Mapex 2026: KPKT pushes greener, data-led property planning

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 4): The second installment of the Malaysia Property Expo (Mapex) 2026 opened on Friday (Sept 4) with the government pushing for a greener and more data-led property sector, including proposed financial incentives for green buildings and a big-data tool aimed at better matching housing supply with demand.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who officiated at the opening of the three-day expo at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, said the initiatives form part of the government's broader efforts to ensure Malaysia's property sector delivers homes and communities that are affordable, sustainable and suited to local needs.

After the KPKT headquarters building in Putrajaya received its GreenRE Gold certification on Sept 1, Nga said the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) had proposed to the Finance Ministry (MoF) a package of financial incentives to encourage building owners and management bodies to adopt greener practices.

Nga said the proposals include lower financing costs, higher financing margins and tax relief, although details of the incentives, including their eligibility and implementation, have yet to be announced.

“Green practices should not be viewed simply as an additional cost, because buildings that consume less energy and water, manage resources more efficiently and maintain healthier environments can also help reduce long-term operating and maintenance costs,” Nga said.

Nga said KPKT is also seeking greater adoption of green construction technologies, including the Industrialised Building System (IBS) and prefabricated pre-finished volumetric construction (PPVC), under the National Housing Policy 2026–2035.

The ministry also plans to establish a dedicated division to monitor and coordinate green building rating tools in Malaysia, and work with GreenRE and other industry bodies to encourage more building owners and management bodies to pursue green certification.

Big-data housing planning

Beyond sustainability, the government is moving towards a more data-led approach to housing planning.

Nga said MoF had approved KPKT's proposal to develop a big-data analytics model to improve understanding of housing demand and affordability across different locations.

He said KPKT intends to make the data available to industry players once the system is developed, allowing developers to use it for feasibility studies and project planning.

Nga said Malaysia's housing challenge is not simply one of supply, but also a mismatch between the homes being built and actual demand.

He said the proposed system is intended to help address the mismatch and property overhang, while improving development planning and reducing the risk of future abandoned projects.

Developers face cost and financing pressures

Meanwhile, Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Rehda) president Datuk Zaini Yusoff said developers continue to contend with rising construction costs, infrastructure and utility requirements, statutory and compliance costs, as well as increasingly complex regulatory processes.

“Individually, each requirement may appear manageable, but cumulatively they have a direct bearing on project viability and, ultimately, the affordability of homes.

“At the same time, access to end-financing remains a challenge for many prospective purchasers, particularly younger Malaysians and those with variable or non-traditional income.

“We therefore hope that greater flexibility and innovation in housing financing can continue to be explored to help more Malaysians who are financially capable of owning a home to do so,” Zaini said.

He said Rehda welcomed the government's recently launched National Housing Policy 2026–2035 and its aspirations for the housing sector over the coming decade.

Zaini also expressed hope that the government would consider bringing back the Home Ownership Campaign (HOC), which he said had proven effective as a public-private initiative in supporting homeownership while stimulating the property market and wider economy.

“Affordable housing must ultimately be affordable not only to buy, but also viable to build. Both sides of that equation are important if we are to achieve a sustainable housing ecosystem,” he said.

Nearly RM2b sales targeted

According to organisers, Mapex 2026 is showcasing about 5,000 property units from 22 developers, with a sales target of nearly RM2 billion.

Earlier in May, Mapex held 10 exhibitions across Peninsular Malaysia.

The expo, themed “Future Living Starts Here”, is organised by Rehda, Rehda Selangor and Rehda Wilayah Persekutuan (Kuala Lumpur), with participating developers showcasing projects across the Klang Valley, Melaka, Pahang and Penang.

Among the developers exhibiting are IJM Land Bhd, Mah Sing Group Bhd, Chin Hin Property Group Bhd, Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd and S P Setia Bhd.

The expo also features five government agencies — the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH), National Housing Department (JPN), Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Public Sector Home Financing Board (LPPSA) and Housing and Strata Management Tribunal (TPPS) — while Cagamas is providing financial advice to visitors.

Mapex 2026 organising chairman Datuk Chan Kin Meng said the expo was not merely a platform for developers to showcase their projects, but also a space for prospective buyers to explore homes that suit their needs and budgets.

“We are confident that there is something for everyone in this event. At the very least, would-be homebuyers who may not yet be ready to make the commitment to purchase will have a better idea of the options and what would best fit their needs and budget,” he said.

Organisers said eligible buyers may receive cash rebates of up to RM25,000 and gold wafers, subject to the campaign's terms and conditions, while the Stamp & Win activity offers shopping vouchers and other prizes.

The expo's Property Talk Series will take place on Sept 5 and 6, featuring 10 speakers discussing topics relevant to current and prospective homeowners, including strata living, property financing and property investment.

Mapex 2026 runs until Sept 6 at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

More information on the expo is available at mapex.com.my on Facebook, @Malaysia Property Expo as well as on Instagram, @MAPEXbyREHDA.

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