Public housing needs reform to prevent social decline

Social and economic challenges: PPR Pantai Ria, Kuala Lumpur. Public housing policy must move beyond the provision of housing and focus on building safe, resilient and inclusive communities. — Filepic

THE findings of Think City’s recent report, “From Roof to Resilience: A Social Assessment of Malaysia’s Public Housing”, highlight growing social and economic challenges within Malaysia’s public housing communities.

Malaysia’s public housing programme has been crucial in reducing urban poverty and improving access to basic amenities. However, the report suggests that while the country has largely succeeded in providing physical shelter, many public housing schemes are now struggling with deeper social issues that threaten the well-being and future prospects of residents.