“Industry experts highlight the urgent need to modernize Malaysia’s aging buildings to meet current safety and energy regulations, ensuring sustainability and efficiency by 2050.”
Kuala Lumpur, 19th July 2024, 14.03pm – Real estate industry experts emphasize the urgent need for refurbishing and modernizing Malaysia’s aging buildings, as about two-thirds of these structures, which currently fail to meet updated building codes, energy efficiency, and safety regulations, will still be in use by 2050.
In a press statement issued on Monday (July 15), Nippon Paint (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd noted that the typical lifespan of high-rise apartments or offices is estimated to be 50 to 60 years. “As buildings age, they no longer comply with current building codes, energy efficiency, and safety regulations. It is estimated that two-thirds of Malaysia’s existing buildings will remain until 2050, making the need for refurbishment and modernization critical.”
The issue was discussed during a roundtable conference titled “Sustainable Refurbishment of Aging Buildings,” organized by Nippon Paint Malaysia to tackle key industry challenges in building refurbishment related to finance, regulation, and sustainability.
The conference featured a panel of industry leaders from the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA), the Malaysian Institute of Property and Facility Managers (MIPFM), Rahim and Co International Estate Agency, the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM), the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), and Nippon Paint Malaysia.
“As buildings age, they naturally deteriorate, exacerbated by neglect and environmental factors. Insufficient maintenance endangers the building’s stability and reduces its market value. We believe that rejuvenating aged properties creates growth opportunities, benefiting both residential and commercial properties for all stakeholders,” said Nippon Paint Malaysia general manager Tay Sze Tuck.
Former PAM president Sarly Adre Sarkum highlighted that the low priority given to building maintenance is a significant cultural issue in Malaysia. “Despite existing regulatory bylaws, updating older buildings to meet current standards is challenging. Our investigations into several aging structures have uncovered significant water leaks and neglected air conditioning systems, causing prolonged energy and financial losses,” he said.
The panel expressed frustration over waterproofing issues, which have become a significant concern for Malaysians. While developers are legally required to offer a two-year liability period for defects, waterproofing problems often arise in the third year due to poor workmanship and substandard materials.
“For instance, 80% of building defects are due to waterproofing issues, leading to water leaks, mould, and structural damage, which can endanger occupants,” said Tay.
Additionally, the panel noted that cost is a major challenge in refurbishment, particularly for private buildings where financial considerations are paramount.
“Joint management bodies (JMBs) and management corporations (MCs) should explore alternative income sources instead of relying solely on maintenance fees and government incentives,” said MIPFM president Ishak Ismail. He suggested initiatives such as renting out rooftop gardens and creating co-working spaces.
The panel emphasized the importance of using high-quality construction materials. RISM past president Adzman Shah Mohd Ariffin noted that ensuring quality workmanship and materials in the pre-development stage of buildings can minimize resource waste and reduce the need for constant repairs, which burden strata residents.
The panel emphasized that prioritizing prevention is crucial for energy savings. Rather than solely focusing on greener power sources, it is more effective to implement solutions that reduce overall energy consumption. This involves using energy-efficient systems and encouraging residents to adopt energy-saving habits. For instance, switching to LED lights can reduce electricity usage by an average of 15%, the panel noted.
