Congratulations — you just got elected to the committee. The developer hands you a folder, shakes your hand, and walks away. Now what? The first 90 days set the tone for years. Here's how to spend them without drowning.
Days 1–30: secure the essentials
Before anything else, get control of the money and the records.
Take over the bank accounts and signatories — maintenance and sinking fund.
Demand the handover: under the SMA 2013, the developer must transfer the maintenance and sinking fund balances and all records (invoices, receipts, vouchers) — typically within one month of the first AGM.
Get the register of parcel owners and all vendor contracts.
Check what's outstanding — arrears, unpaid bills, expiring contracts.
Days 31–60: stabilise operations
Set up reliable collections — automated invoices and reminders so arrears don't build from day one.
Confirm the sinking fund is funded and separated correctly.
Open a proper communication channel with residents — one source, not five WhatsApp groups.
Review insurance and statutory compliance.
Days 61–90: build the rhythm
Lock down security — visitor management and provable guard patrols.
Start tracking complaints to closure, tied to units.
Establish a monthly reporting habit: collections, arrears, incidents, spend.
Diarise your obligations — the next AGM, audits, and renewals.
Handover red flags to watch for
Missing financial records. Vague or absent vendor contracts. A sinking fund that looks suspiciously thin. Unexplained arrears. If the handover folder is thin, push back hard and in writing — the gaps become your problem the moment you accept them.
Frequently asked questions
What should a new committee do first?
Secure the bank accounts and records, and confirm the developer's handover of the maintenance and sinking fund balances and documents under the SMA 2013.
What records should we demand at handover?
The fund balances, all invoices, receipts and payment vouchers, the register of parcel owners, insurance policies, and vendor contracts.
This article is general information for Malaysian communities and is not legal advice. Verify specifics against your own by-laws and seek professional advice where needed.
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