UNDER current Perak state housing policy, 5% of the Perakku housing project (affordable housing) units are specifically allocated for vulnerable groups, including the elderly.
State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said the category also included persons with disability, single mothers, and youth.
She said the initiative was part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen social equity in home ownership.
“The government acknowledges that Perak is expected to become the first ageing state in Malaysia by 2030, therefore strategic and comprehensive approaches are being implemented to ensure our housing and surrounding environments are prepared.”
Ng said this when replying to a question from Wong May Ing (PH-Pantai Remis) at the Perak State Assembly in Ipoh yesterday.
Wong had asked about the state’s strategy to ensure there was sufficient housing in Perak for the increasing elderly population and what efforts were being made to ensure that housing designs and facilities within residential areas met elderly needs.
A senior citizens well-being programme had been established, Ng said, which was a cross-sector engagement platform bringing together local authorities, technical agencies, non-governmental organisations, and industry players.
“Through this programme, various aspects have been identified and discussed.
“This includes the housing and support facility needs of senior citizens, the need for safer, more accessible housing designs suitable for limited mobility, and opportunities for developing socially inclusive and elderly-friendly communities.
“This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to mainstreaming elderly needs into housing policy, and to building a foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable living environment for all,” she added.
Ng said the state government also emphasised the importance of design in housing and public facilities with elements such as barrier-free access, safety, mobility convenience, and comfort for all including the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and families with young children.
“We view the development of age-friendly housing not merely as a social need but also as a new economic potential.
“Therefore, the government’s approach is not limited to enforcement, but also includes market awareness and education,” she elaborated.
Ng said local authorities would be given strategic roles in incorporating age-friendly elements into planning and development approval processes, emphasising safety, accessibility and social interaction as core criteria.
She said with a combination of incentives, transparent ratings and proven market references, the state government was confident that more developers would be motivated to provide property developments that would be suited for an ageing society.
