Inherited Land

Inherited land often stays undeveloped for years because the estate was never distributed, the title still carries the deceased's name, or there are many heirs who cannot agree. Before any development, sale or JV, the land usually has to be distributed to the rightful heirs first.

For a small estate (a total value of not more than RM5 million, and for non-Muslims without a will), the application goes to the estate distribution unit of JKPTG under the Small Estates (Distribution) Act 1955. After the hearing it issues a distribution order and, where needed, letters of administration (surat kuasa mentadbir), which authorise a person to administer the estate. For Muslim estates the shares follow faraid.

This category walks you through that process, explains how families with many heirs can reach a decision together, and shows what a developer needs to see before preparing a feasibility report on the land.