Latest news with #HousingandLocalGovernmentMinistry
Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
‘Pay-as-you-use' mulled at new affordable housing schemes
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (third from left) and housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming (left) looking at a model of the Rumah Bakat Madani project at its launch in Seberang Jaya, Penang, on Saturday. (Bernama pic) Kuala Lumpur: The Housing and Local Government Ministry is exploring a 'pay-as-you-use' model for maintenance fees in future affordable housing developments, as part of housing sector reforms. Minister Nga Kor Ming said the initiative is part of efforts to elevate the real estate industry and promote more equitable access to housing for all Malaysians. Speaking to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week (KLAW) 2025 Monday, Nga said the Ministry plans to introduce a system which allows residents to pay maintenance fees based on actual usage of shared facilities. 'Under this proposed model, residents will receive access cards that track their monthly usage of shared facilities. We are starting with the Rumah Bakat Madani initiative led by Skyworld Pearlmont in Penang, which features a pay-per-use clubhouse with an infinity pool, pickleball and badminton courts, a children's playground, and gyms,' he said. Nga added that the concept will serve as a reference for future public housing projects. 'This will serve as a reference model for future public housing projects, which may also include vertical schools to provide better access to education for vulnerable communities,' he said. In addition, the ministry plans to engage private sector players to develop Industrialised Building System (IBS) facilities, aiming to expand the use of modular construction methods such as Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC). Nga said this initiative aligns with Malaysia Madani aspirations and the nation's role as President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly, supporting sustainable urban development by reducing construction waste and minimising pollution. Commenting on KLAW 2025, Nga highlighted the importance of architecture in rejuvenating heritage buildings. 'Architectural elements play a vital role in breathing new life into heritage buildings, preserving their cultural significance while integrating modern design,' he said. KLAW 2025 is held as a prelude to the Asean Real Estate Conference (AREC) and Archidex. The series of large-scale events, being held this week at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), is expected to attract over 50,000 foreign visitors, generating an estimated RM2 billion in transactions.
The Star
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Animal lover finds new best friend at MBJB event
Paws in need: Haffiz (fifth from left) looking at dogs for adoption during the event in Plentong, Johor Baru; where Chua adopted a new dog. JOHOR BARU: Three years after losing his two beloved dogs Stripe and Lucky, Chua Kah Lun has opened his heart to a new pet. The 36-year-old said the two canines had been with him for over a decade and passed away just months apart, at the age of 13 and 14 respectively. 'Their absence left a void in our lives. Stripe and Lucky were not just my companions, they were a part of my parents' lives too. 'Our house felt unbearably quiet after they passed away. Taking in a new dog would ease our longing,' he said when met at a stray dog adoption programme organised by the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) in Plentong on Sunday. 'Strays deserve to be loved too. They need a family to care for them and provide them a safe place to live,' said Chua, who also has two cats and is fostering three others at a rescue shelter. At the event, he met the 20 dogs up for adoption, carefully interacting with each of them. His eyes fell on a calm-looking black dog. 'This cute little fellow will be my new friend. It reminds me of Lucky and Stripe, who were also gentle and affectionate,' he said. Chua Kah Lun Chua said the adoption, which includes vaccination and neutering, is free. The event also featured a Most Beautiful Dog contest, where six canines competed for the title. Housewife Sylvia Kusuma beamed with pride when her eight-year-old English bulldog, named Chocolate, won third place in the contest. Despite its stocky build and serious expression, Chocolate charmed the judges with its laid-back and comical personality. 'I have had Chocolate since he was a puppy. We have been together for eight years. 'He is very lazy and sleeps most of the time. The time he becomes active is during meals,' said the 35-year-old. MBJB mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said stray dog issues remain a major concern among city dwellers. He said as of June, the council had captured 2,034 stray dogs. He revealed that the Housing and Local Government Ministry had allocated RM10,000 for the Stray Animal Management Campaign 2025, which includes public awareness programmes, licensing advocacy and adoption opportunities. Mohd Haffiz said capturing stray dogs and putting them up for adoption could help prevent diseases like rabies, leptospirosis and salmonella from spreading. He said the council had neutered 850 strays in four phases since last year.
