09/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2026

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Ministry mulls clause to reduce delayed housing ventures

expand ensures Semporna’s natural wealth benefits its people.” He added that the state government is intensifying efforts to transform the marine aquaculture sector from a raw material-based industry into a value-added economy. Among the key priorities are the expansion of integrated commercial-scale aquaculture zones, the introduction of modern and environmentally friendly sea cage technology, and stronger support for seaweed entrepreneurs to boost productivity and ensure export-quality standards. “At the same time, we are working to attract high-impact investments in the downstream processing sector of marine products so that the economic value chain could be fully controlled.” because it Abandoned project may cost govt RM50m KULIM: The federal government is expected to allocate an additional RM50 million to revive the abandoned Sungai Limau water treatment plant project in Baling following termination of the original contract last year. The nearly RM100 million project had only achieved between 15% and 20% progress before construction works were halted, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. He also said the federal government had to step in and take over management of the project, including appointing a new contractor, to ensure its continuation. “When we decide to rescue this project, there will certainly be a notice of change. It is estimated that the government would have to spend another RM50 million to save the project. “If the project fails to be implemented as intended, there will be consequences and burdens. It is evident that additional costs have to be incurred.” Earlier, Akmal Nasrullah also visited the Sungai Limau project site and the Bukit Selambau project near Sungai Petani. He said the process of restarting the Sungai Limau project could take 30 months, including the appointment of a new contractor. “The project started in 2021 but with the current setback, at the very earliest, it may take another three years before we know whether it can be fully completed.” He also said the Bukit Selambau project, which is about 51% complete, is facing delays from the original schedule. He added that the contractor has been reminded to intensify works at the site as Kedah’s water reserve supply stands at 0%. “Every time we visit, commitments are given, but we want to see genuine commitment to ensure the project is completed as promised. If the Bukit Selambau project also fails, the burden will again fall on the federal government.” – Bernama

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Proposal gives homebuyers and developers flexibility to pull out before signing Sales and Purchase Agreement, says minister

“Meanwhile, the ministry’s special task force on sick and abandoned housing projects has revived over 1,500 projects since December 2022, involving a gross development value of more than RM140 billion and benefitting over 176,000 homebuyers nationwide.” He highlighted that the ministry is also pushing forward digitalisation efforts within the housing sector through initiatives such as e-SPA, Teduh and the Housing Integrated Management System. “Our target is simple, zero sick projects by 2030. Achieving this would require cooperation from all parties within the housing ecosystem, including industry players.” Nga also reaffirmed the Madani government’s commitment to delivering quality, sustainable and affordable housing through strong collaboration between the government and private sector.

PETALING JAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry is studying the introduction of an Option to Purchase (OTP) clause under the proposed Real Property Development Bill to help curb sick, delayed and abandoned housing projects. In a statement yesterday, its minister Nga Kor Ming said the proposed measure would give homebuyers and developers the flexibility to pull out before signing the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), reducing early financial and legal obligations. He said the proposal is part of the broader Reformasi Perumahan Madani agenda that is aimed at modernising the country’s housing regulations and supporting industry

“This prevent situations in which developers encounter financial difficulties midway through construction due to weak sales.” Nga added that the initiative could help reduce the likelihood of projects becoming delayed, abandoned or unsold because of insufficient market demand. He also said Malaysia’s property market recorded transactions involving more than RM240 billion in 2025, the highest in the past 10 years, driven by stronger investor confidence amid political stability and positive economic conditions. could help

growth in the long term. “Through this Bill, we are studying a key policy reform to introduce an OTP clause, which allows both parties the option to withdraw before the SPA is executed.” He added that the OTP mechanism would help developers gauge actual market demand and better evaluate project viability before construction advances. “By doing so, developers could avoid taking on unnecessary financial and legal commitments too early, while gaining a clearer picture of genuine buyer demand on the ground,” he said.

THEMED TRINKETS ... A souvenir trader showing handcrafted sepak takraw keychains and other merchandise for sale at the Sepaktakraw Academy Complex in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/ THESUN

Sabah to improve infrastructure in Semporna KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah

with economic opportunities that guarantee wellbeing.” Hajiji added that Semporna has pioneered several key initiatives that could serve as benchmarks, particularly in sustainable, marine tourism, Bernama reported. Citing Sipadan Island as an example, he said the successful implementation of a daily visitor quota system has become a model for high-value and sustainable tourism management, balancing environmental conservation with economic activities. “In Tun Sakaran Marine Park, we are witnessing a harmonious synergy between tourism, biodiversity conservation and local community involvement. This forms the foundation of the community-based tourism concept that we want to

and become a reference centre for Sabah’s Blue Economy initiatives. However, Hajiji said the broader development agenda would only succeed with strong grassroots leadership and a firm commitment to sustainability principles. He called on local leaders to play a more proactive role as “guardians” of the ecosystem by assisting in enforcement efforts, curbing unsustainable activities and leading community awareness campaigns, as well as encouraging youth participation in the Blue Economy sector driven by innovation and modern technology. “What we are planning and implementing today is our promise to future generations so that they inherit an ocean that is not only rich in natural beauty, but also fertile

damaging the natural assets that are the goldmine of the state’s economy. Sustainability must be seen as an investment, not a burden.” Hajiji stressed that all development in Semporna must be guided by environmental, social and governance principles to ensure a balance of economic growth and sustainability. He said the state would not compromise on developments that prioritise short-term profits at the expense of Sabah’s future. He also said Semporna has the potential to emerge as a world-class sustainable marine tourism hub, a modern aquaculture centre and the country’s leading premium seafood producer. He added that the district could serve as a model for coastal community economic development

government is formulating plans to upgrade critical supporting infrastructure in Semporna to support its continued growth. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the initiatives include the modernisation of jetty facilities and logistics networks, the development of a comprehensive cold chain system to preserve the quality of marine produce, expanding access to international export markets and providing more organised, safe and world-class tourism facilities. He said tourism hotspots such as Pulau Mabul and Pulau Kapalai are facing increasing pressure from rapid development and rising visitor density, requiring a more prudent and sustainable management approach. “If not managed properly, we risk