Elderly-friendly public housing vital for an ageing population - Experts

KUALA LUMPUR - Many studies and research have been conducted, including by the academia, on the sustainability, liveability and quality of life of residents at the People’s Housing Project (PPR).

The media has also been proactive in reporting various emerging issues and problems that have been plaguing the government housing projects developed over the past five decades. However, most of the issues highlighted were focused on children and teenagers.

At the same time, some reports have also questioned the readiness of the government’s public housing in providing comfortable and elderly-friendly accommodations, given that Malaysia is set to become an ageing nation by 2030.

The Statistics Department, in its 2022 report, has forecast that Malaysia will become an ageing nation by 2030, with citizens aged over 60 making up 15.3 per cent of the total population.

The report also shows that the percentage of residents aged 65 and older (old age) increased from 7.0 per cent to 7.3 per cent over the same period, and based on the United Nations definition, Malaysia has already become an ageing nation.

According to the latest research, it is estimated that there are 3.8 million people aged 60 and over, comprising 11.3 per cent of Malaysia's population. This number is expected to increase to 8.2 million people, or 19 per cent of the population, in the next 20 years.

With only six years left, experts believe that the government needs to make improvements to address the increasing ageing phenomenon in the country, especially for the well-being of elderly residents in PPR homes.

NO LONGER CONDUCIVE

A lecturer at the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Ar IDr Mohd Azli Mohamad Jamil, said that most PPRs built over the last five decades are no longer conducive for habitation, especially for the elderly.

According to him, this is because the PPRs do not meet the needs of elderly residents, thus posing significant challenges to the government in providing comfortable and safe housing for them.

"Most of these PPRs are dilapidated, no longer in good condition, and may negatively affect the quality of life of their residents. These include issues such as poor air circulation, deplorable physical conditions including outdated and damaged elevators and facilities, as well as the lack of regular maintenance practices.

"Furthermore, the design, size, and environment of these old PPRs may not be suitable for the needs of elderly residents," he told Bernama.

He said that although the government's initiative to provide housing for the underprivileged community is the best effort, follow-up steps need to be taken to address concerns as most of these PPRs are now old buildings.

"We also cannot rule out the possibility that the dilapidated condition of these PPRs could raise questions about whether they are still habitable, especially for the elderly.

"This is because the elderly often face various constraints, including in their physical mobility, access to facilities, and healthcare, so these aspects need to be factored in to improve this housing scheme,” he said.

PPR is a government housing programme for the relocation of eligible squatters and to meet the housing needs of the low-income group (B40).

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), in a statement on March 28 last year, said since the onset of the housing programme in 1982, a total of 159 PPRs comprising 99,296 housing units have been completed nationwide, while another 27 PPRs involving 12,037 housing units are being built or planned for construction.

In the early stages of implementation, the PPRs were considered cramped with limited space, in addition to low construction standards and the absence of regular maintenance practices.

COMPREHENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS

Elaborating further, Azli said that while the government is currently focusing on developing new government projects, it should however not lose sight of existing housing schemes.

He said if the situation persists, it will create a disparity between new and old PPR buildings.

"Rather than just building houses, prioritise the development of the entire PPR community, including the ageing population, while investing in the refurbishment of these dilapidated housing projects to improve conditions and extend their lifespan.

"The government also needs to allocate sufficient and consistent funding for maintenance to ensure that PPR housing meets its goals and purposes, which are comfortable and safe, especially for senior citizens," he said.

Among the features to be provided include wider door thresholds, non-slip floors, grab bars in bathrooms, adequate lighting, and the development of emergency call systems.

Last year. KPKT also announced that new PPR development projects must meet five important criteria: liveability, accessibility, sustainability, good quality, and a strong community. Its minister, Nga Kor Ming, said these new criteria are important for creating a conducive and comfortable living environment for residents, especially children and teenagers.

According to Azli, proactive steps can be taken by the government to resolve the issue of dilapidated PPRs through the introduction of a new housing policy that is more inclusive and holistic.

He said this is to improve the overall quality life for the people in tandem with preparations toward ageing nation status, with only six years remaining.

"The new housing policy, especially as Malaysia reaches the status of an ageing nation, is highly relevant. A more comprehensive approach is needed to enhance the well-being of the people.

"This includes adopting a lifespan approach to PPR housing by considering the needs of individuals and families (among PPR residents) that evolve with age, from young to old, based on the design of houses being developed,” he said.

IMPROVE PPR QUALITY

Sharing similar sentiments, Associate Professor Dr Md Asrul Nasid Masrom, Deputy Dean (Research, Development, and Publication), Faculty of Technology Management and Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), said residents would feel comfortable and safe if the government provides high-quality housing.

Therefore, he said, the government must play a role in guiding and driving the national housing sector by emphasising systematic planning, development, and management of housing.

"However, many issues are often highlighted, particularly related to the comfort level of residents and the facilities provided under PPR development. This situation somewhat reflects the actual condition and the quality of the facilities provided, which are at a low level.

"This clearly shows that most of the existing PPR facilities are in poor condition and insufficient to support the basic needs of the residents," he said.

Asrul said a study conducted earlier showed that residents of several PPRs in the Klang Valley were faced with low-quality facilities including unclean conditions, leakage problems as well as stairs without handrails, which made movements difficult especially for the elderly.

Therefore, he said, the importance of addressing issues related to housing facilities must be emphasised to meet the needs of the residents, thereby providing them with comfort.

"A proactive approach is needed as a comprehensive solution. Relevant parties, including the government and residents, need to be aware of how to address the emerging issues.

"As PPR residents, they themselves need to reflect and ask what they should do to achieve a better life," he added. - BERNAMA