Understanding Housing Challenges and Needs in Malaysia: Implications for Inclusive Housing Policy

Abstract

Housing should be accessible to all, regardless of their social background. Nevertheless, it was argued that the current housing initiatives did not reflect their housing needs and that more housing awareness was needed among the people. Hence, this study investigates the housing awareness and needs of underprivileged groups living in urban areas. A focus group discussion with ten (10) informants from low-cost public housing in Kampung Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was conducted in a separate session to validate the housing issues and needs facing them using the inductive approach of Behavioural Insights (PRIME Framework) as proposed by the Malaysian Productivity Corporation (2021). The data is also collected via focus group discussions (FGDs) with five (5) experts from the academic area, property, local authority, Ministry, and non-governmental organisations to understand the provision and housing issues in Malaysia. The study's findings reveal that people aspire to own a house, but the current housing practice does not support them. Even though housing is the basic need of all citizens, and everyone should have equal access to adequate and suitable housing as outlined in the human rights principles, the current housing policy in Malaysia has yet to fulfil this role. Findings from the need-based analysis and valuable input from stakeholders should be consolidated to ensure effective interventions are implemented at the earliest possible.