Root cause approach to explore policy options for improving low-cost housing provision in Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Since 1982, the Malaysian Government and private housing developers have been providing low-cost housing (LCH) yet the scarcity of houses is on the increase. This paper investigates the root cause and explores possible policy options for improving Malaysian LCH provision via an unexplored dimension. First, findings from the oral interviews via qualitative approach were tested and analysed at the quantitative phase. The ‘quantilised findings’ were further validated by the Malaysian LCH policymakers. Findings confirm lax state LCH policy across the states. The study found lack of data sharing, some developers evade construction of LCH, relaxed state policy that allows developers to construct LCH, among others as the root cause of lax state LCH policy. The study proffered some recommendations and this will bring to the front burner new openings such as cumulative ruling, joint task force, among others for further study as part of the theoretical contribution to knowledge advancement.

KEYWORDS:

• Housing developers
• low-cost housing
• low-income earners
• Malaysia
• policy

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by the Universiti Sains Malaysia [1001/PPBGN/816296]. Also, the authors would like to extend appreciation to the reviewers and editor for their comments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Universiti Sains Malaysia [1001/PPBGN/816296]. Also, the authors would like to extend appreciation to the reviewers and editor for their comments. Lastly, special thanks to Elder (Engr.) Austine Ebekozien (Managing Director, Bekos Energy Services Limited, Nigeria) for his support to the lead author's PhD programme.