Understanding Property Lot Types in Malaysia: Bumiputera Lot, Non-Bumi Lot, and Malay Reserve Explained

Basically, property lots are divided into 3 types: Bumiputera Lot, Non-Bumi Lot, and Malay Reserve (Rezab Melayu) Lot. These property lot types determine who can buy and own the property.

What is Bumiputera Lot?

A property lot with Bumiputera status can only be bought, transferred, and owned by Bumiputeras. Bumiputeras typically include Malays, but it's not limited to Malays only. Based on "PEKELILING PEJABAT PENGARAH TANAH DAN GALIAN JOHOR BIL 3/2008. KAJIAN SEMULA SYARAT MEMBELI LOT BUMIPUTERA. Fail: Bil (4) dlm PTG (AM 299 Jld 1 /PTG48/73-25), dated 14 May 2008," the following are eligible to buy/own Bumiputera status properties, and they must also be Malaysian citizens:

  • Peninsular Malaysia Orang Asli, which includes Negrito, Senoi, and Proto Malays.
  • Malays.
  • Bumiputeras from Sabah and Sarawak, which include various indigenous ethnic groups.
    • Sarawak: Bukitan, Bisayah, Dusun, Dayak Laut, Dayak Darat, Kedayan, Kalabit, Kayan, Kenyah (include Sabup and Sipeng), Kajang (termasuk Sekapan, Kejaman, Lahanan, Punan, Tanjong dan Kanowit), Lugat Lisum, Melayu, Melano, Murut, Penan, Sian, Tagal, Tabun and Ukit
    • Sabah: Kadazan, Bajau Darat, Bajau Laut, Dumpas, Dusun, Idahan, Ilanun, Kwijau, Murut, Mangka'an, Maragang, Minokok, Lotud, Lun Dayeh, Bisayah, Kedayan, Orang Sungai, Pulau Cocos, Paitan, Rumanau, Rungus, Suang Latut, Sino - Native, Sulu, Tambanuo, Tidong and Brunei
  • Exceptions can be given to those who are married to Orang Asli, Sabah and Sarawak natives.
  • India Muslims.
  • Malbari. 
  • Syed/Sheikh/Sharifah/Siti.
  • Converts (Mualaf) married to Mualaf (with certain conditions and additional documents required). 

However, under certain circumstances, Bumiputera status properties can be converted to Non-Bumi Lot and transferred to non-Bumiputera individuals.

What is Non-Bumi Lot?

A Non-Bumi Lot means that the property or land can be owned by all Malaysian citizens, whether Bumiputera or non-Bumiputera. It is open to everyone.

What is Malay Reserve (Rezab Melayu) Lot?

A property or house with Malay Reserve status can only be owned by Malay Muslims. Orang Asli from Sabah and Sarawak, as well as non-Malay Muslims, cannot own properties with Malay Reserve status.

Information about the status of residential land lots can be found in the house title deed (geran rumah).