(From left) Rehda Selangor Housing Convention 2024 organising chairperson Shanaz Muztaza, Rehda Malaysia president Datuk Ho Hon Sang, Selangor state exco for tourism Datuk Ng Suee Lim, state exco for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah, and Rehda Selangor chairman Datuk Zaini Yusoff at the Rehda Selangor Housing Convention 2024 at the Setia City Convention Centre on Thursday. (Photo by Shahrill Basri/The Edge)

SELANGOR (Oct 10): The Selangor state government will exempt property developers from development charges for projects of several affordable housing schemes, including Rumah Idaman and Rumah Selangorku Harapan, effective January next year, according to Selangor state housing and culture exco Datuk Borhan Aman Shah.

Borhan said at the Rehda Selangor Housing Convention 2024 on Thursday at the Setia City Convention Centre, that this exemption does not apply to open market and other sub-sector projects.

“The Selangor state government has a target to provide 200,000 affordable homes by 2028. We are now on track, aiming to deliver about 40,000 homes per year. With this exemption, we believe it will expedite the development process of affordable housing projects even further,” he noted.

Welcoming the exemption announcement, Rehda Selangor chairperson Datuk Zaini Yusoff also lauded the Selangor state government’s initiatives, namely the Rancangan Selangor Pertama and Rancangan Struktur Negeri Selangor 2035.

“[At the same time], we also recognise that more can be done. I urge the state government to continue creating a pro-business environment that encourages development while prioritising sustainable practices. We need to streamline approval processes, practical regulations and incentives for green building technologies,” Zaini pointed out.

The Rehda Selangor Housing Convention 2024 featured 10 individual presentations and one panel discussion. The morning session presentations include “Rancangan Struktur Negeri Selangor 2035 — The Game Changer” by PLANMalaysia Selangor chief assistant director Rozdiana Mohd Rosmi; “Sustainable affordable housing development: Current initiatives and future plans” by Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS) planning and development department deputy executive director Mohd Hafiz Hassan; “Digital transformation through e-Tanah: Enhancing land service efficiency and transparency” by the Department of the Director General of Land and Mines (JKPTG) division director of ICT land administration Tengku Rohana Tengku Nawawi; and “The impact of sustainability regulations to property developers” by International Green Trends Cockpit president Ismail Abdullah.

The evening session presentations include “Garis panduan keselamatan kebakaran bagi electric vehicle charging bay di premis” by Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) fire superintendent Mohd Fairu Sha’ari; “Zero discharge policy: Towards sustainable water resources management in Selangor” by Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) chief assistant director Haslina Amer; “Is there enough affordable housing in Selangor?” by Rehda Selangor branch committee member James Tan; “Fostering quality and equality in placemaking” by ThinkCity Malaysia senior associate of urban solutions Elisa Hanim; Invest Selangor Bhd director of investment development division Nik Izuddin Nik Mohd Yusof; and “Innovative approach to sustainable urban development: Sime Darby’s journey” by Sime Darby Property Bhd (KL:SIMEPROP) general manager of sustainability Yasmin Rasyid.

Moderated by Rehda Malaysia exco member Charlie Chia, the panel discussion titled “Lessons and sharing in strata properties” featured three panellists — Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ) commissioner of building department director Azman Ismail; Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) commissioner of building department deputy director Rosmaliza Osman; and Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) national housing department chief assistant director of strata management division Mohd Zamri Ishak.

Speaking about the convention, Rehda Selangor Housing Convention 2024 organising chairperson Shanaz Muztaza said, “Our theme, ‘Together we build, together we thrive’, highlights the critical role of cooperation and unity in driving sustainable development and shared success in the Selangor housing sector. It emphasises the importance of collective action among the stakeholders to create a robust, inclusive and resilient real estate industry.

“This Rehda Selangor Housing Convention 2024 provides a crucial platform for addressing emerging challenges, uncovering fresh opportunities and steering the direction involved in Selangor real estate and housing industries in years to come.”