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.

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.

Penang is set to welcome a new addition to its waterfront offerings, with Malaysia’s first luxury dining cruise — the Penang Princess — targeted for completion and launch in 2027.

The project moved a step closer after Ocean World Cruises Berhad signed an MoU with Viet Princess Cruiser Corporation, Vietnam Shipbuilding Engineering Group (VISEC), and Ships Classification Malaysia (SCM). In short, the team behind this ship brings serious maritime and design experience to the table.

The Penang Princess will be a 61.58-metre vessel offering fine dining, entertainment, cultural performances, and sightseeing along the Straits of Malacca. The interiors, designed by award-winning Vietnamese designer Ngo Thi Quynh Nga, will mix British colonial touches with Oriental details — a nod to Penang’s multicultural roots.

At the signing ceremony, Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin — who is both Tourism Malaysia’s deputy chairman and chairman of the Penang Port Commission — called this a “new chapter” for Penang’s maritime tourism. According to him, Penang has always shined on land, and it’s time for visitors to experience the island from a different angle: the sea.

Beyond the lifestyle appeal, the project also carries economic weight. The cruise is expected to create jobs in hospitality, maritime operations, events, entertainment, and various supply-chain sectors. It also aims to draw higher-value visitors and position Penang as a regional player in luxury maritime tourism.

Interestingly, the idea didn’t start from building a grand cruise ship right away. Back in 2020, Ocean World Cruises founder Kenny Nye explored turning Penang’s old ferries into a floating restaurant. When that wasn’t feasible, he shifted to a bigger vision — building a fully seaworthy dining cruise from scratch. His research trips overseas eventually connected him with Truong Quang Cuong, a pioneer in river and dining cruises in Vietnam, who brought decades of experience into the project.

Construction will take around two years and involves a multi-million-dollar investment. VISEC, known for its naval architecture expertise, will handle the ship design and engineering, while SCM will ensure the vessel meets international maritime safety and environmental standards.

When completed, the Penang Princess is set to host everything from sea weddings and corporate galas to cultural showcases and high-end tourism events — adding a new layer to Penang’s evolving waterfront lifestyle.