Malaysia to build one million affordable homes and expand social assistance
The Vibes, 31 July 2025
To support home ownership among low- and middle-income Malaysians, the Government will also expand initiatives such as the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme - July 31, 2025
MALAYSIA will construct one million affordable homes between 2026 and 2035 as part of its national strategy to improve access to safe, dignified housing for citizens across income levels, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced during the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) in Parliament on Thursday.
“This commitment is already being realised through various housing schemes under Residensi Madani, public sector housing, new home assistance grants, and affordable housing programmes driven by state governments and private developers,” he said.
To support home ownership among low- and middle-income Malaysians, the Government will also expand initiatives such as the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme. Anwar added that embracing construction technologies like the Industrialised Building System and Building Integrated Management would accelerate delivery timelines and reduce building costs for both public and private housing developments.
He also cited the Kota Madani project in Putrajaya—a government-private sector partnership—as a model for future developments.
“This concept of ‘Umran Hadhari’ ensures that people are not just given a place to live, but a community built around values—where progress meets ethics, modernity blends with morals, and technology is aligned with humanity,” he said.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, confirmed that key social welfare programmes will continue under RMK13, including the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA). These schemes are designed to help lower-income families meet essential daily needs.
The Payung Rahmah initiative will also be expanded through efforts such as the Rahmah Sales programme, affordable food menus, community cafés, and basic food aid packages.
“Other components, such as the Rahmah Package for internet services and affordable insurance and takaful, will also be sustained,” Anwar added. The Government will maintain subsidised public transport fares, including monthly travel passes and special concessions for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, as well as air travel subsidies for student passengers.
In the social cohesion sphere, programmes like the Kembara Perpaduan Malaysia will continue to foster national unity by promoting cross-cultural understanding and shared values through education and open dialogue.
“The Harmony Charter of Malaysia will be developed to serve as a foundational guide for interfaith and interracial relations in the country,” Anwar said.
He also announced the revival of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN), which will be reformed in line with current realities.
“Our national identity will not be imposed, but nurtured—through understanding and shared purpose,” he said. - July 31, 2025
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