The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) has rejected 611 individuals applying to be real estate salespersons.
In a written reply to a parliamentary question, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said 392 were rejected as the applicants had neither taken CEA-endorsed exams, nor completed at least three property transactions over the last two years.
Mr Mah added that these applicants can apply to register with CEA when they meet the necessary requirements.
The other applications were rejected as they did not fulfil CEA’s “fit and proper” criteria, due to reasons such as having previous convictions of serious offences such as fraud, illegal money-lending or drug-trafficking.
Mr Mah said these criteria are in place to protect consumer interest.
He added that in evaluating whether the applicants can be allowed to work as salespersons, CEA would take into consideration the severity of the offences and when they were committed.
As of January 31, CEA had granted licences to 1,386 estate agents and 31,169 salespersons.
Those not granted registration will not be allowed to practice.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 14 Feb 2011