Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) said the passing of the Building Management Bill 2026 and the Land (Subsidiary Title) Bill 2026 by the Sabah Assembly is an important step towards strengthening Sabah’s strata property framework.
Shareda President Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee said the two Bills represent an important and timely step towards improving the governance, management, and ownership framework of strata developments in Sabah.
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It expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, as well as Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, Minister of Local Government and Housing Sabah, for supporting reforms aimed at addressing long-standing issues affecting strata property owners and the property industry.
Shareda also acknowledged the endless efforts and cooperation over years by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing Sabah (KKTP), Sabah Lands and Surveys Department, State Attorney-General’s Chambers, and the Law Society of Sabah in formulating the new legal framework.
“These reforms are important for Sabah as strata developments continue to grow across the state. A clearer and more modern framework will help improve confidence among purchasers, investors, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders,” said Johnny.
Among the key highlights of the Building Management Bill 2026 is the requirement for management responsibilities to be transferred within 15 months following the establishment of the management corporation.
The Bill also introduces clearer accountability during the interim management period, including obligations relating to maintenance, financial records, and sinking fund management.
The Bill further introduces a Building Management Tribunal to provide a faster and more accessible avenue for dispute resolution, as well as the establishment of a Commissioner of Building Management to oversee compliance and enforcement matters.
The reforms will help address several common concerns faced by strata property owners today.
These include delays in the transfer of management responsibilities, weak maintenance and financial oversight, a lack of transparency in sinking fund management, delays in the issuance of subsidiary titles, unclear dispute resolution mechanisms, and inconsistent management standards across developments.
The Land (Subsidiary Title) Bill 2026 is also expected to improve and modernise the process relating to subsidiary titles, including developments involving phased projects.
Johnny said the reforms would provide greater certainty and clarity for property owners, particularly in matters involving ownership recognition, property transactions, refinancing, inheritance and long-term asset value protection.
