No payslip, no problem? New housing policy targets gig workers

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 — Affordable housing accessibility, particularly for young individuals and gig workers, is a key focus of the National Housing Policy (DRN) 2026-2035, according to Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), Zulkeflee Sulaiman. The Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) is one of the mechanisms available to assist first-time homebuyers without a fixed income or payslips.

The Government intends to ensure young people who aspire to own a home are not overlooked, Zulkeflee stated during a guest appearance on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara program.

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. The policy was launched by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming on Aug 10. Zulkeflee highlighted that the DRN also addresses strata management issues, with expected amendments to the Strata Management Act 2013 to be presented to the Government next year for parliamentary consideration.

J. Murali, undersecretary of KPKT Housing Planning Division, said the ministry is refining the national affordable housing guidelines, taking into account factors like location to determine prices. He noted that setting a nationwide benchmark of RM300,000 might not be suitable, as affordability and market conditions differ between cities such as Kuala Lumpur and states like Perlis, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Murali added that, apart from pricing, the ministry is also addressing tenant welfare. A Residential Tenancy Act is set to be introduced to offer clearer protection for tenants while safeguarding property owners' interests. The DRN 2026-2035 entails the drafting of 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.