A practical guide to amalgamation under Malaysia’s NLC 1965—when it’s allowed, why different states/mukim aren’t, the LO vs RG mix, State Authority sanctions, Form 9C, and SBKS alternatives.
Can You Amalgamate Land Across Different States or Mukim? (NLC 1965 Explained)
Short answer: No. Under the National Land Code 1965 (NLC), you may only amalgamate contiguous lots that are located within the same mukim, town or village. Lots in different mukim (and, a fortiori, different states) cannot be amalgamated under Chapter 3, Part Nine.
When amalgamation is allowed
- Same proprietor & contiguous: The lots must be vested in the same proprietor and be contiguous (each shares at least one common boundary with another).
- Same mukim/town/village: NLC expressly does not authorise amalgamation of lots that are not in the same mukim/town/village.
- General conditions: Conditions for subdivision approval in s136(1) apply mutatis mutandis (planning/authority approvals, consents of chargees/lessees/lien-holders, etc.).
When you need the State Authority’s sanction
Even if the above basics are met, certain cases require State Authority sanction before approval:
- All lots are Land Office titles and the total combined area exceeds 4 hectares.
- Mixed title types (some Registry, some Land Office).
- Dissimilarities among the lots (tenure periods, rent rates, categories of land use, conditions/restrictions). The State Authority will direct the tenure, rent rate, category and conditions to be endorsed on the new title.
Result for mixed LO/RG: If approved, the combined area will be held under a Registry title (or corresponding qualified title). This is reflected again when the new documents of title are prepared.
Application path (Form 9C)
- File Form 9C to the Land Administrator with the prescribed fee.
- Attach plan(s) showing lots to be amalgamated, approvals required under s136, and written consents (e.g., chargee/lessee).
- Processing & decision: The Land Administrator/State Director checks s136 conditions and (if needed) seeks State Authority sanction, then approves or rejects.
Why “different mukim” or “different states” is a blocker
- The NLC’s amalgamation power is confined to lots in the same mukim/town/village. Lots across different mukim fail this statutory requirement.
- Lots in different states are necessarily not in the same mukim/town/village and are kept in different state registers—so they cannot be amalgamated into a single title under Chapter 3. (Inference from s146’s same-mukim rule and state-level registration.)
What if my lots are in different mukim (or across a state boundary)?
You have two practical routes—both stop short of a single, cross-mukim/state title:
- Keep titles separate and manage them under easements/rights-of-way and consistent zoning/uses.
- Consider Surrender & Re-Alienation (SBKS) within the same State to re-constitute land under new titles (especially where you need to harmonise category/conditions). NLC provides SBKS under s203–204 and special provisions s204A–204H; approvals are still State-based.
LO vs RG quick notes
- Approver: If all lots are Land Office titles and combined area =4 ha ? Land Administrator; otherwise ? State Director.
- Mixed LO/RG: State Authority sanction required; combined area typically becomes a Registry title and the SA will direct tenure, rent, category and conditions.
FAQs
Can I amalgamate two adjoining lots in different mukim? No—Chapter 3 does not authorise amalgamation unless the lots are in the same mukim/town/village.
Can I amalgamate land across two states? No—by definition they are not in the same mukim/town/village and are in different state registers. Use separate titles or explore SBKS within a single state.
What form do I use to apply? Form 9C with plan(s), prescribed fee and necessary consents.
