An assessment on management and maintenance of low-cost and low-medium cost strata housing in Malaysia

Abstract

The trend towards strata housing in Malaysia is gaining momentum, driven by rapid urbanization and land scarcity especially within strategic urban areas. This study investigates the critical and prolonged issues surrounding maintenance charges and maintenance work in strata management, specifically focusing on medium and low-cost strata housing. The study aims to identify and analyse the perceptions of strata owners and strata management bodies regarding the current practices and issues in strata management in Malaysia. It further explores the stages of strata development and related regulations that impact the establishment and efficiency of strata management. The research employed primary data, collected from surveys conducted among strata residents, and strata management representatives, as well as an in-depth analysis of the Commissioner of Buildings’ (COB) primary dataset obtained through the Bahagian Perkhidmatan Perbandaran, Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT), (currently known as the Kementerian Pembangunan Kerajaan Tempatan). The data collected from the three primary sources underwent further analysis using triangulation method to corroborate key findings in this study. The investigation concluded that inadequate collection of maintenance fees and contributions to sinking funds significantly impede the provision of quality management and maintenance services in low-cost and low-medium cost strata housing. Consequently, this study strongly advocates for amendments to the Strata Management Act to establish clearer standards for stakeholders and ensure alignment with evolving strata development trends. Additionally, the study recommends enhancing transparency in decision-making processes and facilitating access to data to foster trust between owners and management, thereby improving the collection of maintenance fees and contributions to sinking funds. Policymakers are urged to consider mandating Building Condition Assessments for aging buildings to promote preventive maintenance through maintenance fee and sinking fund reassessments. Furthermore, it is imperative to maintain persistent awareness efforts and foster constructive discussions aimed at enhancing awareness of strata ownership. These initiatives should extend beyond the current stakeholders governed by the Act to encompass prospective strata purchasers.