Stakeholders urged to build communities, not just homes
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s housing sector should move beyond building more homes and focus on creating communities where people can live well, says National Housing Department director-general Dr Tan Awang Besar.
Tan said housing should not be treated merely as a roof over one’s head, but as a place that gives residents comfort, security and a sense of belonging.
He said this approach, which he described as “humanising housing”, is in line with the National Housing Policy 2026-2035 and the Rumahku Syurgaku concept.
“Humanising housing is about shifting the focus from how many houses we build to how well people live, connect and thrive in those homes,” he said in his opening speech at the StarProperty Awards Showcase 2026 yesterday.
Tan said this meant putting people at the centre of housing design and ensuring developments meet residents’ needs at different stages of life.
He said liveability should be reflected in practical considerations such as adequate space, natural light and ventilation, greenery, and well-maintained shared facilities.
Developments should also provide common spaces that encourage neighbours to interact, while remaining safe and accessible for children, seniors and persons with disabilities, he added.
He said the government was also looking to improve the regulatory framework, strengthen digital oversight and enhance buyer protection.
“We want every homebuyer’s journey to be supported by greater security and trust,” he said.
However, he noted that policy alone would not be enough to improve Malaysia’s built environment.
“Real progress comes when public-sector policy and regulation are matched by private-sector innovation, investment and execution.”
Looking ahead, he said the sector would need to be guided by demand-led planning.
“We need to deliver the right homes in the right locations, at the right price points and through tenure models that genuinely reflect the evolving needs of our population,” he said.
Tan also thanked Star Media Group (SMG) for recognising industry players that are advancing sustainable and innovative solutions.
He said the group’s role went beyond reporting on the sector, providing a platform for industry dialogue and feedback to support the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s engagement with stakeholders.
Meanwhile, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said Malaysia’s property market had remained resilient despite a tougher operating environment.
Developers, he said, were managing higher costs, changing buyer expectations and growing sustainability requirements, while continuing to deliver projects that provide quality and value.
“Challenges such as these are also where the strength of an industry is tested,” he said.
Chan said the market was supported by broader economic growth and a stable monetary environment, with the Overnight Policy Rate at 2.75%.
Malaysia recorded more than 187,000 property transactions worth RM105.12bil in the first half of 2026, he said.
Nearly 28,000 new residential units were launched during the period, while the average house price stood at RM506,317. The national house price index rose 0.9% year-on-year.
Chan added that the commercial and industrial segments had also shown encouraging signs.
Purpose-built office occupancy stood at 78.5%, while retail occupancy was 77.9%. The industrial segment expanded by 3.8%, with close to 4,000 transactions recorded.
“Behind every statistic is a story. A new development creates opportunities for businesses. A new home becomes part of a family’s future. A new commercial or industrial space supports jobs, investment and economic growth.”
He said StarProperty’s role was not limited to reporting on the sector. It also brought developers, policymakers and other stakeholders together to exchange views and recognise excellence in the industry.
The event was held at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from Oct 9 to 11 and brought together more than 30 award-winning projects by leading developers, including Chin Hin Group Property, HCK Capital Group Bhd, KLK Land, Mah Sing Group Bhd, Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd, OSK Property, Pesona Metro Holdings Bhd, Platinum Victory, Puncakdana Group, Seputeh Kukuh Sdn Bhd, Sunsuria Bhd, Titijaya Land Bhd, Tropicana Corporation Bhd, TSLAW Land and WCT Land.
MBSB Bank, the event’s official bank, was on hand to provide visitors with property-financing advice and loan solutions.
The showcase also featured sharing sessions on homeownership, market trends, financing and investment, as well as family-friendly activities and prizes worth more than RM20,000.
Also present were SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang and MBSB Bank head of consumer financing Tamin Jafeeri.