Sinar Daily
15 hours ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Government mulls 'pay-as-you-use' model for maintenance fees in affordable housing
The initiative is part of efforts to elevate the real estate industry and promote more equitable access to housing for all Malaysians. 21 Jul 2025 08:02pm The Housing and Local Government Ministry plans to introduce a system which allows residents to pay maintenance fees based on actual usage of shared facilities. - Bernama file photo KUALA LUMPUR - The Housing and Local Government Ministry is exploring a "pay-as-you-use" model for maintenance fees in future affordable housing developments, as part of housing sector reforms. Minister Nga Kor Ming said the initiative is part of efforts to elevate the real estate industry and promote more equitable access to housing for all Malaysians. Speaking to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week (KLAW) 2025 today, Nga said the ministry plans to introduce a system which allows residents to pay maintenance fees based on actual usage of shared facilities. "Under this proposed model, residents will receive access cards that track their monthly usage of shared facilities. We are starting with the Rumah Bakat Madani initiative led by Skyworld Pearlmont in Penang, which features a pay-per-use clubhouse with an infinity pool, pickleball and badminton courts, a children's playground, and gyms,' he said. Nga added that the concept will serve as a reference for future public housing projects. "This will serve as a reference model for future public housing projects, which may also include vertical schools to provide better access to education for vulnerable communities,' he said. In addition, the ministry plans to engage private sector players to develop Industrialised Building System (IBS) facilities, aiming to expand the use of modular construction methods such as Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC). Nga said this initiative aligns with Malaysia MADANI aspirations and the nation's role as President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly, supporting sustainable urban development by reducing construction waste and minimising pollution. Commenting on KLAW 2025, Nga highlighted the importance of architecture in rejuvenating heritage buildings. "Architectural elements play a vital role in breathing new life into heritage buildings, preserving their cultural significance while integrating modern design,' he said. KLAW 2025 is held as a prelude to the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) and ARCHIDEX. The series of large-scale events, being held this week at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), is expected to attract over 50,000 foreign visitors, generating an estimated RM2 billion in transactions. - BERNAMA
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Govt mulls ‘pay-as-you-use' model for maintenance fees in affordable housing
KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry is exploring a 'pay-as-you-use' model for maintenance fees in future affordable housing developments, as part of housing sector reforms. Minister Nga Kor Ming said the initiative is part of efforts to elevate the real estate industry and promote more equitable access to housing for all Malaysians. Speaking to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week (KLAW) 2025 today, Nga said the ministry plans to introduce a system which allows residents to pay maintenance fees based on actual usage of shared facilities. 'Under this proposed model, residents will receive access cards that track their monthly usage of shared facilities. We are starting with the Rumah Bakat Madani initiative led by Skyworld Pearlmont in Penang, which features a pay-per-use clubhouse with an infinity pool, pickleball and badminton courts, a children's playground, and gyms,' he said. Nga added that the concept will serve as a reference for future public housing projects. 'This will serve as a reference model for future public housing projects, which may also include vertical schools to provide better access to education for vulnerable communities,' he said. In addition, the ministry plans to engage private sector players to develop Industrialised Building System (IBS) facilities, aiming to expand the use of modular construction methods such as Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC). Nga said this initiative aligns with Malaysia MADANI aspirations and the nation's role as President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly, supporting sustainable urban development by reducing construction waste and minimising pollution. Commenting on KLAW 2025, Nga highlighted the importance of architecture in rejuvenating heritage buildings. 'Architectural elements play a vital role in breathing new life into heritage buildings, preserving their cultural significance while integrating modern design,' he said. KLAW 2025 is held as a prelude to the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) and ARCHIDEX. The series of large-scale events, being held this week at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), is expected to attract over 50,000 foreign visitors, generating an estimated RM2 billion in transactions. – Bernama
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
BNPL transactions surge by 18.8 million in first half 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The total number of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) transactions has increased by 18.8 million in the first half of 2025, rising from 83.8 million in the second half of 2024 to 102.6 million transactions, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said over the same period, the total value of BNPL transactions rose from RM7.1 billion to RM9.3 billion, representing a 31 per cent increase. "Meanwhile, the number of active BNPL accounts grew from 5.1 million at the end of 2024 to 6.5 million at the end of June this year. "The significant growth of BNPL poses potential risks of harm, particularly to vulnerable credit users, namely, individuals without a stable income, those with low earnings, or those who lack financial literacy," she said during the second reading of the Consumer Credit Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat. Following concerns on the conduct or practices of debt collectors who use force and resort to excessive harassment of credit users, Lim said a statutory body known as the Consumer Credit Commission (CCC) will be established under the act. She added that the commission will also regulate business sectors that are currently unregulated by any authority, through a licensing and registration framework to be implemented under the act. Lim also said the commission will be established as a regulatory body under the Finance Ministry. "Various complaints have also been received regarding the conduct or practices of debt collectors who use force and resort to excessive harassment of credit users. "Complaints have also been lodged against individuals who present themselves as intermediaries or assistants in managing debt, but in reality, exploit the situation for personal gain through manipulation or fraud. There have been growing calls for these individuals to also be regulated," she said. She added that there will be six business sectors that will be regulated under the act, which will be segregated into two categories. The first category, she said, comprises three types of credit businesses that will require a licence from the CCC. They include BNPL schemes, leasing, and factoring, including those that are Shariah-compliant. The second category, meanwhile, covers three types of credit service businesses that must be registered, which are debt collection, acquisition of non-performing loans or financing, and debt counselling and management. "In line with the government's whole-of-government approach, the act will also provide for two types of credit businesses that will require a licence from the Housing and Local Government Ministry, which are Shariah-compliant financing facilities and Shariah-compliant pawnbroking, also known as Ar-Rahnu," she said. She added that the bill, once passed, will serve as an umbrella legislation and empower the commission and other regulatory and supervisory authorities, namely the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Bank Negara Malaysia, Securities Commission and the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission to regulate their respective segments of the credit industry. She added that this was because Malaysia's consumer credit landscape currently operates under a fragmented regulatory framework, which has led to uneven levels of oversight for non-bank credit providers, as well as inconsistent and insufficient protection standards for credit consumers. "The lack of uniform safeguards across the credit sector has left many consumers vulnerable to unfair and exploitative practices. "Many credit users are uncertain about which authority to approach to lodge complaints under the existing legal framework. "This inconsistency arises from the lack of harmonisation in standards and rules governing consumer credit protection."
