Kuala Lumpur: Resembling haunted houses from horror films, abandoned buildings-from stalled projects to neglected heritage sites-are a familiar sight across Malaysia. Overrun by thick bushes-with some even sprouting trees from within-these abandoned buildings are more than just eyesores. They pose serious risks to nearby communities, serving as breeding grounds for diseases like dengue and attracting dangerous animals such as snakes. Additionally, such buildings may become hotspots for immoral activities or drug abuse. Describing the issue as long-standing, experts believe it is time to resolve the problem, especially as Malaysia actively prepares for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Associate Professor Dr. Norwati Jamaluddin from the Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), emphasized that abandoned buildings-whether unfinished development projects or heritage sites-should not be left to deteriorate. She noted that these neglected structures pose safety risks to the community and spoil the visual appeal of their surroundings. 'Besides their dilapidated appearance, abandoned premises often create hazardous environments, with risks such as collapsing structures due to lack of maintenance. They also tend to attract irresponsible individuals who engage in immoral activities such as vandalism, drug use, and other crimes, leading to public unrest in the area,' she told Bernama.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, was previously reported as saying that a total of 48 abandoned premises and buildings had been identified around the capital as of February 20 this year. She said that, according to the latest records from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), 25 of them were residential buildings, while the remaining 23 were commercial premises. She added that abandoned buildings are not limited to suburban areas but are also found in high-value commercial areas in the city centre, such as Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu, and Jalan Gombak.
According to the National Housing Department, as of May 31, there are 17 static-category abandoned private housing projects nationwide-some dating back to 1989. The department also noted that 45 other projects are in the process of being revived. Apart from private commercial and residential properties, abandoned government-owned premises also contribute to the problem-such as the heritage-status Federal Court building opposite Dataran Merdeka, reported to be abandoned in January.
Norwati stressed that abandoned properties drag down surrounding property values and can become an economic burden for agencies, including local authorities. 'Foreign journal reports show that such abandoned properties can reduce the value of surrounding real estate by 6.5 per cent to 20 per cent. They also burden local councils through lost tax revenue and increased maintenance, restoration, and enforcement costs,' she added.
Meanwhile, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Ar Nasrudin Sharkawi, said the glut of abandoned buildings raises concerns over urban planning, property values, and sustainability in the construction sector. He acknowledged that such stalled projects reflect failures in coordination and implementation within Malaysia's construction industry. 'There are several contributing factors-including impractical designs that ignore local context, resulting in projects failing to attract buyers or tenants even after completion,' he noted.
Nasrudin called for an integrated, holistic approach from relevant agencies to address the root causes of abandoned buildings. He urged the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), state governments, and local authorities to collaborate on a centralised database listing all abandoned buildings and stalled projects. This database should be regularly updated and made accessible to relevant agencies for planning and redevelopment purposes. 'A full audit of each building should also be conducted-assessing the extent of damage, ownership status, and potential for adaptive reuse. Buildings should be categorised for repair, reuse, or controlled demolition,' he said.
Nasrudin also suggested that local councils could impose penalties on owners who leave buildings abandoned and hazardous to public safety. 'Owners must understand that neglecting buildings for too long negatively affects property value, public safety, and the image of the area. In the meantime, interim use can be considered-such as leasing the space temporarily for storage, pop-up shops, art studios, or exhibitions. This could help curb the spread of abandonment,' he added.