The Housing and Local Government Ministry plans to table the Real Property Development Bill in June 2026, marking a significant update to Malaysia’s regulatory framework for the property sector. According to Minister Nga Kor Ming, the proposed Bill will replace the long-standing Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966, offering a more modern and responsive system that better protects homebuyers.

Nga explained that the new legislation is designed with two core objectives. The first is to broaden regulatory oversight beyond residential developments to include commercial projects. The second aims to update legal provisions to reflect current market needs, including different development concepts and land types. He emphasised the need for a flexible framework capable of adapting to future changes within the industry.

The Real Property Development Bill forms part of five major reforms the Ministry plans to implement by 2026. These include the introduction of the electronic Sales and Purchase Agreement (eSPA), the Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS), the Transforming and Empowering Data Usage in Housing (TEDUH) initiative, and enhanced audits for Housing Development Accounts.

Several proposals are being reviewed under the Bill. Among them are the standardisation of penalties for serious or repeated offences, stronger safeguards for buyers in terms of payment collection and quality assurance, and clearer technical audit and investigation powers to identify problematic projects earlier.

Nga said the government’s efforts aim to create a more transparent, organised and resilient property development ecosystem in line with the Malaysia Madani vision and broader structural reforms in the housing sector.

He also highlighted the benefits of the forthcoming eSPA system, which will allow digital signing, secure identity verification via eKYC, and automatic integration with the Inland Revenue Board’s eStamping platform. This is expected to streamline processes, reduce administrative time and costs, and improve efficiency.

According to Nga, if implementation proceeds smoothly, the eSPA initiative could generate up to RM8 billion in government revenue next year, reflecting its potential impact on both buyers and the property market.

Set within the vibrant SA Central freehold mixed-development by GUH Development Sdn. Bhd., Taman Simpang Empat offers a fresh opportunity to own a home in one of Seberang Perai Selatan’s most well-connected townships. Designed with modern families in mind, this low-density residential enclave brings comfort, convenience, and connectivity together in one place.

A Location That Works for You

Centrally located in Simpang Ampat, the project enjoys seamless access to the federal road and major routes leading to the North-South Expressway, ensuring easy travel to Penang Island, Bukit Mertajam, and beyond. Everyday needs are also within reach – from the bustling Iconic Point just a short walk away, to essential banks like Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank, and Maybank located nearby. Families will also appreciate the convenience of having XCL International School, C Mart Premium, and SMK Simpang Empat within a five-minute drive.

The upcoming residential address also benefits from its close proximity to GUH upcoming SA Central township. The well-planned integrated township will revitalise Simpang Ampat town, catering to the increasing population in the area and fulfilling the social, economic and environmental needs for better liveability.

Thoughtfully Designed Homes

Taman Simpang Empat features 61 units of 2-storey terrace homes, offering ample living space for growing households. With typical lot sizes ranging from 20’ x 60’ to 21.9’ x 60’, each home comes with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, making it ideal for multi-generational living. Built-up areas start from approximately 1,776 sq.ft. onwards, ensuring comfortable layouts that balance functionality with modern design.

A Smart Investment in Lifestyle

Priced from RM647,794 onwards with attractive promotions, these homes combine accessibility, quality, and value. With completion expected in 2027, Taman Simpang Empat is set to become a sought-after address for families and upgraders who value both community living and excellent connectivity.

📞 Call GUH now at +604-506 9333 or +6010-833 9119 to find out more!

About Queens Residences 3

The third phase of the Queens Waterfront development by Ideal Property Group (also known as Q3), situated near Queensbay in Penang. Positioned strategically on reclaimed seafront land directly opposite Queensbay Mall, it’s an expansion of the successful Q1 and Q2. The new phase of development will introduce another 532 residential units, offering a choice of five different layouts ranging from 950 sq.ft. to 1,400 sq.ft.

Find out more about Queens Residences 3

Sejahtera 113 is a high-rise residential development by Golden RCH Development Sdn. Bhd., located in Bukit Mertajam. Situated off Jalan Sejahtera 1, within the vicinity of Taman Sejahtera in Alma, it is just a few minutes’ drive from the intersection of Jalan Kulim and Jalan Rozhan, and approximately 3 km from AEON Mall.

The development features a 26-storey tower atop an 8-level car parking podium and offers 113 affordable housing units. Facilities are located on level 8. Sejahtera 113 boasts ceiling heights of up to 4.5 meters and a thoughtfully designed layout with a 3+1 room concept.

Project Name : Sejahtera 113
Location : Alma, Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Condominium
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: (to be confirmed)
Built-up Size: 900 sq.ft.
Total Units : 113
Indicative Price : RM410,000 onwards
Developer : Golden RCH Development Sdn. Bhd.

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.

Penang is tightening its rules on worker accommodation. Starting January 1 next year, the state government will stop accepting any new applications for Temporary Labour Quarters (TLQ). The focus will now shift toward helping existing operators transition to Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ), which follow stricter standards set in the 2022 guidelines.

State executive councillor Jason H’ng Mooi Lye told the state assembly that local authorities will be working closely with current TLQ operators to ensure they meet the updated requirements. The idea is to move away from temporary setups and push for proper, purpose-built accommodations that are safer, more organised, and better for surrounding communities.

He also shared that the 2022 guidelines are currently being reviewed by PLANMalaysia. One of the options being discussed is allowing light and medium industrial zones to build their own CLQs within their premises specifically for their workers. TLQs operating in commercial areas may also be allowed to convert into CLQs, depending on feasibility.

But there’s one clear line: no CLQs will be allowed in residential zones. This means any TLQs currently located in housing areas must move out once their permits expire — and the absolute final deadline is December 31, 2027.

For context, the guidelines for temporary labour quarters only came into effect on January 1, 2024. All TLQ approvals are temporary and valid for a maximum of three years. These rules are meant to act as a short-term fix to address concerns about worker housing conditions and the impact of foreign worker placements within local neighbourhoods.

H’ng said the bigger goal is to ensure better living conditions for workers while protecting the well-being and comfort of local residents. As part of the guideline review, the state is also discussing technical matters like plot ratios, building capacity, required facilities, and the planning permission process.

As of now, Penang has a growing number of CLQ projects. Under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), there are three operational CLQs and another one with approved planning permission. Over on the mainland under MBSP, there are three operational CLQs, seven under construction, and nine more that have already received planning permission.