The Malaysian Institute of Property and Facility Managers (MIPFM) acknowledges the concerns raised by residents and community leaders regarding the failure of management in low-cost strata schemes, as highlighted in “Calls for COB to step in when low-cost flat management fails” (StarMetro, July 21, 2026).
We share the view that urgent action is required to protect residents and preserve public housing assets.
However, MIPFM believes that reliance on ad-hoc intervention by the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) alone is not a sustainable long-term solution.
The root of the problem lies in three systemic gaps.
First, most joint management body (JMB) and management corporation (MC) committees in low-cost flats are made up of volunteer residents who lack training in strata law, financial management and building maintenance.
Second, low maintenance charges combined with high arrears leave these schemes with insufficient funds for even basic upkeep.
Third, there is a lack of professional oversight.
Many buildings attempt self-management without engaging a registered property manager as provided for under the Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers Act 1981 (Act 242).
As a result, buildings deteriorate until COB is forced to intervene as regulator of last resort.
In view of this, MIPFM proposes a shift from reactive enforcement to proactive professionalisation.
COB, together with Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), should combine several low-cost and PPR schemes to be tendered by property management companies to achieve economies of scale in terms of management and repair.
Professional property managers are equipped to handle contract management, preventive maintenance, arrears collection, and compliance, thereby reducing the burden on volunteer committees and preventing buildings from reaching a state of failure.
To support this, MIPFM is prepared to collaborate with COB to roll out a “Property Management Panel for low-cost housing schemes”, where pre-qualified property management companies offer services at subsidised rates, and to provide free capacity-building workshops for JMB and MC members.
In addition, MIPFM proposes the establishment of a National Housing Management Body to oversee federal and state low-cost housing schemes.
This body would act as a central authority responsible for setting minimum standards for maintenance, financial governance and professional engagement across all public housing.
It would also manage a revolving “Strata Rehabilitation Fund” in partnership with government-linked investment companies and state economic development corporations to finance critical repairs as well as coordinate training and audits to ensure consistent management quality nationwide.
Such a body would bridge the current gap between federal, state and local authorities, and provide clear accountability for the long-term sustainability of low-cost housing.
The national body could capitalise on the expertise of Valuation and Property Services Department to help achieve these objectives.
MIPFM is of the view that COB should continue to function as a regulator and enabler, not as a permanent property manager.
By professionalising management, ensuring adequate funding and creating a dedicated national body to govern public housing, we can protect residents, reduce the fiscal burden on government and uphold the integrity of Malaysia’s strata housing system.
MIPFM stands ready to work with KPKT, COB and local authorities to pilot these recommendations in selected low-cost schemes in 2026.
Malaysian Institute of Property and Facility Managers
