Rehda Welcomes Minister's Clarification On BTS, STB Housing Models

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Rehda) welcomed the government’s clarification that both the build-then-sell (BTS) and sell-then-build (STB) housing delivery systems will remain unchanged.

In a statement today, Rehda said the announcement by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming to retain both the BTS and STB systems clearly signifies the government’s willingness and readiness to focus on the rakyat’s needs and to consider all industry stakeholders’ opinions, ensuring the property industry remains robust and healthy.

Rehda president Datuk Ir Ho Hon Sang said STB has made housing more affordable for the rakyat since housing became regulated decades ago, and has enabled developers to continuously deliver housing to meet the national housing agenda.

“To impose a strictly BTS system would negatively impact that ability, which would affect the provision of affordable housing,” he said.

He added that homebuyers still have the option of buying BTS homes on the secondary market, where each year about 80–85 per cent of housing transactions occur on such a BTS basis.

“The BTS 10:90 scheme is outlined in the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 (Act 118), and we encourage capable developers to consider it should they have the means to do so,” he added.

Rehda also expressed support for the housing reform plan highlighted by Nga in Parliament and said it would continue to encourage its members to uphold their nation-building role by providing quality, affordable homes for the rakyat in a timely and sustainable manner.

-- BERNAMA