This week's main housing stories: Kuala Lumpur confirmed that only the first 4,218 affordable homes in Bandar Madani Bukit Jalil have planning approval, Penang's assembly debated how hillside projects are approved after a fatal landslide, and the scale of unsold serviced apartments in KL and Johor came back into focus. Bank Negara announces its final interest rate decision of 2026 on Thursday, 5 November.

Bukit Jalil Bandar Madani: 4,218 units approved so far

Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh told Parliament on 2 November that DBKL has so far approved only the first part of the proposed township. "So far, the development order issued is for only 4,218 units," she said. Those are Residensi Madani homes priced below RM200,000, alongside a community hub, a school complex and the overall layout. Approvals for later phases depend on supporting roads being built first, large-scale earthworks are not allowed, and a traffic plan is due in February 2027, with a detailed development control plan for Bukit Jalil in the first quarter of 2027.

Why it matters: Owners and buyers in Bukit Jalil worried about traffic now have a clearer timeline. Later phases of the roughly 15-year project will depend on the traffic study and road works, so the full township is some years away.

Penang hillside approvals under scrutiny after landslide

A landslide behind homes in Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong, on 25 October killed a resident. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the collapse happened where slope stabilisation for a development had not yet been carried out. In the state assembly on 2 November, assemblymen from both sides called for a state commission of inquiry, a review of how hillside projects are approved and an audit of slopes flagged as at risk. The state says it will wait for findings from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) before deciding on an inquiry. The city council (MBPP) has suspended earthworks on the site, and as of 30 October four houses were still considered unsafe.

Why it matters: If you are buying on or below a hillside in Penang, or anywhere else, ask about slope works on neighbouring land, check whether the slope has been stabilised, and look at the local council's records. Our Penang area pages list ranked projects by neighbourhood.

RM12.7 billion of unsold serviced apartments in KL and Johor

The Star reported on 2 November that Malaysia has about RM12.7 billion worth of unsold serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur and Johor alone. The piece links the overhang to homes that do not match what local buyers need or can afford, and to abandoned projects.

Why it matters: A large stock of unsold units in a market can give buyers more room to negotiate, but it can also mean slower resale and rental competition later. Check how many unsold and upcoming units are near any serviced residence you are considering, and compare buildings on our best condos ranking and Johor Bahru page.

RM4 billion industrial park planned at Gerbang Nusajaya

UEM Sunrise and AME Elite announced on 30 October a 50:50 joint venture to develop a 402-acre managed industrial park at Gerbang Nusajaya in Iskandar Puteri, inside the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. The venture will buy the freehold land from a UEM Sunrise subsidiary for RM972.1 million. The estimated gross development value is RM4 billion, built in three phases, with the first expected to start by the end of 2027. It targets electronics, medical devices and logistics firms.

Why it matters: New industrial parks bring jobs, and over time housing demand, to nearby townships. See our ranked homes in Iskandar Puteri, but bear in mind the first phase is still at least a year from starting.

Selayang council clarifies home EV charger rules

Selayang Municipal Council said on 2 November that homeowners installing a personal-use EV charger on their existing power supply do not need a submission by a building professional. Installations that involve building work still go to the council's Building Department.

Why it matters: If you live in a landed home in the Selayang area, adding a charger is simpler than many assumed. Rules can differ by council, so check with yours first.

Next: OPR decision on 5 November

Bank Negara's Monetary Policy Committee announces its last decision of 2026 on Thursday, 5 November. The OPR has been 2.75% since July 2025. Research houses quoted in the media in September mostly expected a hold. Any change would flow through to floating-rate home loans; our fixed vs flexi home loan guide shows how much a 0.25 point move changes a typical instalment.