News by Datuk Chang Kim Loong

The concept of redevelopment where homeowners exchange their present property titles for another future home unit or monetary compensation is not new in Malaysia.

The National House Buyers Association (HBA) has written numerous articles on the repercussion, ramifications and possible ills of the Urban Redevelopment Act (URA) proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), which is considering a consent threshold as low as 75%.

Recent news have reported that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is considering an increase in both assessment tax and quit rent rates, following the Selangor state government’s 25% hike from January next year.

Indeed, homes need to be safe, secure, comfortable, of quality and affordable in order to be defined as “humane”, or rather, fit for habitation by human beings. At the same time, “humane” may mean differently to people of different backgrounds, life experiences and economic situations.

While life-long renting is a norm in some countries, Malaysians are only beginning to warm up to the idea.

The National House Buyers Association (HBA) views the incentives announced in Budget 2025 on affordable housing and homeownership with high optimism and anticipation.

The issue of inheritance tax has recently resurfaced when it was reported as one the proposals by “some financial analysts” for the upcoming Budget 2025. The purpose cited by the so-called expert was to “prevent the accumulation of unproductive wealth in families; which could help reduce wealth inequality”. And as with all taxes, it would of course, as claimed, be helpful in broadening the tax base and boosting government revenue. 

Doesn’t KPKT know that urban revitalisation, urban conservation and urban revival can be implemented within the existing legislative framework without the need to introduce URA?

The controversy surrounding the compulsory supply of actual water and electricity upon vacant possession (VP) under the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) that was prescribed under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 (HDA 1966) has finally been laid to rest following the Federal Court’s decision in the case of Remeggious Krishnan vs SKS Southern Sdn Bhd (formerly known as MB Builders Sdn Bhd) [2023] 3 MLJ 1.  

The government has proposed the Urban Redevelopment Act (URA) legislation, saying it is a solution to urban slums. However, the National House Buyers’ Association (HBA) views this as a myth. Instead, the URA is merely scratching the surface rather than addressing the root causes.