Malaysia's Housing Planning Approval: Rent-seeking Behaviours

Malaysia’s housing planning approval is complex.  The involvement of various staff of approving agencies provides ample opportunities for rent-seeking behaviours.  The operational definition of rent-seeking behaviours for this research is the act of receiving ‘unearned wages’ (e.g. cash, food treats, etc.) by staff of approving agencies in exchange for privileges (e.g. faster approval, compliance flexibility, etc.) given to developers.  The objective of this paper is to explore the problems in obtaining planning approval and developers’ expectations when giving out rents to staff of approving agencies.  Exploratory sequential mixed method (QUALàquan) was conducted to derive to the solutions.  Lengthy period is the key problem in obtaining planning approval. Receiving sufficient and timely information, reducing unreasonable reviews and comments, reducing poor discretion and expediting appointments with approving officer are the main developers’ expectations when giving out rents as a last recourse to provide the solution to the problem in obtaining planning approval.