I refer to the article, 'License all agents, say experts' (Feb8). The move is long overdue.

Not only should estate agents be licensed, but managing agents - those who manage developments such as condominiums - should be licensed as well.

The authorities here have traditionally been reluctant to pursue this course of action, preferring that these two professions self-regulate. But the two industries are just not ready for self-regulation.

We need compulsory licensing, that is, statutory regulations.

The administration for licensing could be delegated by legislation to a body such as the Institute of Estate Agents for estate agents, and to the Association of Property and Facility Managers for managing agents, the same way that the medical and law professions accredit or license their members.

Teo Poh Siang

This article was first published in The Straits Times.