Kota Kinabalu: The proposed Strata Title Act and Strata Management Act comprise significant and long-overdue reform aimed at safeguarding the rights of property owners in Sabah.
Nominated Assemblyman and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Sec-Gen. Datuk Ir. Chin Shu Ying said it would address long-standing issues faced by purchasers of stratified properties, including apartments, condominiums and commercial units.
“For far too long, many property owners in Sabah have faced uncertainty and hardship due to delays in the issuance of strata titles and the absence of a comprehensive legal framework for property management,” he said in a statement.
Chin said the current situation had led to multiple challenges, including buyers who have fully paid for their properties but are still not legally recognised as owners, as well as complications in property transactions, refinancing and inheritance matters.
He added that disputes involving maintenance, management and sinking funds often lack clear legal mechanisms for resolution.
Describing the proposed laws as more than a technical amendment, Chin said they represent a crucial step towards restoring fairness, transparency and confidence in Sabah’s property sector.
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“The Strata Title Act will provide a clearer and more efficient pathway for the issuance of individual titles to parcel owners, ensuring that buyers’ legal rights are properly recognised and protected,” he said.
“Meanwhile, the Strata Management Act will establish a more robust framework for the management and maintenance of stratified properties, including clearer roles, responsibilities and accountability for developers, joint management bodies and management corporations.”
He added that the reforms are essential to protect buyers’ investments, enhance governance in property management, improve the quality and sustainability of developments, and strengthen investor confidence in Sabah’s real estate sector.
However, Chin said tabling the legislation is only the first step.
He urged the State Government to ensure the Acts are gazetted and enforced without delay once passed, warning that further postponement would continue to expose house buyers to unnecessary risks and prolonged uncertainty.
“At the same time, all relevant authorities and stakeholders must be prepared to ensure smooth implementation, including public awareness, industry readiness and strengthened enforcement capacity.
“The people of Sabah have waited long enough. It is time to deliver a system that is fair, efficient and protects their rightful ownership.”
