KUALA LUMPUR: The National House Buyers Association (HBA) has again raised concerns about security and privacy over the government-run Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS), which requires home buyers to provide extensive personal data.

During a virtual discussion between stakeholders sometime ago, concerns were raised by HBA after it was disclosed that data from HIMS was being shared with five government agencies.

Representatives from the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (Rehda), the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents, and Property Managers, and the Malaysian Institute of Architects participated in the virtual discussion chaired by the Bar Council.

Launched in January 2022 by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), HIMS is utilised by developers for acquiring licenses, advertising permits, sales permits, and monitoring projects.

Senior officials from the ministry were not available for comment at press time.

HBA's honorary secretary-general, Datuk Chang Kim Loong, shared the association's concern over how personal information, details, and data of house buyers are filled in and uploaded on the online platform.

Chang told NST Property that he is baffled over the sharing of house buyer data among the five government agencies.

He said that HBA is doubtful of the safety and security of the data stored in the system.

Chang highlighted the potential risks of data breaches and legal complications if the information is exposed, shared, or sold to third parties, including liquidators.

Currently, housing developers are mandated to input the personal details of house buyers into HIMS. The database acts as a centralised platform for managing housing-related processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting transparency.

Meanwhile, according to FMT, the Bar Council had expressed concerns about lawyers being unable to access HIMS, limiting their involvement in the housing sector.

The council emphasised the importance of lawyers' participation in ensuring access to HIMS and justice for all consumers.

Legal expertise in HIMS and conveyancing matters is crucial to maintaining compliance and reducing risks, the council said.

According to FMT, the council also suggested that Rehda seek independent legal advice on compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 to prevent third-party access to personal data from HIMS.

In response, Rehda said that its current concerns revolve around the accuracy of information entered into HIMS and ensuring timely delivery of homes to purchasers.

Rehda believes that HIMS can be further enhanced by the ministry, considering its recent implementation, and suggested granting limited access to other stakeholders, such as lawyers within the system.