KPKT to consider using Home Ownership Campaign to counter US tariff threat

• HOC as a stimulus package to stimulate our economic growth.

PETALING JAYA (April 8): The government is mulling measures to counter the US tariff threat. The Housing and Local Government (KPKT) will do its part with a possible Home Ownership Campaign.

“As the US President Trump is raising tariffs on Malaysia, we are considering a massive Home Ownership Campaign (HOC) as a stimulus package to stimulate our economic growth,” Minister Nga Kor Ming (pictured) announced.

He was speaking at the International Strata Symposium hosted by the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (Rehda) Institute at M World Hotel today.

Touching on the subject of abandoned housing projects, Nga said the long-standing issue has caused severe hardship to thousands of homebuyers in Malaysia. Many families continue paying for homes they can never live in, and deteriorating neighbourhoods reduce property values.

“We managed to revive the 1,016 sick housing projects, worth RM98.96 billion, saving 122,083 housing units since the establishment of the special task force,” he revealed.

The International Strata Symposium 2025 is an event to discuss and share insights on strata governance, best practices, and the latest regulatory developments. It aims to support the Housing and Local Government Ministry in reforming and amending the Strata Management Act to enhance Malaysia’s strata laws. EdgeProp.my is the media partner for this event.

Rehda Institute research report on abandoned housing

Meanwhile, Rehda Institute also launched a research report on abandoned housing. Entitled “Abandoned Housing: Challenges, Insights and Solutions". The report, developed in collaboration with the University of Malaya, represents a significant milestone in understanding the root causes of project abandonment.

Rehda Institute chairman Datuk Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip pointed out that Malaysia must confront the long-standing issue of abandoned housing projects. As of the end of 2024, over 111,000 abandoned or sick housing units have been recorded across 726 projects.

He stated that while licensed developers maintain a strong track record, many abandoned projects arise from unlicensed or financially unstable developers, creating immense challenges for homebuyers and damaging the industry’s reputation.

“This research report is not just a retrospective analysis; it offers forward-thinking solutions, including enhanced regulatory frameworks, stricter financial oversight and improved enforcement mechanisms. It serves as a roadmap for policymakers, developers and industry players, guiding the way toward a more resilient and responsible housing sector,” Ng said.

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