Nga Kor Ming: Affordable housing remains priority for Malaysian government policy

The human factor and the provision of housing must remain the fundamental principles of urbanization, Nga Kor Ming, Malaysia's Minister of Housing and Local Government and current President of the UN-Habitat Assembly said, Report informs.

According to him, the construction of affordable and accessible housing is a priority area of ​​state policy.

"In Malaysia, 77% of citizens are homeowners. Our government continues to build new residential buildings. In particular, various projects are being implemented to provide housing for low-income families," the minister noted at the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments within WUF13 in Baku.

Nga Kor Ming emphasized that the agenda also includes initiatives to improve the social and economic well-being of the elderly, as well as the introduction of preferential lending mechanisms for first-time homebuyers.

"One of the main tasks of governments is to improve the standard of living of citizens and ensure access to basic services. In this context, municipalities and local governments play a special role," he said.

The minister also addressed environmental sustainability. He stated that it is necessary to expand the use of solar energy in the residential sector, as well as develop high-quality residential spaces and parks.

"Along with this, climate change and geopolitical processes must be considered as key factors influencing urban development policy," Nga Kor Ming added.