title issued on parcels within a building. The Strata Title Ordinance makes it mandatory for owners of building of five-storey and above to apply for ‘strata title’. The Ordinance also makes provision for the formation of a Management Corporation to manage the building.

For buildings such as single-storey or double-storey terrace, titles to these buildings are issued under the Sarawak Land Code. As longhouses share much of the characteristics of a terrace unit, therefore, Strata Title Ordinance will not apply to longhouses when it comes to issuance of title.

It is hoped that this clarification will clear any confusion pertaining to the term ‘strata title’. Should the policy of the Government decide that individual bilik within the longhouses be issued with title, then, the Sarawak Land Code title would be more appropriate because ‘strata title’ is not relevant for individual bilik.