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.  

There have been calls for the government to demolish the buildings built over 20 years ago under the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) following reports that they are no longer conducive to habitation for the elderly as well as other vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities and children.

The preference for owning expensive cars and maintaining a lifestyle beyond their means is preventing millennials from investing in homeownership.

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.

Clinging to the same project brought a different kind of helplessness. When would the optimal reserve price present itself again?

The proposal of the Urban Redevelopment Act (URA) has been reported to be going ahead despite a host of dissenting voices. 

In Malaysia, it is not uncommon to hear of protests against proposed developments, such as new high-rise, urban renewal or transportation infrastructure projects, when the affected community perceives them to be detrimental to the neighbourhood with over-population or negative impacts on life quality or the environment.