Housing strategies in Malaysia: a review

Abstract

Malaysia has experienced rapid urban growth since the 1950’s. This phenomenon has been influenced by population increase and other activities . Now about 65% of the total population is concentrated in urban centres in Peninsular Malaysia including Kuala Lumpur, Penang and several other principal towns. Rural-urban migration is also contributing towards such urban growth. However, the pressure of urban population on the urban centres has caused several housing problems. The need for housing has been recognised by public and private agencies. Though some houses have been provided by private agencies, they are beyond the reach of the lower income group. Concerted efforts have been emphasized by the public agencies, by providing more low cost houses in particular, since this category of housing is in great demand. Other facilities, subsidies and incentives have also been initiated by the public agencies in an attempt to reduce the housing problems.