Housing and Local Government Minister Nga said the superapp is expected to be ready by next year.
KUALA LUMPUR: A new big data analytic-driven superapp is being developed, aimed as a reference for house buyers, developers and other relevant stakeholders, involving new upcoming development housing projects, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister explained that various stakeholders in the housing sector will be able to utilise the superapp, including to see the track records of developers or whether the housing project has any issues or history, among others.
He added that the superapp is expected to be ready by next year.
“Currently, we don’t have a single unified system storing all the data under one roof.
“The ministry is now undergoing digital transformation to ensure all data is (stored) under one system so architects, housing applicants, developers and home buyers can refer to the superapp as their reference material.
“This is actually to improve business operations and to help all parties to make more accurate decisions,” he told a press conference after the launching ceremony of the Asean-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) 2024 here yesterday.
The ACMROCH 2024 will focus on three key aspects, namely, strengthening the framework for cooperation in housing and urban development; advancing technology, innovation and green construction for sustainability and efficiency; as well as developing climate-resilient cities by accelerating local and regional climate actions.
With the theme “Building Sustainable Futures: Deepening Asean-China Cooperation in Housing and Urban Development for Shared Prosperity”, the roundtable is taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 3 to 5.
Concurrently, ACMROCH 2024 will also see the organising of the 23rd International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (Archidex) 2024, a pivotal event to provide a platform for networking and professional growth in the architectural and building industry.
The minister also expressed confidence that this year’s Archidex will be able to generate an estimated RM1bil in sales trade value.
Nga explained that the superapp will also address the issue of property overhang in the local housing market.
“This is because from big data analysis, you will know which area is suitable for what projects, or what type of house can be built.
“Developers can base their visibility studies on this data analysis.
“I also want to eliminate the issue of abandoned projects.
“Developers can know which site is suitable for what type of house, so they won’t go to other unsuitable sites,” he said.
He also pointed out that Malaysia’s home ownership rate had reached 77%, which is one of the highest in the world, even surpassing the United States.
Earlier in his officiating speech, Nga said Malaysia will continue to make the best use of digital technology to help regulate and manage housing developments through the Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS).
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the system had significantly reduced the time taken to process developers’ licences and advertising permits, resulting in a more efficient and transparent process.
“Additionally, Malaysia has embarked on developing big data analytics for housing, which will help create more effective, data-driven policies for better planning,” said Nga.
Nga also said that providing adequate and affordable housing remains his ministry’s top priority.
“Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, we are set to build 500,000 units of affordable houses.
“To date, we have surpassed half of the target (57.8%) and will continue to deliver,” said Nga.
Citing the People’s Housing Project (PPR) initiative, Nga said that his ministry had completed a total of 101,516 units of affordable houses for the lower-income group.
“This commitment is ongoing. Under Budget 2024, 19 new PPR projects are being built including 6,006 units that will benefit approximately 24,000 low-income households.
“We are now embarking on a new public housing model, the People’s Residential Programme (PRR).
“The PRR is envisioned to be well integrated, sustainable and liveable, featuring green spaces, community centres and also commercial viability,” he added.
He explained that the initiative was more than providing a steady supply of houses and also offered residents a place to live, work and play.
“It will also incorporate green initiatives to ensure we abide by our commitment for energy transition and low carbon emissions,” said Nga.
On the ACMROCH meeting, he hoped that all parties would be able to achieve consensus and set their respective priorities for accelerating the implementation of sustainable urban development in Asean as well as China.
