Experts Warn Ageing Buildings, Funding Gaps Threaten Property Values in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — Malaysia’s ageing high-rise properties face mounting risks as outdated maintenance practices and insufficient sinking funds leave owners unprepared for costly refurbishments, industry experts warned at a roundtable hosted by Nippon Paint Malaysia.

With many condominiums in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor entering critical 11–20 year cycles, panellists flagged waterproofing and repainting as top concerns. They cautioned that the current statutory 10% sinking fund contribution is inadequate, forcing building managers into short-term fixes that erode asset values.

Experts called for urgent reforms, including revising the sinking fund formula, mandating maintenance manuals, and embedding existing waterproofing standards into building laws to ensure long-term durability.

Ageing Buildings

Business News

Photo Caption: [Front L-R] Ar. Sarly Adre Sarkum, former president of PAM, Dato’ Muhamad Nahar, Deputy Director of KPKT, Sr Wong Kok Soo, Member of PEPS, Ester Goh, Senior Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia

[Back L-R] Ar. Axxu Hoi Jung Wai, Member of PAM, PMGR SR Nageswaran Muniandy, Member of MIPFM, Aaron Ang, Senior Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia, Sr Steven Pang Ching Chooi, Chairperson of Board of Building Management, RISM