No discrimination based on race, religion in drafting of Residential Tenancy Bill — ministry

• “Therefore, any residential tenancy activities will be subject to the mutual agreement of the parties involved. Additionally, the Bill provides a mechanism to resolve potential disputes.”

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 5): The Ministry of Housing and Local Government stated that all housing programme initiatives, as well as the drafting of housing-related laws and regulations, are neutral and do not marginalise or discriminate against any race or religion.

The ministry emphasised that the Madani government is firmly committed to the principle that the rights and interests of all citizens are equally protected, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

“In line with this principle, the draft of the Residential Tenancy Bill also upholds a neutral legal framework, without discrimination against any race or religion.

“Therefore, any residential tenancy activities will be subject to the mutual agreement of the parties involved. Additionally, the Bill provides a mechanism to resolve potential disputes,” the ministry noted in its written response to the Dewan Rakyat, published on Parliament’s website.

The ministry was responding to a question from Aminolhuda Hassan (Pakatan Harapan-Sri Gading), who inquired about the ministry's timeline for enacting the proposed Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), and the solutions to address racial and religious discrimination issues in such tenancies.

According to the ministry, the drafting of the RTA aims to balance the rights and responsibilities of residential property owners and tenants without introducing rent control measures.

The ministry had conducted multiple engagement sessions, including a public consultation process in 2022, before drafting the RTA. 

Findings from the consultation highlighted the need to reassess various aspects of the draft, and to conduct targeted engagements with all state governments and stakeholders, particularly those involved in the RTA's future implementation.

“In line with this strategy, the ministry has scheduled engagement sessions with state governments and stakeholders starting in November 2024, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2025,” the ministry stated in its written response.

The ministry noted that feedback and input gathered from the engagement sessions will be incorporated to improve the Bill before it is finalised, ensuring that the interests of all parties are safeguarded, and that the legislation aligns with existing laws and regulations.

The ministry added that the new legislation is expected to make the rental sector more competitive and enhance governance, without compromising the rights and interests of the parties involved.

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