THE LOW-MIDDLE INCOME HOUSING CHALLENGES IN MALAYSIA

Homeownership is recognised as one of human needs. However, in the 21st century, homeownership remained as one of the greatest challenges in most developing countries, and Malaysia is no exception. Housing for everyone remained an issue in Malaysia. Homeownership for the low to medium income group (LMIG) is getting difficult overtime. Questions raised on the competency of the existing housing policy in catering the uprising needs to house the LMIG. This study aims to explore the challenges within the housing policy and its implementation, and to identify ways to overcome those challenges. Opinions from four major stakeholders in the housing sector; the federal government, the state government, non-governmental organisations, and academicians were solicit using focus group interviews protocol. The results point-out three major concerns- 1) loose connection between the federal and state government, 2) mismatched of housing policy, and 3) inadequacy of financial system and poor demographic profile. Subsequently, four alternatives were proposed to address the issues raised- 1) one-stop center that operates above the differences between the governments, 2) establishes the social infrastructures before Affordable Housing in sub-urban/rural area is approved, 3) government’s active interventions on affordable house pricing, and 4) public awareness on homeownership through education.