Kuala Lampur:The National Housing Rental Association (NHRA) has expressed strong support for the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2025-2030. This plan is viewed as a critical advancement toward enhancing responsible business conduct and respect for human rights.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NHRA's chairman, K. Prakash P. Kalivanan, emphasized the relevance of NAPBHR's principles to the housing and rental sectors, particularly concerning workers, migrant workers, minorities, local communities, and groups facing challenges in securing suitable housing.

Malaysia has launched the Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) for Businesses, aligning with its strategy to implement NAPBHR 2025-2030 into tangible actions. Prakash noted that the NHRA sees the drafting of a Residential Tenancy Act as a chance to create a clearer and more equitable framework for both tenants and homeowners, ensuring transparent contracts and protection against unfair practices.

He highlighted that in housing and rental contexts, applying these principles could promote more transparent and responsible practices, including fair tenancy terms, safety, property conditions, and access to complaint and dispute resolution mechanisms. Furthermore, a rights-based approach should consider the legitimate interests of homeowners, such as ensuring rental payments, protection from property damage, and legal recovery of premises.

Prakash also mentioned that both NAPBHR and HRDD underscore the importance of responsibly identifying and managing the impact of economic and business activities on people. He asserted that these principles deserve attention in efforts to create a more inclusive and sustainable residential rental ecosystem.

In conclusion, he stated that tenant protection and homeowner rights should not be perceived as opposing interests, but rather as elements of a balanced and fair rental ecosystem.