Malaysian Housing Research Articles

Feng Shui principles and the Malaysian housing market: what matters in property selection and pricing?

PurposeThis study aims to investigate Feng Shui elements that can influence housing selection and property pricing in the Malaysian housing market.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire encompassing 26 Feng Shui elements, which were shortlisted based on relevant previous studies, was distributed to prospective homebuyers in the Klang Valley region. The elements were inferred and ranked according to frequency, significance and importance scores. Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA tests were used to assess the ratings provided by the different respondent groups, while Spearman's rank correlation tests were utilised to measure the degree of agreement or disagreement among each pair of the ethnic group.FindingsThe results obtained indicate the following as the five most influential elements: orientation, main entrance, street location, house number and living room. Despite a multiethnic and multicultural society in Malaysia, Spearman's rank correlation tests showed that there are no differences in the prioritisation of Feng Shui elements between three distinct ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese and Indian). However, the distribution scores are statistically different between the groups. Comparing income level with Feng Shui inclinations, the three most frequently considered elements across the three income groups consistently include orientation, main entrance and street location.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are expected to provide guidance to property stakeholders (developers, real estate agencies, architects, local authorities) in their future development projects. For homebuyers, this study serves as a property Feng Shui checklist for home selection and investment.Originality/valueThis study explored the association of Feng Shui principles to housing selection and property pricing based on cultural and income factors. These findings provide useful insights for designing and positioning of residential properties in both primary and secondary housing markets in Malaysia and beyond.

Affordable retrofitting methods to achieve thermal comfort for a terrace house in Malaysia with a hot–humid climate

Although various cooling approaches have been proposed to overcome the thermal discomfort in residential buildings, tropical developing countries still lack affordable and effective retrofitting methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an affordable retrofitting method with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) nets as roof covers for shading over the roof, supported by full day free-running ventilation, and heat insulation above the ceiling of residential buildings in hot–humid climate regions to overcome the thermal discomfort. Field measurements were carried out in a corner terrace house in Malaysia, from September to December 2018. The roof cover with HDPE nets maintained a consistent surface temperature at the roof tiles and reduced the convective heat flux by approximately 70–80% in the attic and 88% in the room. Further, it improved the compliance (acceptability: 80%) of the whole-day mean operative temperature in the room (hot–humid climate) by 10%. The roof cover can effectively provide thermal comfort in residential buildings in Malaysia, which has a hot–humid climate. Alongside active cooling with the ceiling fan, required comfortable indoor temperature can be reached under the hot–humid climate, particularly during the night-time. Furthermore, the zero-energy-consuming, low-cost low-technology roof cover method is very suitable for low-cost houses with roof tile in hot–humid climate regions.

Requirement of Outdoor Water Filtration System

Presently, outdoor water filtration (OWF) system becomes one of home appliances that is a must-have for every house in Malaysia. Even though the tap water is a guarantee can be consumed directly, Malaysians still need the appliances. These home appliances become popular nowadays, however the requirement of the OWF is never determined. This study focuses on OWF system which improves quality of water from the plant treatment at point of entry before it gets to consumers. The purpose of this study was to understand qualitatively the requirement of OWF system through awareness of the consumers. In addition, residual chlorine was also measured to determine the performance of the system. Seven houses that have been using OWF were asked on their awareness on the technology used in their system and mostly said they knew the technology used. However, they are less aware on types of filter media and water parameter that are related to quality of effluent water. Based on the measurement of residual chlorine, the percentage removal after the system was in the range of 76% to 96%. This high removal was reduced the chlorine concentration far below the recommended, thus the safety of water effluent is uncertain. This study shows that requirement of using the system can still be disputed and therefore the large number of sample may require for further study to obtain the real need of OWF system in Malaysia.

