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

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. 

Malaysia’s property transaction values hit RM105 billion in the first half of this year from almost 199,000 transactions, making these the highest transaction values and volume in the last five years.

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?

This proposal undermines the existing well-established property management regulatory framework that has effectively governed the profession for over four decades. It would result in unnecessary duplication, potential inefficiencies in property management oversight, and a waste of public funds.

People often argue about building management and property management because they fail to recognise that both concepts essentially address the same issues, leading to unnecessary disputes over terminology rather than focusing on solutions.

Over the past decades, as Malaysia undergoes a major transformation from an economy largely dependent on agriculture and commodities to a more robust industrial and service-oriented economy, the country’s major cities are also experiencing a rapid proliferation of high-rise developments, with new residential, commercial and mixed-use towers reshaping the urban skyline.

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.

A higher concentration of urban population not only generates more interactions, exchanges and business opportunities, but also promotes creative thinking, knowledge spillovers, new ideas and technology developments, leading to a higher economy of scale and wealth agglomeration.