Policy

Urban Renewal Act: A New Framework for Malaysian Cities and KL Property Cities evolve. Buildings age, infrastructure decays, and once-thriving neighborhoods fall into neglect. Malaysia’s Urban Renewal Act (URA) has been proposed as a solution to these challenges — aiming to modernize dilapidated areas, unlock stalled redevelopment projects, and make cities more liveable. For Kuala Lumpur especially,...

Malaysia to Tighten Rules for Short-Term Rental Operators Short-term rental accommodation (STRA) providers in Malaysia—covering platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and other short-stay operators—will soon be required to obtain a business licence from their local authority before registering as tourist accommodation premises. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing confirmed that...

Malaysia’s Short-Term Rental Sector to Get Nationwide Framework Malaysia’s short-term rental market—covering platforms like Airbnb and other Short-Term Residential Accommodation (STRA) services—is set for its first nationwide framework. Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan announced that draft STRA guidelines, developed by the Housing and Local Government Ministry...

Malaysia’s Property Market Remains Largely Local Despite ongoing conversations about foreign investment in Malaysian real estate, newly released government data confirms that the overwhelming majority of property transactions are still driven by locals. According to the Housing and Local Government Ministry, only 1,459 property purchases by foreigners were recorded last year—accounting for just 0.56%...

Towards First-Class Strata Management in Malaysia As Malaysia’s cities grow vertically, strata-titled developments—condominiums, serviced apartments, and SOHOs—are becoming the norm. But while the skyline transforms, many property owners and joint management bodies (JMBs) still face frustrating challenges: unpaid maintenance fees, slow repairs, weak enforcement, and regulatory confusion. At the...

Understanding the Need for the Real Property Development Act (RPDA) The proposed Real Property Development Act (RPDA) has sparked considerable discussion among consumers and industry stakeholders. Many believe that the act is long overdue, given the challenges buyers face when investing in mixed-use and commercial properties. The key concern is that the current legal framework, specifically the Housing...

Malaysian Housing Ministry Assures Neutrality in Housing Laws, Proposes New Residential Tenancy Act The Ministry of Housing and Local Government has reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality in all housing-related initiatives, ensuring that laws and regulations protect the rights and interests of all citizens without discrimination based on race or religion. This commitment aligns with the principles of...

As we step into 2024, Malaysia is set to implement a series of significant economic and policy changes. These reforms, effective from January 1, are designed to address various national and global economic challenges, balancing revenue generation with public welfare and economic stability. Key Policy Changes Sugar Tax Increase Implementation: Starting January 1, 2024. Details: The domestic...