A situational study on sustainable housing features in Johor

Sustainable housing brings an innovation in Malaysia housing industry scene. The trend has witnessed a surge in the demand for this offering by house buyers which in return has encouraged housing developers to incorporate it’s features in their products. The features offered by the housing developers varies while customers are encouraged by the noble causes that their purchased will make. As demand for the products increase, errant and irresponsible developers are unreasonably taking the advantage by charging exorbitantly for the product that they market. In this instance, the words “Eco” and “Green” have been used as the gimmick for marketing purposes while there are no evidences that show whether the features have been truly incorporated in the housing products sold to the customers. The situation thus called for a situational study to be carried out, which aim to clarify the situation happening in the housing industry. Accordingly, the objectives of the study are: (1) To identify the sustainable housing features provided by developers to the buyers; and (2) To identify the house occupant’s satisfaction with the sustainable features available to them. The research is an exploratory research which seeks to provide data in respond to the situation facing the industry. Therefore, both quantitative and qualitative research strategies will be employed by way of a checklist together with a satisfaction survey focusing on housing projects in Johor. Data for the study will be analyzed by employing descriptive analysis as well as thematic coding analysis. A comprehensive discussion will be offered as the possible outcome of the study. This includes the contentment of house buyers towards the sustainable features that are offered by housing developer and how it can be classified as sustainable housing in virtue of the three pillars of sustainable development.

THE IMPACT OF SWIFTLET FARMING HOUSE ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Swiftlet farming is an agriculture activity in both commercial building and agriculture land due to the high price of edible bird’s nest (products of swiftlet farming). As of 2017, there are around 60,000 swiftlet farming houses in Malaysia. However, due to inefficiency in the management system, a swiftlet farming house located near to the residential area had brought a lot of complaints. Although these complaints can be reduced through the management of the swiftlet farmers, yet there is no guarantee which will show that there will no problem produce by swiftlet farming houses. Therefore, this study aims to study the legislation regulating the swiftlet farming houses, as well as to identify the side effects of swiftlet farming houses on the local communities. The mixed methodology has been adopted throughout the research process which includes qualitative and quantitative approaches. Research findings were based on the data collected through interviews with several officers in local government, and questionnaires distributed to 100 residents in Bentong who are living within a radius of 150 meters from swiftlet farming houses. Data collected from questionnaires were analyzed by SPSS statistical analysis. Findings indicated that the swiftlet farming houses were regulated by the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 and Local Authority Act 1976. Nevertheless, the communities were affected both positively and negatively by the swiftlet farming house. The impact of swiftlet farming houses on local communities shown the need for adoption regulation been adopted on the swiftlet farming houses. In a nutshell, the legislation on swiftlet farming house is essential to confine the swiftlet farming house in order to ensure the growth of this industry while taking care of the communities. Apparently, good regulations and good management can definitely avoid the side effects on the communities.

Effect on Thermal Performance by Different Types of Fixed Sun Shading Devices

An application of sun-shading device is one of the options to elevate the exterior façade appearance while keeping the thermal performance at the best for the indoor. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of selected types of fixed passive sun-shading devices installed at three-story terrace shop houses in Malaysia. Most previous studies on this passive strategy have been conducted via software simulation, in which results were not validated by field measurement. Therefore, this research employed stationary experiment on actual building and meteorological condition using three types of fixed shading devices: egg crates (SDE), vertical (SDV), and horizontal (SDH). SDE showed significant improvement on indoor thermal environment by reducing indoor air temperature (Ta ) of about 0.98 K on the average of a month and 2.11 K on the highest temperature on the average of a month. SDE also showed significant performance during the hottest sunny day, in which it reduced 1.23 K for the average of a day. Meanwhile, on the hottest peak time, SDE reduced 5.40 K compared to the control room. Similarly, for indoor mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), SDE showed notable performance during the high peak temperature on the average of a month (2.38 K) and during the hottest day (7.70 K) compared to control room, SDV, and SDH. On top of that, SDH also showed similar performance as SDE on the average of a month by a difference of 0.03 K. The experimental results also indicate that SDH showed the best performance at night by releasing heat faster than other types of sun-shading devices. This passive solution is one of the best options to improve indoor thermal performance and potentially contribute to energy savings on the building operation.

Staircase evacuation for public multi-storey housing in Malaysia

There has been some concern about the evacuation safety aspects in public multi-storey housing in Malaysia. This paper aims to study the effects of increased occupancy towards evacuation duration in public multi-storey housing in Malaysia, to gain a better understanding of evacuation safety. The research methodology is through a simulation study. This paper focuses on the staircase availability and location, in relation to the increasing number of evacuees. The data analysed include the duration taken by occupants to reach safety and their movement patterns during evacuation through a simulation study. A 17-storey residential building is modelled and the effects of staircases with varied availability and locations on the evacuees are tested. Results show that higher number of occupancies and non-availability of the staircase could prolong the evacuation. Moreover, the location of staircases does not influence the evacuation time but contributes significant changes to the movement of the evacuees.

