Selangor’s property management sector is poised for a potential transformation as industry leaders endorse proposed legislative reforms to address systemic challenges. The push for change follows Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s recent announcement at the International Strata Symposium, where he revealed plans for new regulations targeting building maintenance and governance issues.
Industry representatives highlight multiple pain points that could be resolved through updated legislation. Pandan Heights management chairman Haresh Vikram Vijayakumar emphasized how improved regulations could standardize operations, particularly in handling problematic owners and unqualified contractors. Meanwhile, Permata Residence’s Tan Kuan Kit noted that stronger laws would raise industry standards and deter unlicensed management companies from operating subpar services.
A critical shortage of licensed property management firms remains a pressing concern, with only 594 registered companies servicing over 26,000 strata schemes nationwide. This scarcity forces many residential boards to compromise on service quality, especially in less affluent areas. The current vetting process for management firms involves cumbersome procedures including tender processes, multiple interviews, and background checks – a system many argue needs modernization.
Beyond legislative changes, stakeholders propose complementary solutions to strengthen the sector. Digital transformation of complaint systems and submission processes could enhance transparency, while specialized training programs would elevate management board capabilities. Tan particularly stressed the need for stricter enforcement on maintenance fee collection, suggesting it should carry the same weight as property tax obligations. These combined measures could significantly improve Malaysia’s strata property ecosystem.