The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), led by its President, Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, paid a courtesy visit to YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to discuss issues concerning the housing development and also provide the industry feedback on the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST). Joining the meeting were ACCCIM senior representatives comprise Tan Sri Dato’ Teo Chiang Kok, Ir. Ter Leong Leng, Dato’ Teo Ee Piau, Mr. Tan Ching Meng, and Lee Heng Guie as well as the Chairman of REHDA Institute, Dato’ Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip.

We had a frank and constructive meeting with YB Minister Nga about a wide range of issues, including ACCCIM’s supportive of KPKT’s continued efforts to safeguard the interests and welfare of the public, especially home and property buyers. On the proposed Urban Renewal Act,  ACCCIM is opined that a 100% threshold will allow the minority to deny the majority owners to sellout and monetise their out-dated and most cases dilapidated properties, which will be grossly unfair to the majority. We also stressed that the selection of development parties for urban renewable projects must be by open tenders with full transparency. This is to  ensure the best concepts and most commercially viable developers be awarded such projects and also are implemented on the most favorable terms.

Additionally, we have expressed our opinion and suggestions for an equitable and practical regulations to expand the coverage of the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966, also known as the HAD.

ACCCIM has highlighted the businesses’ and stakeholders’ concerns surrounding the expanded SST is the timing of its implementation, increased business costs, potential disruptions to their operations, disproportionate impacts on consumers, a lack of clarity and insufficient lead time for preparation. President of ACCCIM, Datuk Ng has respectfully called the Government to defer the expanded SST implementation to January 2026, review the proposed tax rate, increase the taxable services threshold and exemption from the services, including longer exemption for non-reviewable and reviewable contracts.

During the meeting, YB Minister Nga thanks ACCCIM for playing a pivotal role in contributing to Malaysia’s economic development. Malaysia’s competitiveness ranking has advanced 11 spots to 23rd among 69 economies; and foreign investments have flourished. He said the government will continue to work with the business community to make Malaysia a competitive place of doing business, and that he will convey ACCCIM’s views and concerns to the Cabinet.

Datuk Ng expresses deep appreciation to YB Minister Nga for giving the chamber an opportunity to provide constructive feedback and solutions on these issues, and the ACCCIM is committed to working together with the Government and KPKT for facilitating and accelerating private sector growth.