The Strata Management Act 2013 created standardized statutory by-laws for strata schemes in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, which generally override conflicting clauses in older Deeds of Mutual Covenant (DMCs). The Act provides a common legal baseline for issues like pets, parking, renovation rules and voting procedures, reducing ambiguity that previously depended on each developer’s DMC. Non-conflicting DMC clauses can remain effective, and management corporations may adopt additional rules via proper resolutions so long as they don’t contradict the Act. The Act’s clarity helps streamline disputes (often resolved at the Strata Management Tribunal) and lowers transactional friction, but owners should still check their building’s registered by-laws for specific provisions and consult the MC, JMB or a strata lawyer when unsure. The Act applies only to Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan; Sabah and Sarawak use different frameworks
What the Strata Management Act 2013 Means for Your Building’s By-Laws
