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KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 5): The Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) is in its final stage of drafting and is expected to be tabled this year, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said.
The legislation aims to establish a regulated rental market to protect both landlords and tenants, while improving access to affordable housing, he told reporters on the sidelines at the 2026 Malaysia Economic Forum on Thursday.
“The RTA is currently under review and has now reached its final stage. I will go through each phase carefully before submitting it to the Cabinet for approval.
“Once the Cabinet reaches a consensus, we hope the RTA can be passed in the Dewan Rakyat within this year to protect the rights of both tenants and property owners,” he added.
Last month, Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (BN-Simpang Renggam) called on the government to expedite the tabling of the RTA, pointing to a growing reliance on renting among younger and urban households.
The RTA was first mooted in January 2019 under the National Housing Policy (2018-2025) by then-housing and local government minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.
The progress of the RTA comes as the Cabinet withdrew the tabling of the Urban Renewal Act in January to allow for substantial revisions, following public backlash, concerns raised by Members of Parliament (MPs), and feedback from stakeholders.
The move was aimed at ensuring the proposed law better safeguards the rights and welfare of property owners, particularly those in low-cost and ageing housing areas.
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