Kuala lumpur: Providing homeownership assistance, particularly for youths and gig workers, is among the key priorities of the National Housing Policy (DRN) 2026-2035, ensuring greater access to affordable housing.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Deputy Secretary-General (Housing and Urban Wellbeing) Zulkeflee Sulaiman stated that the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) was among the mechanisms available to help first-time homebuyers without a fixed income or payslips. The Government acts as a guarantor through participating banks to enable gig workers who do not have payslips to secure housing loans.
Zulkeflee emphasized the Government's commitment to ensuring that young people aspiring to own their first home are not left behind. This statement was made during his appearance on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme.
Launched by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming on August 10, the DRN 2026-2035 outlines the direction for the national housing sector over the next decade, encompassing six focus areas, 17 strategies, and 59 action plans. Zulkeflee also mentioned that the policy includes measures to address strata management issues, with amendments to the Strata Management Act 2013 expected to be proposed to the Government next year before being tabled in Parliament.
In addition, KPKT Housing Planning Division undersecretary J. Murali noted that the ministry is refining the national affordable housing guidelines, with location being a factor in determining prices. He highlighted that setting RM300,000 as a nationwide benchmark might not be suitable, as affordability and market conditions vary between areas like Kuala Lumpur and states such as Perlis, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Murali stated that the ministry is considering tenant welfare despite the country's 76 per cent homeownership rate. Consequently, a Residential Tenancy Act is expected to be introduced to provide clearer protection for tenants while safeguarding property owners' interests.
Murali further explained that the DRN 2026-2035 involves drafting three new pieces of legislation: the Property Development Act, Building Managers Act, and Residential Tenancy Act, along with amendments to the Strata Management Act 2013.