{
  "id": 17032178,
  "title": "Putting people at the centre with homes that protect, connect and enable — Srinivasa Popuri",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/putting-people-at-the-centre-with-homes-that-protect-connect-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T08:28:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2026/10/29/putting-people-at-the-centre-with-homes-that-protect-connect-and-enable-srinivasa-popuri/241130"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Having a decent roof over your head is about more than just comfort, it is a matter of survival and opportunity. Adequate housing determines whether a family loses their life savings during the monsoon season or whether a wage worker can commute to work without spending hours in traffic. Over the past few decades, Malaysia has made significant progress in ensuring access to affordable housing, reaching over 511,000 units under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan. This expansion is the result of large-scale public housing programs, urban upgrading efforts, and investments in infrastructure. However, as rapid urbanization, changing demographics, rising living costs, and climate-related risks continue to evolve, the definition of a safe, affordable, and resilient home has become increasingly important. Malaysia recognizes the need for housing that not only provides shelter but also supports a decent quality of life. The country's National Housing Policy 2026-2035 emphasizes affordability, targeted housing supply, better data systems, integration of housing and transport planning, and a formal rental ecosystem. This shift in focus recognizes that housing is not just about construction, but also about urban liveability, inclusion, and long-term resilience. As Malaysia takes on the Presidency of the UN-Habitat Assembly for 2025-2027, it is actively shaping global commitments into practical local plans. Through initiatives such as Voluntary Local Reviews and Voluntary Subnational Reviews, Malaysian local authorities use these assessments to plan with real evidence, engage diverse voices in decision-making, and learn from other cities facing similar challenges. By focusing on the interconnected needs of residents, such as access to transportation, clean water, parks, and job opportunities, Malaysia is fostering communities that are not only safe and affordable but also connected and resilient. This approach aligns with the UN-Habitat's vision of turning global commitments into local action, ultimately creating a future where every Malaysian has a home that is dignified, safe, and conducive to a thriving life.",
  "summary": "OCTOBER 29 — Having a decent roof over your head isn’t just about comfort, it is about survival and opportun...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "Transitioning from mere construction to integrated urban planning allows Malaysia to address the complex intersections of climate resilience, transportation, and social inclusion within its national housing strategy.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}