KUALA LUMPUR, 06 October 2025 – A new joint survey by Nippon Paint Malaysia and the Malaysian Institute of Property and Facilities Managers (MIPFM) has revealed deep-rooted challenges in Malaysia’s building maintenance practices, with waterproofing failures emerging as the most pressing issue threatening long-term asset integrity and property value.
Conducted in August 2025, the survey gathered insights from building managers, property managers, architects, and facilities professionals responsible for maintaining Malaysia’s residential and commercial assets. The findings paint a sobering picture of a sector still largely driven by a reactive rather than preventive maintenance mindset.
“This survey gives us a clearer picture of the maintenance challenges facing the property industry,” said Haji Ishak Ismail, President of MIPFM. “By identifying these issues early, we can work together with regulators, building owners, and solution providers to strengthen standards and improve long-term asset resilience. Ultimately, proactive maintenance benefits not only buildings, but also owners, investors, and tenants.”
Where the Cracks Appear
More than 40% of respondents said they inspect buildings only once a year, while another 17% do so quarterly, leaving ample room for undetected damage to escalate into costly leaks and structural deterioration.
Waterproofing stood out as a critical and recurring concern:
- 90% reported roof leaks from poor drainage or deteriorated membranes.
- 90% experienced wall seepage and mould formation.
- 70% faced leaks in bathrooms, kitchens, and wet areas, often affecting lower floors.
Despite recognising the risks, many professionals admitted to deferring waterproofing works due to budget constraints, a short-term measure that inevitably leads to higher repair costs, safety hazards, and declining asset value.
Beyond Aesthetic Damage
Waterproofing failures, Nippon Paint warns, are not just cosmetic flaws but financial, structural, and reputational threats. For owners, delayed repairs shorten building lifespans and inflate refurbishment costs. For investors, they erode property value and yield. For tenants, they compromise comfort and safety.
“Waterproofing failures are not minor defects,” said Tay Sze Tuck, General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia. “Addressing them early safeguards both people and property. To remain competitive and attractive to investors, Malaysia must move from short-term fixes to preventive protection.”
The survey also revealed dissatisfaction with current service providers, with a third of professionals saying they were only “moderately satisfied” with vendor performance, suggesting a broader need to raise industry standards and accountability.
Towards Preventive Protection
To help address these systemic issues, Nippon Paint is collaborating with regulators and professional bodies to elevate Malaysia’s refurbishment ecosystem. Through its To Coating & Construction Solutions (TCCS) platform, the company offers integrated waterproofing and repainting systems engineered for Malaysia’s tropical climate.
With over 50 years of local expertise, Nippon Paint’s expanded waterproofing portfolio now covers roofs, wet areas, basements, and water-retaining structures using advanced membrane technologies—NippoSEAL (liquid), NippoGARD (sheet), and NippoCEM (cementitious) systems.