Staircase evacuation for public multi-storey housing in Malaysia

There has been some concern about the evacuation safety aspects in public multi-storey housing in Malaysia. This paper aims to study the effects of increased occupancy towards evacuation duration in public multi-storey housing in Malaysia, to gain a better understanding of evacuation safety. The research methodology is through a simulation study. This paper focuses on the staircase availability and location, in relation to the increasing number of evacuees. The data analysed include the duration taken by occupants to reach safety and their movement patterns during evacuation through a simulation study. A 17-storey residential building is modelled and the effects of staircases with varied availability and locations on the evacuees are tested. Results show that higher number of occupancies and non-availability of the staircase could prolong the evacuation. Moreover, the location of staircases does not influence the evacuation time but contributes significant changes to the movement of the evacuees.

Factors Affecting Housing Prices in Malaysia: A Literature Review

Housing prices or the value of houses in Malaysia have fluctuated significantly in the last decade. This sort of indecisions creates an obvious effect on the people who wish to invest or buy housing in Malaysia. Many researchers had argued in the past that housing prices are closely related to the affordability of buyers to own a house, therefore the government plays a vital role in ensuring the housing prices of Malaysia are at par with the income levels. As such, the current study aims to discuss on several factors which affect housing prices in Malaysia. The study had identified several factors, namely foreign direct investment (FDI), gross domestic product (GDP), interest rate, unemployment and inflation for purposes of discussion. Hence, it is important to understand the factors affecting the housing prices in Malaysia for government and policy makers to make decisions. This study is made to provide answers for factors affecting Malaysia’s house prices.

Study on The Effects of Plastic as Admixture on The Mechanical Properties of Cement-Sand Bricks

Cement-sand bricks is one of the building materials that being used as alternative for a low-cost house in Malaysia. Nowadays, many researchers have been researching for green and sustainable materials to replace conventional building materials. In this paper, plastic bottle has been studied as a new alternative admixture in cement-sand brick production. The objective of this research is to determine the effect of plastic size on mechanical properties of cement-sand bricks. The lab testing used for this research are compressive strength and water absorption tests. Based on the findings, the bigger size of plastic added into the brick mixture, the higher compressive strength can be achieved. This is due to the plastic can increase the structural integrity of the cement-sand brick. Also, the bigger size of plastic added into the mixture, lower rate of water absorption was obtained. This may be due to plastic help in reducing the volume of void of the cement-sand brick. Further studies are needed to improve the cement-sand brick production with plastic as admixture material.

Overview of Affordable Housing from Supply and Demand Context in Malaysia

The increase in the number of rural populations migrated to the city has increased over the years. This led to the widespread of urbanisation in cities. As a developing country, this is also happening in major cities in Malaysia. In this regard, this also contributes to the needs of the residents to have affordable homes, especially in urban areas. Malaysia government is very serious in ensuring all its citizens towards owning their own homes. This can be seen clearly through the evolution of Malaysia's housing policy since the era of independence to the present. Therefore, this paper seeks to build theoretical understanding on affordable housing issues from supply and demand context. This was done based on findings by reviewing a thorough review of literature from local and global context pertaining to this issue. The findings from literature reveal that housing supply in Malaysia is leading by landed property development compare to high rise building. Most developers who developed the land with mixed development approach are having landed property housing for middle class and high-class income, while the high rise housing building is to cater the low income group. This could possibly become the main reasons for mismatch housing supply and demand in certain location. The conclusion from the literature help looking the issue of supply and demand mismatch from a broader view to help understand the underlying reason of housing supply by private sector as well as from the government sector. Furthermore, understanding Malaysian culture would also give an understanding on what are the factors that cause the buyer to buy a home.

