“A lawmaker has called on the government to ускорate the tabling of the long-delayed Residential Tenancy Act, highlighting rising rental dependence among young and urban Malaysians and the need for stronger tenant protection laws.”
Kuala Lumpur, 21th January 2026, 03.58pm – A Barisan Nasional backbencher has urged the government to expedite the tabling of the long-delayed Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), citing a growing dependence on rental housing among younger Malaysians and urban households.
Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (BN–Simpang Renggam) said housing policies must evolve to reflect changing realities, as more people turn to renting due to affordability pressures and lifestyle considerations.
Speaking during the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address in Parliament on Tuesday, Hasni questioned whether existing housing strategies were aligned with current needs.
“We must confront reality and ask whether our housing policies are geared towards affordable ownership, long-term protected rental, or a hybrid model that reflects today’s social and economic conditions,” he said.
Hasni noted that many young Malaysians in urban centres are opting to rent not by choice alone, but due to the need for flexibility, shorter commuting distances and access to city amenities, rather than a rejection of home ownership.
The former Johor menteri besar stressed the importance of introducing a clear and balanced legal framework to protect tenants, warning that the absence of regulation leaves renters vulnerable to sudden and unjustified rental increases. He said the proposed RTA could provide structured mechanisms to ensure fairness for both landlords and tenants.
The Residential Tenancy Act was first proposed in January 2019 under the National Housing Policy (2018–2025), with the aim of establishing a regulated rental market while improving access to affordable housing. However, despite being in development for more than seven years, the bill has yet to be tabled in Parliament.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming recently said the drafting process is still ongoing, with further engagement sessions held with state governments and industry stakeholders as recently as late 2025.
Separately, Hasni also highlighted public concerns over the rising cost of living, pointing to a disconnect between official economic indicators and everyday financial pressures faced by households.
“GDP growth, low unemployment and wage statistics may paint a positive picture, but many Malaysians still feel financially stretched in their daily lives,” he said, adding that economic sentiment plays a crucial role in public confidence.
He cautioned policymakers against relying solely on macroeconomic data to address cost-of-living concerns, noting that public perception and financial security at the household level are equally important indicators of economic wellbeing.
