Engagement Sessions Continue for Draft Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) Bill with State Governments
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is actively pursuing engagement sessions with state governments to finalize the draft Bill on the proposed Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). These sessions aim to fine-tune the Bill, focusing on its implementation and administration, ensuring that the interests of all parties involved are adequately protected.
In a written reply published on the Parliament’s website, KPKT emphasized the importance of weighing feedback and opinions received during these sessions to improve the draft Bill. The ministry aims for the RTA to facilitate a more competitive residential rental industry, enhancing governance while safeguarding the rights and interests of homeowners and tenants alike.
Addressing Racial Discrimination in Housing
The engagement sessions also address concerns about racial discrimination in the housing sale and rental market. Senator Datuk Seri S Vell Paari had inquired about the ministry’s initiatives to tackle this issue. In response, KPKT stated that the RTA Bill being drafted is neutral and ensures that all residential rental activities are subject to mutual agreement between involved parties.
Rights, Obligations, and Dispute Resolution
One of the key aspects of the proposed RTA Bill is the clarification of the rights and obligations of both homeowners and tenants. The Bill aims to provide a clear framework for resolving disputes that may arise during the rental process. The ministry hopes that the RTA will stimulate the rental sector by balancing these rights and obligations without imposing rent control elements. Furthermore, the Bill is designed to offer an affordable and efficient dispute resolution process, making it easier for parties to resolve conflicts.
The Path to Approval
The proposed RTA Bill was first presented at the Cabinet Meeting on June 23, 2021, and received approval in principle for drafting. Since then, KPKT has been working diligently to incorporate feedback from various stakeholders, including state governments, to ensure the Bill meets the needs of the rental market. In May 2023, Minister of Local Government Development Nga Kor Ming reiterated the ministry’s commitment to finalizing the RTA Bill.
Enhancing the Rental Market
KPKT believes that the RTA can significantly enhance the residential rental market in Malaysia. By creating a more structured and transparent system, the Act aims to attract more investors and tenants, fostering a healthier and more dynamic rental industry. The engagement sessions with state governments are crucial in achieving this goal, as they ensure that the Bill is comprehensive and considers the unique challenges and opportunities within different regions of the country.
Conclusion
The ongoing engagement sessions for the draft Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) Bill demonstrate KPKT’s commitment to creating a balanced and fair rental market in Malaysia. By addressing the concerns of all stakeholders and ensuring that the rights and obligations of homeowners and tenants are clearly defined, the ministry aims to foster a competitive rental industry with robust governance. As the RTA Bill moves closer to finalization, it promises to bring significant improvements to Malaysia’s residential rental market, benefiting both landlords and tenants.
