A Comprehensive Smart Home Legal Framework In Malaysia: A Necessity

Abstract

Smart Home is focusing on wellbeing, security and ease with the integration of innovative technology assistance. Life is expected to be easier, simpler and more convenient with embedded system in a home through the installation of advance and complete technologies, particularly to the high-tech lovers, middle and high class families, people with frantic lifestyles, pro-technology, developers, suppliers and youth. Hence, a comprehensive Smart Home legal framework is required. This paper is intended to discuss the amendments needed to the housing development law. This article adopts socio legal research whereby statutory provision is analysed corroborated with the view of experts conducted during interview. The legal doctrinal analysis was used to analyse the statutory provisions for example Malaysia housing statutes, codes, and guidelines. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data is gathered from the interviews with 13 experts in the aspect of smart home. The experts consist of officers and professionals from various organizations both in public and private sector. The findings show that amendment and improvement to the following statutes and regulations is needed i.e. the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 and its Regulation, the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 176) and States’ Planning Control Rules.