FOUR developers have undertaken to rescue abandoned projects within the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) area.
The two strata mixed commercial projects, detached homes and an apartment building are located in Iskandar Malaysia and Skudai, Johor.
“By reviving abandoned or sick projects as residential properties, developers can enjoy RM10mil tax relief as announced by the Federal Government,” Iskandar Puteri mayor Hasrin Kamal Hashim told StarMetro.
The measure under the 2026 Budget is aimed at addressing the oversupply of commercial spaces and increasing affordable housing with benefits extending into the 2026-2027 period.
The strata project in Iskandar Puteri is being undertaken by UMLand Medini Lakeside Development Sdn Bhd while the one at Lebuh Laksamana/Lebuh Bahtera in Puteri Harbour is undertaken by Southern Marina Development Sdn Bhd.
The detached homes project at Iskandar Puteri, is being undertaken by Haverse Quest Sdn Bhd, while Tenggara Land Sdn Bhd is taking on the apartment project at Skudai Parade in Skudai, Johor.
“A building is categorised as abandoned when it shows no significant progress beyond five years from the date of approval,” he added.
Hasrin Kamal said approval to revive these projects was dependent on the One Stop Centre (OSC) Committee and developers must comply with requirements and procedures before being given the green light.
Hasrin Kamal said the OSC played a crucial role for fast-track approvals.
He said MBIP was not directly involved in the restoration of sick projects.
“Our responsibility is to monitor safety aspects of the abandoned site to avoid risk to the public including issuing compliance notices.”
This included the implementation of temporary security works and continuous monitoring to ensure the site does not pose a threat to the local community, he added.
Hasrin Kamal said developers must secure the site with hoardings to block abandoned or unfinished work from view as it could affect the quality of the urban environment.
“Developers must also ensure hoardings are maintained in a good and safe condition.”
He said the city council has not received any reports of encroachment at the abandoned buildings which had become illegal dumping sites or dens for drug addicts.
