The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is encouraging the development of more affordable homes near public transport facilities and employment centres to improve daily mobility, ease commuting burdens and enhance quality of life.
Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming said housing developments must be strategically planned to ensure that people not only own affordable homes but also enjoy better access to jobs, essential amenities and community services.
“Under the Malaysia MADANI framework, a home is more than a commodity. It is a basic necessity that forms the foundation of people’s well-being. Housing development must therefore prioritise people’s needs, taking into account access to public transport, employment opportunities, green spaces, and safe and conducive community facilities,” he said.
Nga, who is also President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, said the MADANI Government aims to deliver one million affordable homes between 2026 and 2035, with a target of 500,000 units by 2030.
“Efforts to expand access to homeownership are also supported by various government initiatives, including stamp duty incentives, the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) and rent-to-own arrangements. These initiatives aim to help first-time homebuyers, particularly self-employed individuals and gig workers who may face challenges in obtaining financing and raising a down payment,” he said.
Through the IPOH Accord, finalised during the Fourth ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH), Malaysia has also strengthened its commitment to energy-efficient and climate-responsive housing development.
He reaffirmed this commitment in his keynote address at the National World Habitat Day 2026 Celebration, held in conjunction with the UN-Habitat Gala Dinner in Putrajaya this evening. Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from 28 countries also attended the event.
This year’s World Habitat Day celebration carries the national theme “The Future City I Want to Live In”, reflecting aspirations to develop cities that take into account climate change, cultural heritage, development experience and the diversity of Malaysian society.
Elaborating on future urban development, Nga stressed that progress must go hand in hand with efforts to preserve the nation’s heritage and identity.
“We must embrace the new while preserving the old. Building the cities of the future does not mean setting aside our heritage and history. Instead, the wisdom of traditional design can be combined with modern technology to create homes that are more comfortable and resilient to hot weather and flood risks.
“For example, traditional Malay houses feature raised structures that take water levels into account, openings that encourage natural ventilation, and verandas that strengthen neighbourly ties and social connections. These features can inspire the design of modern homes that are better suited to the local climate,” he said.
At the event, Nga also presented the Malaysia Scroll of Honour Awards 2026 and the MUF Future Cities Pilot Project Awards 2026, recognising contributions by various parties towards improving urban well-being.
He also called on 156 local authorities, developers and urban planners to strengthen residents’ participation in development planning, taking into account the needs of all groups, including children, women, persons with disabilities and older persons.
World Habitat Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise global awareness of everyone’s right to adequate shelter. This year’s global celebration is centred in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, focusing on the connections between housing, climate, water resources, culture and construction innovation.
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