Pejabat Tanah Malaysia: Key Functions & When You Need to Visit

For anyone dealing with property or land transactions in Malaysia, the Pejabat Tanah—also known as the Land Office—is a crucial stop. Whether you're applying for a title search, registering a transaction, or submitting a conversion request, the Land Office handles all land-related matters under the National Land Code 1965. This article provides a clear overview of what the Land Office does and when you’ll need to visit it.

What Is the Pejabat Tanah?

The Pejabat Tanah is the government authority responsible for managing land administration within each state or district. Every state has a State Land and Mines Office (PTG – Pejabat Tanah dan Galian) and district-level land offices that operate under it.

Key Services Provided by the Land Office

1. Land Title Search (Carian Rasmi / Persendirian)

To confirm ownership, restrictions, and title status before buying or developing land.

2. Title Transfer (Pindahmilik)

Register change of ownership between buyer and seller. This is done after the Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) and stamp duty process.

3. Lodgement and Withdrawal of Caveats

You can lodge a private caveat to protect your interest as a buyer, or withdraw an expired or resolved caveat.

4. Consent to Transfer / Charge (Kebenaran Pindahmilik / Gadaian)

For leasehold land or land with restrictions in interest, the Land Office must approve any transaction or mortgage.

5. Land Use Conversion (Tukar Syarat)

If you want to change the land from agriculture to industrial, residential, or commercial use, you must apply for conversion through the Land Office.

6. Subdivision and Amalgamation

To split one land title into multiple parcels (subdivision) or combine adjacent lots into one (amalgamation).

7. Collection of Land Tax & Premium

Annual land tax (cukai tanah) and any land premium fees (e.g., for conversion or transfer) are payable here.

8. Issuance of Title Documents

Obtain certified copies, replacement for lost titles, or updated titles after changes in land status or ownership.

When Should You Visit the Pejabat Tanah?

• Before purchasing land — to conduct a title search
• After signing SPA — to register the transfer
• During refinancing — for charge registration
• For development — when applying to subdivide, convert, or vary conditions
• For due diligence — to check for caveats, zoning, or express conditions

Documents Often Needed

• Original land title or copy
• Copy of SPA or loan agreement
• IC or company registration (SSM)
• Application forms (e.g., Borang 14A, 16N)

Start Your Search for Agricultural, Industrial, or Land Investment

• Explore Agricultural and Development Land for Sale
• Browse Industrial Properties in Rural Areas
• See Commercial Assets Supporting Agri-Supply Chains

In short, the Pejabat Tanah is more than just a bureaucracy—it’s the legal gateway to any land ownership or development in Malaysia. Knowing when and why to engage with it can save you time, money, and legal complications.