Residential properties sold under the Housing Development Act (HDA) will be exempted from the update Sales and Services Tax (SST), following concerns from the construction industry over rising costs.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the exemption applies to all residential buildings, including serviced apartments built on commercial land, provided they are intended for residential use and fall under the HDA.

He said this following discussions with Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan after industry players raised concerns about the impact of cascading taxes under the revised SST framework.

Nga said the issue will be addressed through business-to-business (B2B) exemptions, ensuring that the service tax is only applied at a single stage.

The Finance Ministry clarified that basic construction materials such as cement, sand and aggregates will continue to be taxed at 0 per cent. Of the 400 tariff codes covering building materials, only eight will see an increase, affecting items such as laminated glass, netting and vats.

“This will affect only two per cent of the total building material tariff codes,” he said.

Nga added that contractors may also separate material costs from service charges, allowing the service tax to apply solely to construction services.

He noted that the government remains committed to balancing fiscal reforms with housing affordability.

“KPKT will continue engaging with the Finance Ministry and stakeholders to ensure fair implementation of tax policies and protect the interests of homebuyers,” he added.

Source: Bernama

About The Meg @ Andaman

The first project in Andaman Island, the highly-anticipated prime reclaimed island of Seri Tanjung Pinang Phase 2A by E&O. Features two blocks of 27 and 34-storey serviced apartments with an estimated GDV of RM690 million. It comprises 1,020 residential units with innovative layouts designed to suit young executives and new families.

*Photo taken in May 2025

Find out more about The Meg @ Andaman

Majestic Aman is a landed residential development by Brew Vantage Sdn. Bhd., located in Sungai Dua, Butterworth. The site is situated along Jalan Sungai Dua Utama 1, with convenient access to the North-South Expressway via the Sungai Dua interchange, which is just a short drive away.

The development spans approximately 5.65 acres and comprises 73 units of 2-storey terrace houses. Each unit has a typical built-up area of 1,531 square feet with a land size of 20 by 70 feet. The indicative starting price is RM585,000.

Educational facilities within a 2-kilometre radius include SJK(C) Kai Chee, SK Desa Murni, and SK Sungai Dua. A future phase of the project is expected to feature 23 units of shop offices fronting the main road.

Property Project : Majestic Aman
Location : Sungai Dua, Butterworth
Property Type : Residential
Tenure: Freehold
Built-up Sizes: 1,531 sq.ft.
Land Size: 20′ x 70′
Total Units : 73
Indicative Price : RM585,000 onwards
Developer : Brew Vantage Sdn. Bhd.

IJM Land Berhad has announced traffic updates in conjunction with ongoing works at The Light Interchange, part of The Light Waterfront Penang development.

To facilitate the removal of an existing pedestrian bridge, selected George Town-bound lanes along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway will be temporarily closed from June 16 to 27, between 10 pm and 5 am. The closures are scheduled during off-peak hours to limit disruption. Motorists are urged to stay alert and follow all posted traffic signs.

In a move to improve connectivity, a new elevated road from Jalan Tunku Kudin (heading towards Bayan Lepas) to The Light Waterfront Penang will officially open on July 1. This new access will allow smoother travel for drivers from the Green Lane area.

Additionally, a new permanent exit from The Light Waterfront Penang (Bayan Lepas-bound) will be opened, while the current temporary exit will be closed for good.

Directional signage has been installed to ensure a smooth transition for all road users.

The Rumah Bakat Madani housing project in Penang will feature a vertical school concept, a move Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says will enhance student safety and reduce transportation costs for families.

In a Facebook post on June 11, Anwar highlighted the government’s commitment to integrating education within residential developments as part of its Madani agenda, aimed at building compassionate and inclusive communities.

“This approach is not just about physical structures, but about holistic well-being,” he said, noting that the vertical school design within the project reflects this philosophy.

The initiative, led by private developer SkyWorld, targets low- and middle-income groups, offering affordable homes with access to essential infrastructure. In addition to the school, the development will include childcare centres, a surau, commercial areas, landscaped parks, and recreational facilities.

Anwar also emphasized the Madani government’s focus on fast-tracking approvals through coordinated efforts across ministries and with state governments to ensure timely project delivery.

The Prime Minister was briefed on the project by SkyWorld representatives in Putrajaya, reaffirming the government’s support for development that enriches community life while addressing key challenges such as education access and cost of living.