Courtesy Visit to JPPH Director General to Address Valuation Data Accessibility

Our Group Managing Director, Sr Firdaus Musa, in his capacity as the Honorary Secretary of the Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector Malaysia (PEPS), recently joined the courtesy visit to the Director General of the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH), YBhg Datuk Azmi Ibrahim, to discuss key issues concerning data accessibility and information sharing between JPPH and the valuation fraternity.

The meeting, attended by PEPS representatives and senior officers from JPPH, focused on the limitations and challenges faced by valuers following the recent exclusion of key transactional data fields — particularly details such as no of rooms and floor area — from the datasets provided by JPPH. The valuers expressed that the removal of these critical identifiers has impeded their ability to conduct comprehensive analysis, verify comparables, and ensure accuracy in valuation reports.

During the discussion, Sr Firdaus Musa and the PEPS delegation conveyed that while valuers fully respect data protection regulations, access to verified and complete transactional data is fundamental for maintaining transparency, credibility, and accuracy in professional valuation work. Without full data disclosure, the risk of inconsistencies or incomplete market analysis may increase, ultimately affecting stakeholders who depend on reliable property valuations.

In response, Datuk Azmi Ibrahim acknowledged the concerns raised and assured that JPPH takes note of the industry’s feedback. He further shared that JPPH faces legal constraints arising from past instances where the department was named in court proceedings, as some valuers had cited JPPH data as a basis for their valuations. Although JPPH has always included a disclaimer clause stating that data usage and reliance are at the valuer’s own responsibility, the department continues to face potential legal exposure — which has prompted a more cautious approach to data sharing.

The meeting concluded on a positive and constructive note, with both PEPS and JPPH reaffirming their shared goal of ensuring a transparent, professional, and sustainable valuation ecosystem. Moving forward, further engagements and discussions are expected to explore balanced solutions that protect JPPH’s legal position while enabling valuers to perform their duties effectively and with confidence.