13MP targets 500,000 affordable homes by 2030 in major housing reform push
The Strata Management Act 2013 and the Strata Titles Act 1985 will be amended to separate the jurisdictions of ownership and management in an effort to strengthen the governance of stratified buildings.
Housing reform is one of the key priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) to address the cost of living and improve the well-being of the people.
This reform will focus on increasing the supply of quality, livable, and inclusive housing, improving access to financing, and enhancing the efficiency of housing regulation and management.
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Malay Mail
5 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Pleading for federal funding, Chow warns congestion from Penang mega projects could topple governments
GEORGE TOWN, Aug 18 — Penang said today that resolving the rising traffic congestion issues in the state is important for the state to remain competitive, not only in the eyes of tourists but also investors. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state will be facing the 'nightmare of traffic jams' as a result of the construction of mega projects in the upcoming years. 'Some politicians will feel pressured as it was proven that when mega projects lead to massive traffic congestion, it can even be the downfall of any government. 'So, do not think it is not important,' he said in his speech at launch of the City Competitiveness Master Plan here. He said the proposed Mount Erskine underpass project, which does not cost a lot, is yet to be implemented due to financial constraints even after the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has acquired lands and enforce evictions for the project. Chow said Penang currently has ongoing mega projects such as the LRT project and the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway. 'However, pending the completion of those mega projects, we hope the federal government will grant funding, under [the 13th Malaysia Plan], for us to implement small-scale projects that could bring about positive impact in managing traffic conditions in certain locations,' he said. He also hoped that traffic management plans during the construction of the mega projects will be implemented effectively and efficiently. The chief minister said Penang needs infrastructure projects to resolve its traffic jams as mobility has become a main issue. 'Even with durians and nasi kandar to attract visitors, when they are trapped in traffic jams for an hour to two hours here, it will be a great disincentive for anyone to travel to Penang,' he said. He related how last week a major investor, who was scouting for investment locations in Batu Kawan, was trapped in a jam for two hours when travelling from Ipoh to Penang — but luckily this did not affect any investment decision. He said it is not good for foreign investors to have an image of Penang as a place constantly locked in traffic congestion.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Refine Urban Renewal Act bill, experts tell govt
KUALA LUMPUR: With the proposed Urban Renewal Act set to be tabled in Parliament this month, experts have called for the government to refine the bill, cautioning that a one-size-fits-all approach risks undermining its effectiveness. They said the bill, which aims to revitalise deteriorated urban areas in the country, must ultimately strike a balance between the valid concerns of homeowners and the government's efforts to address urban decay. It aims to allow redevelopment, revitalisation and rejuvenation projects to proceed without the consent of all homeowners involved. First announced in 2023 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, a draft of the bill was published by the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) on Feb 21 for public consultation through the Unified Public Consultation (UPC) website. According to the draft, renewal needs 80 per cent consent from homeowners for 30-year-old buildings, 75 per cent for those older than 30, and 51 per cent for abandoned or unsafe buildings. Currently, for strata titles, developers must acquire 100 per cent consent to terminate a strata scheme for redevelopment, as stipulated under the Strata Titles Act 1985. For landed titles, there are no such statute and consent that must be obtained from each individual landowner for their respective lot. The draft bill states that the government would ensure homeowners who have consented will receive an offer "no less favourable" than what they currently enjoy, appointing a mediation committee to reach an "amicable agreement" with them. Anwar said the government's move to introduce the urban renewal law was rooted in the need to provide better living conditions for Malaysians long trapped in dilapidated housing. He said the legal status of land involved in the urban renewal projects would remain unchanged, regardless of whether it was privately owned, under state authority, or located on Malay reserve land. CLEARER SAFEGUARDS NEEDED Henry Butcher Malaysia director and founding partner Lim Eng Chong said clearer safeguards, a transparent tender process and greater fairness to property owners were crucial. He said there should be a proper transparent tender process to receive proposals, review and awards. He raised concern over the clause allowing compulsory acquisition of land or buildings approved for renewal, which makes no clear mention of how fair compensation will be determined. "Yes, such mechanism can be found in the Land Acquisition Act itself, but I think it should be clearly spelt out here to ensure fairness to proprietors," he said. Lim also called the bill's thresholds of consent for affected properties "arbitrary", questioning the rationale behind them He said the engineer's recommendation mentioned in the draft bill, and as provided in the Street, Drainage and Building Act, to determine whether a property is derelict is key in preventing negligence or abuse of the bill and its role should be expanded. EMPLOY TARGETED APPROACH Universiti