A Review on The Critical Influencing Factor for Life Expectancy (LE) and The Life Expectancy (LE) for Malaysian Housing

In 2013, there are two death cases reported due to the broken railing at the Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) flats in the capital city of Malaysia. These cases occurred due to rusting of the balcony railing, which has been neglected in maintenance. These were the evidence of awareness lacking on the need for maintenance, which frequently only be realised at the latter stage of deterioration on house components. The situation aggravated when the house owners do not have any technical knowledge about defects and have zero building construction background, which later on resulting in less to none periodic assessment throughout the life expectancy (LE) of house components. Nevertheless, the absence of Malaysian study on the life expectancy of house components is deemed the centre of the predicament. Therefore, the paper aims to review the critical influencing factor for life expectancy (LE) and the Life Expectancy (LE) for Malaysian housing. Thus, a qualitative undertaking is conducted through multi-layered thematic analysis. As a result, there were eight influencing factors of life expectancy (LE) namely; weather and climate condition; design; maintenance and replacement; the intensity of use; quality of materials and products; technological obsolescence; workmanship; and insects damaged. Afterwards, within 114 number of generic house components, the findings indicated that there were differences of LE for house components; averaging from 14 years to more than 100 years. The particular differences also depend on the influencing factors of LE. These findings were then become the basis for the subsequent research endeavour.

Government Intervention in Malaysian Housing Market

Housing is a basic need for society to improve their quality of life and as important assets for the country’s economic. Malaysian Housing Policy has focused and concentrated to provide adequate housing supply for the targeted group, especially for the bottom 40% income earner. The urbanisation process creates the socio-economic changes has led to the increases in demand for housing. The previous study stated that there was a discrepancy between demand and supply in housing market resulted from rising trend in house price compared to the household income, thus leading to market imperfection. Thus, this paper attempted to explore the government intervention in the housing market. In a nutshell, government intervention is necessary to correct the market imperfection through policies and project implementations. There is a need to improve market efficiency and review the delivery of both supply and demand in the housing market.

Thematic analysis of short-term renter preferences for housing market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a short-term renters’ preference profile for peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation selection in the housing market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The emergence of P2P accommodation was initiated by the concept of a sharing economy, allowing the peer provider to share personal properties with the peer end-users. As the housing market has become more competitive, understanding the preference profile among short-term renters is advantageous to offer a matching marketing mix to the targeted customers.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses qualitative method associated with thematic analysis. A total of 10,509 reviews on Airbnb were gathered from 377 properties in Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory from 2013 to 2017. Thematic analysis assisted by NVivo software was applied to analyse the empirical data. In total, 14 attributes were identified which could be categorised into 5Ps. The concept of 5Ps adopted from modern marketing is commonly used to categorise the strategies in the marketing process. In the current context, 5Ps is used to categorise the preference of the short-term renter in their selection of P2P accommodation including product, price, promotion, process and people.FindingsThis paper has developed a preference profile for P2P accommodation selection in Malaysia’s housing market. In total, 14 attributes were identified and categorised into the 5Ps of marketing mix. The results showed that the majority of short-term renters were concerned mostly with product (73.2 per cent), followed by people (14.5 per cent), process (10.1 per cent), price (2.0 per cent) and promotion (0.2 per cent).Originality/valueThis study contributes to existing literature with a novel case in Malaysia’s housing market by identifying the short-term renter’s preference in the P2P accommodation selection in the Malaysian housing market, specifically in Kuala Lumpur. The preference profile provides guidance for property owners and developers in the housing market to offer the right product in enhancing the marketability and rentability of the property.

Decorative Elements of Traditional Malay House: Comparative Study of Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) and Rumah Limas Johor (RLJ)

In traditional Malay architecture, decorative elements are defined as non-structural elements and as “additional member” of the building that contributes to aesthetic and functional aspects of the architecture. Its ornamentation, form and pattern particularly in woodcarving and bamboo weaving reflect the uniqueness of local craftsmanship and the master carvers. There are at least 16 (sixteen) decorative elements of the traditional Malay house that have been identified by previous researcher. Architecturally in Malaysia traditional houses were categorised based on roof design, spatial organization and geographical setting which finally this categorization was named after the states. Each traditional house is in the state of Malaysia signifying particular style and architectural characteristics of that particular state. This article discusses the study of those decorative elements on the traditional Malay houses in the state of Perak known as Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) and traditional house from the state of Johor known as Rumah Limas Johor (RLJ). With the objective is to investigate the type, terms and characteristics of decorative elements site observations were done on selected twenty-five (25) of RLBP houses and another twenty-five (25) of RLJ houses. The analysis on visual data and verbal data were carried out to established architectural terminology and typology based on form and style of every decorative element. The study found that nine (9) decorative elements come to be the major characteristics of RLBP whilst seven (7) for RLJ; some with different name, form and style from other states. These similarity and dissimilarity contribute to the extension of the aesthetical theory and philosophy of the Malay traditional house in Malaysia.

