The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) plans to introduce a new bill specifically aimed at protecting buyers of commercial shop lots affected by abandoned projects.
Minister Nga Kor Ming explained that current laws only cover residential properties, leaving commercial premises outside the scope of the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 (Act 118).
“Shop lots are commercial premises, so they fall outside Act 118. The ministry is conducting a study to propose a new law so that buyers of shop lots will also receive protection,” he said during a parliamentary session, responding to an additional question from Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN-Maran).
Dr Ismail had asked what measures KPKT is taking to safeguard shop lot buyers who are currently facing losses due to abandoned projects.
On the topic of distressed housing projects, Nga Kor Ming said the number has dropped to just 109 projects after 1,171 were successfully rescued.
“Resolving abandoned projects requires significant effort and proactive steps. I thank the National Housing Department and their dedicated team for their commitment. After the announcement of Budget 2026 by the Prime Minister on October 10, KPKT will unveil additional initiatives aimed at achieving zero abandoned projects by 2030,” he added.
The minister also highlighted that, to date, 139,000 homebuyers, with development values totaling RM113 billion, have been protected from abandoned housing projects.
