A Realistic Model to Determine Quantitative Housing Needs in Malaysia

A REALISTIC MODEL TO DETERMINE QUANTITATIVE HOUSING NEEDS IN MALAYSIA

Prof. Dr. Noor Sharipah Binti Sutan Sidi

Prof. Madya Dr. Azme Bin Khamis

Prof. Madya Dr. Nazri Mohd. Nawi

Prof. Madya Dr. Nooraini Yusoff

Prof. Dr. Maman Djauhari

Pn. Masitah Binti Zulkepli

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat Johor Darul Takzim

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim

ABSTRACT

Housing needs can be defined as the extent to which the quantity and quality of existing accommodation falls short of that required, to provide each household or person in the population irrespective of the ability to pay or of particular preferences, with accommodation of specified minimum standards (Needleman, L., 1965). The problem of housing overhang in Malaysia in the early 2000s raised the question on the accuracy of the methodology in determining housing needs in the country. In response, this research is aimed at critically analysing the housing needs assessment method towards developing a more realistic model, in determining housing needs. Analyses of the Structure Plan and Local Plan housing sector studies, indicate that Town and Country Planning Department, Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia, has been adopting an almost similar housing needs assessment model as the USAID Model, developed by Struyk (1987).

Based on the analyses, a mathematical model in the form of a computer software support system was proposed:

Housing Needs Household Increase + Normal replacement + Immediate replacement Backlog Vacant units Committed development.

The significance of the computer support system is that it provides town planners with a tool, which is user-friendly, less time consuming, cost saving, more accurate and takes into account local housing conditions in the determination of housing needs. This model however, is only applicable in determining quantitative need, not qualitative housing needs, which requires further research.