Property managers reject ad-hoc intervention as solution to low-cost housing crisis

KUALA LUMPUR (July 23): Relying on ad-hoc intervention by the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) is not a sustainable long-term solution to address the management failure in low-cost strata housing schemes, according to the Malaysian Institute of Property and Facility Managers (MIPFM).

In a statement on Wednesday, MIPFM stated that "the root of the problem lies in three systemic gaps", namely untrained volunteer committees, low maintenance fees coupled with high arrears, and a lack of professional oversight.

To address these issues, the institute proposed combining several low-cost and People's Housing Project schemes to be tendered out to property management companies, thereby achieving economies of scale in terms of repairs and management.

MIPFM added that it is prepared to partner with the COB to roll out a "Property Management Panel for low-cost housing schemes" offering services at subsidised rates, alongside providing free capacity-building workshops for joint management body and management corporation members.

The institute also proposed the establishment of a National Housing Management Body to oversee public housing schemes, which would manage a revolving "Strata Rehabilitation Fund" alongside government-linked investment companies and State Economic Development Corporations.

"By professionalising management, ensuring adequate funding, and creating a dedicated national body to govern public housing, we can protect residents, reduce the fiscal burden on government, and uphold the integrity of Malaysia’s strata housing system," MIPFM said.

MIPFM noted that the COB should function strictly as a regulator and enabler rather than a permanent property manager, adding that the institute stands ready to work with relevant authorities to pilot these recommendations in selected schemes in 2026.

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