The Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) Malaysia has appointed Datuk Zaini Yusoff of S P Setia Bhd as its new president for the 2026–2028 term. The leadership transition was confirmed during Rehda’s Annual Delegates Conference held at Wisma Rehda in Petaling Jaya, marking the conclusion of Datuk Ho Hon Sang’s two-year tenure as president.
The appointment comes at a critical period for Malaysia’s property industry, which continues to face challenges related to rising development costs, housing affordability concerns and ongoing discussions with the government on housing policies and land development matters.
Leadership Transition and New Council Structure
Following the change in leadership, Datuk Ho Hon Sang will remain involved in the association as Immediate Past President, while Datuk NK Tong assumes the role of Most Recent Past President. This structure is designed to ensure continuity and preserve institutional knowledge within the organisation.
Datuk Zaini, who previously served as deputy president, now leads the association. His former position has been taken over by Datuk Edward Chong Sin Kiat of IJM Corp Bhd, who also serves as chairman of Rehda’s Selangor branch.
The newly elected National Council includes several experienced industry representatives:
Datuk Tan Hon Lim continues as secretary-general.
Carrie Fong Kah Wai serves as deputy secretary-general.
Datuk David Lim Boon Huat takes on the roles of national treasurer and chairman of the Wilayah Persekutuan branch.
Datuk Charlie Chia Lui Meng and Datuk Tiah Oon Ling remain as vice presidents.
Datuk Seri FD Iskandar and Datuk Seri Azmir Merican Azmi Merican serve as executive committee members.
Several positions, including one vice president role, one executive committee seat and the youth branch chairperson position, remain vacant and may be filled through future internal appointments.
Industry Representation Across Malaysia
Rehda’s National Council continues to maintain representation from property development sectors across Malaysia. Branch chairpersons from Johor, Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak and Terengganu are part of the council, ensuring that regional concerns and industry developments are reflected in the association’s decision-making process.
As the leading national body representing private housing and real estate developers, Rehda plays an important role in engaging with government agencies, regulators and policymakers on issues affecting the industry.
Zaini’s Vision for Rehda
In his acceptance speech, Datuk Zaini expressed appreciation for the contributions of his predecessors and pledged to continue strengthening the association’s role within the property sector.
He emphasised Rehda’s longstanding principles of being Responsive, Respected, Responsible and Relevant, commonly referred to as the “Four Rs”. By highlighting these principles, Zaini signalled his intention to maintain continuity in the association’s direction while addressing emerging industry challenges.
His appointment also reflects Rehda’s commitment to maintaining strong engagement with government agencies and regulators, particularly as housing affordability and development regulations remain key national concerns.
Key Priorities for the Coming Term
With the new leadership team in place, Rehda is expected to continue focusing on several major industry issues, including:
Improving housing affordability for Malaysians.
Reviewing development charges and compliance costs.
Supporting policies that encourage homeownership among younger buyers.
Addressing rising construction and development costs.
Strengthening collaboration between the property industry and government agencies.
These issues are likely to remain central to Rehda’s policy discussions over the next two years as Malaysia seeks to balance housing supply, affordability and sustainable industry growth.
What I Learned
This article highlights the important role industry associations play in shaping the direction of the property sector. Rehda serves as a bridge between developers and government authorities, helping to address issues such as housing affordability, development regulations and industry standards.
I learned that leadership transitions within major industry organisations can influence policy engagement and strategic priorities, even when continuity remains the main objective. Datuk Zaini Yusoff’s appointment reflects the industry's focus on maintaining stable leadership while continuing efforts to tackle key challenges facing Malaysia’s property market.
The article also shows that collaboration between developers, regulators and policymakers remains essential in creating a sustainable housing ecosystem that supports both industry growth and homeownership opportunities for future generations.
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 30 Jun 26
Malaysia