OK. I think a lot of people do not understand the differences between Malay Reserve and Bumi lot. These are two distinctly different types of properties.

Malay Reserve land is actually provided for under the National Land Code. These land are specifically for MALAYS, not bumiputera as there are many types of bumis in Malaysia. Once a land is gazetted as Malay Reserve, then it is virtually impossible to convert to an "international" title UNLESS a similar piece of land (international lot) with similar value can be provided for in exchange to convert this land to unrestricted (this is provided for under NLC). Malay Reserve land has too many restriction and hence is very reduced in value. The best example as shown by TS is Kampung Baru where if it has been international, it would be a massive gold mine. Development built on Malay Reserve can only be sold to Malay and hence it might be difficult to garner any impressive values. In future these properties can only be sold to Malay. With so much restriction, it is very often that most people are reluctant to develop Malay Reserve land. I have done it once before and completely failed at Exco level 3 times even though I personally appeal the entire Exco and MB. Apparently it was a lot easier done more than 10 years ago than it is now.

Bumi lot is NOT provided for under National Land Code. There is no specific section in dealing with it. That's why I find it interesting that a land title can be chopped Bumiputera Lot but yet can easily be converted to non-bumi as long as MB signs the approval. In order to convert to non-bumi, you need to advertise in the newspaper for no less than 3 times within 3 months and that there is no interested parties EVEN at a reduced price. Conversion can be done at land office but seriously, I have never attempted to do it myself. I normally used a runner and so far it has been 100% foolproof. The fastest approval is 3 months to my longest is 18 months. My rate of success so far is 100% and I have done over 30 conversions. So I believe conversion should be easy and on hand I am still waiting for approval for 2 properties purchased in March 2012. Do not ask me for my contact for lawyers or runners as they prefer to do business with people there are familiar with. My apologies.

Thanks for this valuable information.

I am dealing with one bumi lot now. The Malay bought the house form Chinese owner 4 year ago. Do you think chances is high to buy successful buy this?

A lot of the titles would state that once a bumi has bought the house, it would automatically revert to bumi status. It would be good if the title is silent on that. If it is silent, then it should be international lot. If it is bumi lot, you need to apply for consent to convert the title.

Thanks Man. How do check it is international lot or bumi lot? refer to strata title?

Can avoid then avoid ...

they r lucky to buy at cheap price and discounted price!!

Yes should be stated in strata title.

i consider this racist thread...

I am in the midst of buying a property which is stated as Malay Reserve Land. It is a sub sale buy from a Chinese owner. Although transfer to non-bumi to non-bumi can be done but securing a loan for these type of property is difficult.

Currently, we are trying to get loans from some banks for the property, we realized that banks such as Standard Chartered, Public Bank and Hong Leong Bank do not offer loans to such properties...

So to future buyers, please state to the bank beforehand if you are buying a Malay Reserve Land, whether they offer loans to such property.

MRL, the owner can change ownership from malay to non malay (subject u can get consent from developer i think) but title of the land cannot be amend?

How to check whether the land is Malay reserved land or not? because developer normally put the land status as Freehold if it's a JV project. Do we need to go to land office everytime before purchasing a property?