RISM supports the government’s measures and strategies, said Adzman.

PETALING JAYA: The Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) has announced its full support for the government’s measures and strategies outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) and in particular, those aimed at improving strata housing management. 

This follows the recent passing of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Mid-Term Review (MTR) with the theme of Malaysia Madani: Sustainable, Prosperous, High Income on by Dewan Negara.

This effort shows a strong commitment from the government to provide safe, sustainable and positive living for residents of stratified schemes. RISM believes this can be achieved with the efforts of the relevant authorities such as the Commissioners of Building and other stakeholders such as housing developers, property owners, residents, joint management bodies, management corporations and related non-governmental associations.  

“We also welcome the government’s move to review the Strata Management Act 2013 (Act 757) and Strata Management (Management and Maintenance) Regulations 2015 to address certain shortcomings and different interpretations by various stakeholders.  

“We fully support this move but would strongly suggest improvement of the finer details instead of the proposed revamping by Jabatan Perumahan Negara to avoid disruption of the processes during the transition period. All the stakeholders should also be engaged in their views to ensure inclusiveness. 

“The proposal to employ property managers who are licensed with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers to manage strata buildings is a move in the right direction,” said RISM president Adzman Shah Mohd Ariffin in a press statement.

RISM also applaud the government’s efforts outlined in the 12th Malaysian Plan Mid-Term Review 2023 on the following aspects: 

1. Creating Employment Opportunities: Encouraging upskilling and reskilling of the unemployed workforce is indeed a positive step towards reducing unemployment and increasing economic productivity. However, we need to ensure that these programs are inclusive and reach all segments of the population in full transparency. 
2. Financial Education and Entrepreneurship: Promoting financial education and entrepreneurship is crucial for fostering economic growth and self-reliance. It is essential that these initiatives are designed to empower individuals and small businesses effectively. 
3. Affordable Housing: Ensuring affordable housing is accessible to all Malaysians is a commendable goal. It’s vital to focus on not just the affordability but also the quality and location of these housing options to meet the diverse needs of the population. 
4. Ensuring Food Security: Ensuring Food Security with better infrastructure and technology can indeed improve food production and ensure food security. However, it is crucial to ensure that small-scale farmers also benefit from these advancements and are not marginalized.
5. Boosting Business Activities: Providing incentives for large employers can stimulate business activities and create job opportunities. However, we should also prioritise supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of our economy. The rising cost of doing business, especially in taxation, increasingly higher labour costs and compliance costs will burden and stifle the growth of businesses. The government should look into how to help businesses to sustain and survive. 
6. Enhancing Quality of Life: Enhancing the quality of life of the people is a shared goal. It is essential that these improvements translate into tangible benefits for all Malaysians, including access to healthcare, education and social services. 
7. Improving Malaysia’s Image: Improving Malaysia’s image, especially in the corruption index, is vital for attracting foreign investments and fostering trust in our institutions. It is essential to work collaboratively to root out corruption and enhance transparency. 

While these points in the 12th Malaysian Plan Mid-Term Review 2023 are positive steps, it is the duty of the government of the day to ensure that these policies are effectively implemented, sustainable, reach the intended beneficiaries inclusively and are not used for political gains.  

We also understand that the Residential Tenancy Bill (RTB) will be tabled soon in Parliament next year. Whilst there is a need to protect the interest of the public, we should be mindful of the weak residential rental market and the challenges that a landlord has to face especially losses in income due to defaulting tenants as well as the difficult and expensive process to gain vacant possession. 

With strong commitment, clear guidelines and good leadership, RISM strongly believes that the government’s initiative will promote greater social harmony and further strengthen the concept of Malaysia Madani.