Homebuyers beware 109 housing developers in Malaysia blacklisted

KUALA LUMPUR - Home buyers should be cautious of 109 developers that have been blacklisted by the Housing and Local Government Ministry for various offences.

The directors of these companies are also blacklisted to prevent them from re-establishing under new entities.

Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said this at a press conference on April 7 after officiating the 14th Annual Affordable Housing Projects Conference at a hotel here.

He said the list of blacklisted developers will be publicly accessible on the ministry’s website, allowing home buyers to verify the status of developers before purchasing.

Mr Nga said these developers have been issued compound fines and are ineligible to apply for new licences from the National Housing Department and other agencies until they settle their fines and meet requirements.

For developers with ongoing projects, these will be their last for now, ensuring home buyers are not victimised as the ministry addresses unscrupulous practices.

“This is a stern warning to all developers to adhere to regulations,” said Mr Nga.

“The blacklisting sends a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal activities and non-compliance. We are taking strong actions to protect the hard-earned money of home buyers and ensure they receive the homes they deserve.”

He added: “The welfare of home buyers remains a top priority for the ministry. Developers must adhere to regulations to ensure timely and compliant project delivery.”

Most reasons for being blacklisted involve non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

“According to the National Housing Department, a total of 471 notices were issued in 2024, resulting in fines totalling RM9.3 million (S$2.7 million).

“In the first two months of 2025, the department issued 56 compounds, with fines amounting to RM1.25 million,” said Mr Nga.

“The majority of violations involve failure to submit development status reports and audit