The Selangor state government is set to exempt property developers from development charges for affordable housing projects, effective January 2024, announced Datuk Borhan Aman Shah, the Selangor state housing and culture exco, at the Rehda Selangor Housing Convention 2024.
This exemption applies to key affordable housing schemes like Rumah Idaman and Rumah Selangorku Harapan, aiming to accelerate the state’s ambitious target of delivering 200,000 affordable homes by 2028. Borhan noted that the Selangor government is on track to build 40,000 homes annually, with this exemption designed to further expedite the process.
However, Borhan clarified that this exemption does not extend to open market or sub-sector projects.
Industry Response
The announcement was warmly received by industry leaders. Datuk Zaini Yusoff, chairperson of Rehda Selangor, lauded the state’s initiatives, including the Rancangan Selangor Pertama and Rancangan Struktur Negeri Selangor 2035, but urged for further steps to streamline approval processes and encourage green building technologies.
“More can be done to create a pro-business environment that prioritises sustainable practices,” Zaini said.
Key Topics at the Rehda Selangor Housing Convention 2024
The Rehda Selangor Housing Convention 2024, held at Setia City Convention Centre, featured 10 presentations and a panel discussion focused on sustainable urban development. Topics included:
- Sustainable Affordable Housing Development led by Mohd Hafiz Hassan from the Selangor Housing and Property Board.
- Digital Transformation Through e-Tanah by Tengku Rohana Tengku Nawawi of the Department of the Director General of Land and Mines.
- Impact of Sustainability Regulations on Property Developers presented by Ismail Abdullah, President of International Green Trends Cockpit.
In the evening session, critical discussions included fire safety for electric vehicle charging bays, water resource management, and fostering quality placemaking in Selangor.
Collective Action for Sustainable Growth
The convention underscored the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to drive sustainable development and shared success in Selangor’s housing sector. Shanaz Muztaza, chairperson of the event, highlighted the theme “Together We Build, Together We Thrive”, stressing the role of collective action in fostering a robust and inclusive real estate industry.
By exempting development charges for affordable housing, the Selangor state government reinforces its commitment to ensuring the housing market remains accessible to the B40 and M40 groups, while also promoting sustainable urban growth.
