Latest news with #BuildingManagersAct
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to lead UN-Habitat 2026–2029
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has been appointed president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2026–2029 term, representing the Asia-Pacific region. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said this marked the first time Malaysia would assume a leadership role in UN-Habitat — a responsibility the country is fully prepared to undertake as it showcases its achievements and offers practical solutions to global urban challenges. The four-year presidency follows UN-Habitat's system of regional rotation. Malaysia will succeed Mexico, which has represented Latin America and the Caribbean from 2019 to 2025. Nga said that Malaysia's strong track record in sustainable urban development, housing provision, and waste management positions the country well to lead global dialogue under the theme of building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities. "This appointment is a significant milestone in Malaysia's growing global leadership, particularly as we also assume the Asean chairmanship this year," he said. "Our track record speaks for itself. Malaysia has achieved 43 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators — far surpassing the global average of 17 per cent. Our contributions encompass affordable housing, urban regeneration, and sustainable waste management. "As of March 2025, we have completed 179,769 affordable housing units, with more than 235,000 currently under construction and over 76,000 in the planning stage — totalling 98.4 per cent of our national target." Nga said that urban regeneration and legal reform would be key focus areas during Malaysia's presidency. These include plans to table the Urban Renewal Act and the proposed Building Managers Act, aimed at addressing dilapidated buildings and poor property management. "We are also pioneering innovative waste management through the National Circular Economy Council and our Circular Economy Blueprint (2025–2035), in addition to converting former landfill sites into public spaces," he said. He added that Malaysia would use its presidency to amplify the voices of the Global South and foster multilateral cooperation through people-public-private partnerships. "This is more than a diplomatic achievement — it reflects Malaysia's evolution into a responsible and forward-thinking global partner. "It also provides a platform for us to raise the voices of the Asia-Pacific region and empower communities worldwide in their pursuit of liveable and sustainable urban environments. This strengthens Malaysia's standing in the Global South." Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the UN-Habitat was established in 1977 and became a full programme under the UN General Assembly in 2001. With the support of 193 member states, UN-Habitat leads global efforts on human settlements and plays a central role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 — to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
The Star
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Housing Ministry mulling new law to address abandoned commercial properties
PETALING JAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry is considering introducing a new law to address abandoned commercial properties and to improve consumer rights protection, says its minister Nga Kor Ming. Nga said mixed developments such as retail, commercial, small office/flexible office (Sofo) and Sovo (small office/versatile office) properties are not covered under the current Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 (Act 118), which is limited to residential developments. 'Due to the absence of legal protection, buyers affected by abandoned projects under these categories often find themselves with no legal avenues for recourse. 'Following extensive engagements with industry professionals, NGOs and other stakeholders, the Ministry has decided to study a new act known as the Real Property Development Act (RPDA) to resolve this issue,' said Nga during his opening speech at the StarProperty Real Estate Developers Awards 2025 on Thursday (May 17). Nga said the RPDA will expand the scope of Act 118 to include certain commercial developments which will safeguard the rights of property purchasers. Nga said the RPDA aims to streamline the process for both buyers and developers by incorporating the Option to Purchase (OTP) framework, which will allow the termination of the Sale and Purchase agreement by the buyers if they are dissatisfied with the progress of the development. Meanwhile, Nga said his ministry is mulling the Building Managers Act to address the chronic issue of poor property and building management. Nga pointed out that presently, there are only 594 firms licensed to practice property management, serving 26,334 strata schemes or 2.91 million strata units in Malaysia. On average, he said, each firm is responsible for managing 44 strata schemes or 4,898 strata units. 'This highlights a serious gap where there are insufficient licensed firms to effectively manage all existing strata schemes. As a result, many property owners and tenants face significant challenges due to declining property values caused by poor property management,' he said. 'With the Building Managers Act, along with the soon-to-be tabled Urban Renewal Act, we are committed to addressing the root problem of aged, dilapidated urban buildings and propelling Malaysia towards becoming a developed nation,' added Nga. As of March this year, the Ministry, through the Taskforce on Sick and Abandoned Private Housing Projects, has successfully revived 1,044 private housing projects nationwide worth RM100.1bil in total, benefitting 124,539 homebuyers.
