Three new housing laws planned as govt reviews Strata Management Act, says Nga Kor Ming

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government in Malaysia plans to draft and amend four housing laws as part of the National Housing Policy (DPN) 2026-2035, in a bid to establish a more comprehensive, forward-thinking, and equitable legal framework. Minister Nga Kor Ming revealed that the new legislation includes the Property Development Act, Building Managers Act, Rent Tenancy Act, and a revised Strata Management Act 2013. All four Acts are expected to be finalized soon.

The Property Development Act, already in the final stages of review, aims to expand the scope from housing projects to encompass commercial real estate like shop lots and other commercial developments. The Building Managers Act is crucial given Malaysia's vast number of strata property units—over 27,000 schemes, including condominiums and SOHO units.

This law will ensure these properties are well maintained, safe, and suitable for living. The Rent Tenancy Act will strike a balance between property owners and tenants, protecting the rights and interests of both parties.

In response to Malaysia's urbanization, which has grown from 28% in 1970 to 78% today, with an expected 85% by 2040, the Strata Management Act 2013 will be revised to align with these changing needs. Meanwhile, KPKT will roll out a big data analytics system next year to address the mismatch in the housing market. This system will integrate data from state governments, local authorities, and KPKT, broken down by district and locality, providing industry players with a reference for decision-making.

While the use of the big data analytics system is not mandatory, developers can choose to subscribe to it to make more informed decisions regarding property type, location, and price, aligning better with market demand.