Watch the video here (Interview starts at 8:38)
Produced by Astro Awani
Lillian Wee, researcher from REFSA says one way to address Malaysia’s housing affordability issue is by providing more policy support for the rental market.
Summary
Housing should be a fundamental right regardless of one’s economic or social status, both with or without the pandemic, whether it be homeownership or rental.
In an interview with Astro Awani, REFSA Researcher Lillian Wee shares how the government can strengthen and protect the rental market through various policy measures.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, assistance should be given to renters in the form of grants and rent moratoriums to help home dwellers of various income groups to weather through the pandemic and ensure that every one has a roof over their heads.
In the long term, the government can look into strengthening the rental market by providing monetary assistance to renters; implementing a more comprehensive Tenancy Act; address increasing housing prices by imposing stricter conditions to developers; and requiring developers to reinvest profit to build more affordable housing with holistic amenities and areas where there is a demand for.
Watch the video here (Interview starts at 8:38)