KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 21) — A Member of Parliament has urged the federal government to expedite the introduction of the long-delayed Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), citing a clear shift in housing preferences among younger Malaysians and city-based households who increasingly rely on the rental market.
Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad, the MP for Simpang Renggam, said national housing strategies must evolve in response to current social and economic conditions. Speaking during the debate on the royal address in Parliament, he questioned whether existing policies remain aligned with how Malaysians live and work today.
According to Hasni, many urban residents are choosing to rent not because they have abandoned the idea of home ownership, but because renting offers greater flexibility, shorter commuting times, and closer access to employment hubs and urban amenities. This trend is particularly evident in high-demand locations such as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, where professionals prioritise proximity to business districts, commercial property in KL, and employment centres near office space in Bukit Jalil.
Hasni stressed that the absence of a clear legal framework leaves tenants vulnerable, particularly to sudden and excessive rental increases. He said the proposed RTA could introduce fair and transparent mechanisms to protect renters while maintaining balanced rights for landlords, creating a more stable and regulated rental ecosystem.
The Residential Tenancy Act was first proposed in 2019 under the National Housing Policy (2018–2025), with the aim of formalising Malaysia’s rental market and improving access to affordable housing. Despite years of consultations and policy development, the legislation has yet to be tabled in Parliament. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has recently indicated that the bill is still being refined, with ongoing engagement involving state governments and industry stakeholders continuing into late 2025.
In addition to rental policy, Hasni also highlighted widespread public concern over the rising cost of living. He pointed out a growing gap between positive macroeconomic indicators and the lived experiences of ordinary Malaysians.
While official data shows economic growth, low unemployment, and rising wages, Hasni said many households still feel financial pressure in their daily spending. He cautioned policymakers against relying solely on headline statistics, arguing that economic sentiment and perceived financial security are just as important as numerical indicators.
From a real estate perspective, clearer tenancy laws could have wide-ranging implications for property investors and developers across the Klang Valley, influencing demand patterns for residential units near industrial property in the Subang area, logistics and factory zones in Puchong, and employment-driven corridors supported by industrial land in Selangor.
As urbanisation and workforce mobility continue to shape housing demand, industry observers note that a well-structured Residential Tenancy Act could provide long-term certainty for tenants, landlords, and investors alike — particularly in Malaysia’s most active property markets.
Yao Mu Realty, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializes in industrial real estate for factories and land, delivering professional and efficient solutions.
Posted by Yao Mu Realty Sdn Bhd on 21 Jan 26
Malaysia