Kebang-saan Malaysia (UKM) provost Professor Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the bill should include exem-ptions and nuanced guidelines to account for structural condition of properties or their historical value. "We need to have specific criteria for certain types of land or property, because the same standards can't be applied broadly as is currently being proposed," he said. Barjoyai noted that some flats over 30 years old, while still structurally sound, lacked modern amenities such as lifts, yet offered no incentive for private developers to invest in upgrades. "This might be where the government could instead focus on improvements and rejuvenation for these areas." He acknowledged that the concept of the proposed legislation mirrored Singapore's urban redevelopment model, where apartments are typically rebuilt every 25 to 30 years and owners are offered replacement homes in the same location. "So the question is: has the time come for Malaysia to follow what Singapore has done?" He added that although Malaysia did have older apartments, their concentration was only high in a handful of urban areas in the country, such as the Klang Valley. He urged policymakers to consider a more targeted approach. "Whether it's low-density or high-density housing, if there's a historical factor or the buildings are still in good condition, there could still be room for improvement rather than demolition." Centre for Market Education research fellow Dr Consilz Tan said the bill must ultimately strike a balance between the valid concerns of homeowners and the government's efforts to address urban decay. "Each urban renewal project must consist of members from the community and conduct needs-based analysis when redeveloping the area," she added, urging for clarity in the proposed legislation. At the same time, she believes the bill is able to address the issue of urban decay and infrastructure upgrades where we will be able to prevent urban slums and enhance the living standards. Tan said the Urban Renewal Bill provides a legal framework for revitalising these areas, ensuring modernised public utilities, better transport networks, and to improve safety measures. On Aug 8, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said he planned to table the the bill this month. In April, he said the bill was in its final stage, with the final draft submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers for final vetting. He said the ministry had undertaken extensive consultations during the drafting process, describing it as one of the most thorough exercises ever conducted for a piece of legislation. In March, National House Buyers Association said any law that enabled developers to enforce the will of a majority of homeowners to deprive a minority of their property without adequate compensation would contravene Article 13 of the Federal Constitution. In May, the Malaysian Institute of Planners called on the government to provide clearer include clearly defined mechanisms for resolving disputes among property owners.
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Young entrepreneurs to play vital role in economic transformation
ACCCIM president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng KUALA LUMPUR: Youth entrepreneurs are set to play a central role in the country's economic transformation as it positions itself within a rapidly changing Asean landscape, says the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM). President Datuk Ng Yih Pyng said young business leaders are not only the backbone of national transformation, but also central to strengthening Malaysia's standing in regional and global markets. 'When the youth prosper, the country prospers; when the youth are strong, the country is strong,' he said during his speech at the 14th ACCCIM Young Entrepreneurs Conference 2025 last Friday. Ng highlighted that Asean's demographic strength represents both a large consumer base and a pool of entrepreneurial talent. 'Asean boasts nearly 700 million people, half of whom are under the age of 30. This represents a rising, young market with tremendous potential,' he said. He added Malaysia was now at a critical stage of economic transformation and industrial upgrading, guided by the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). 'The plan's focus on high-value-added sectors, digital transformation and artificial intelligence will help local companies move from contract manufacturing to their own brands, enhancing overall competitiveness and position in the value chain,' Ng said. He called on the government to ensure that foreign investment contributes directly to local growth. 'We recommend incorporating the principle of local priority into regulatory policies. This includes promoting technology transfer, talent training, sourcing local materials and increasing small and medium enterprises participation,' he said. Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, who also attended the event, said Malaysia and its regional peers must adapt to changes in global supply chains. 'Businesses have begun to accept that the world is no longer a single supply chain. It is likely to be a multi-regional supply chain,' he said. Liew added Asean's ability to develop a stronger middle class would determine the region's long-term sustainability. 'If Asean can replicate China's experience in growing its middle class, then the region itself would become a significant market,' he said. Meanwhile, ACCCIM Young Entrepreneurs Committee chairman Leon Lee said young entrepreneurs are vital in linking local businesses with opportunities in Asean and beyond. 'Young entrepreneurs are the backbone of national transformation, and your steps will determine the direction of our future,' he said. To support this, ACCCIM has introduced regional exchange programmes and partnerships to help local businesses expand and build stronger ties in the region. This year's conference, themed 'Rooted in Asean, Radiating Globally', provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to connect with global peers and share insights.