ASSESSING SUSTAINABILITY LEVEL FROM SOCIAL ASPECTS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN MALAYSIA USING SPATIAL INDICATORS

Abstract. Affordable housing was developed in order to give equal opportunity for middle and low-incomers in owning a house, especially in Malaysia. To make sure that these people can have a quality house, the National Housing Policy (DRN) with Pelan Tindakan DRN has been introduced by the Malaysian Government to not only provide adequate housing, but also a comfortable, fun and affordable for the wellbeing of the people in Malaysia (KPKT, 2011). Therefore, sustainability for housing is important to achieve balance between economic development, social interactions and environmental impact by reducing the problems related to population growth, urbanisation, slums, poverty, climate change, lack of access to sustainable energy, and economic uncertainty. One of the goals in DRN and Pelan Tindakan Dasar Perumahan Negara (PTDRN) is to provide an affordable housing and ensure the people from low-income can own a house. However, there is an issue towards assessing the sustainability level of affordable housing, especially in social aspects. This study will discuss on sustainability of affordable housing in Malaysia focused on social aspects. Assessment of spatial indicators was conducted to assess the indicator's implementation of social aspect of the sustainability model. The indicators used in this study include public community facilities, health, safety, religion, and public transportation. These indicators will determine the level of sustainability of the affordable housing. From the results, most of the affordable housing in Malaysia is in intermediate level of sustainability in term of social aspects. These results can help/guide the Government in planning and development in the future, especially with collaboration from private agencies and non-government organization (NGO).

ASSESSMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN MALAYSIA

Abstract. Housing is a basic need that can enhance the quality of life. The government is committed towards ensuring access to quality and affordable housing to meet the needs of a growing population by matching demand and supply, promoting an efficient and sustainable housing industry, as well as providing efficient public utilities and services and a clean environment. Thus, it is imperative for the government and private sector, to work together in order to create a competitive and sustainable housing industry. One of the aspect need improve is the sustainability level of this affordable housing. The aim of this study is to enhance the model to measure the sustainability level of the affordable housing in Malaysia using spatial analysis. The spatial analysis used in this study are both GIS analysis and non-GIS analysis. The result of this study will be list of indicators to measure the sustainability level of affordable housing, and then, from the analysis, map of the sustainability indicators nearby the affordable housing can be produced.

APPRAISAL OF URBANISATION, TOWNSHIP AND HOUSING TRENDS FOR A DESIRED FUTURE IN MALAYSIA

This paper reviews the trend of township planning in Malaysia by featuring measures for the preparation of urban housing, and utilising the contemporary shifts in town ‘landscaping’. Learning from the Habitat III, a competitive township is essential for better and vibrant society. In Malaysia, the competitiveness, capital at present can be measured in policy implementation financially and transformative technologies support with any cutting-edge human capital strategy. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the strategic angle of sustainable urban development and to suggest better future urbanisation, township and housing in Malaysia. Detailed review was done through content analysis aiming at well-being and economic stability of its residents. The content in focus comprised housing integration, housing assistance, economic participation, and technology and design. It was found that Malaysia must be aware and compatible with such challenges to align with the national aspiration for harmonious living standards for future planning and housing development.

APPRAISAL OF URBANISATION, TOWNSHIP AND HOUSING TRENDS FOR A DESIRED FUTURE IN MALAYSIA

This paper reviews the trend of township planning in Malaysia by featuring measures for the preparation of urban housing, and utilising the contemporary shifts in town ‘landscaping’. Learning from the Habitat III, a competitive township is essential for better and vibrant society. In Malaysia, the competitiveness, capital at present can be measured in policy implementation financially and transformative technologies support with any cutting-edge human capital strategy. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the strategic angle of sustainable urban development and to suggest better future urbanisation, township and housing in Malaysia. Detailed review was done through content analysis aiming at well-being and economic stability of its residents. The content in focus comprised housing integration, housing assistance, economic participation, and technology and design. It was found that Malaysia must be aware and compatible with such challenges to align with the national aspiration for harmonious living standards for future planning and housing development.

Intensifying business success of Malaysian housing development firms through entrepreneurial learning

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of entrepreneurial learning on the performance of Malaysian private housing developers. Although the extant literature on learning epistemology is quite voluminous, the focus within the housing entrepreneurship remains limited. With this lacuna, the investigation on the perceptions of learning propensity among residential developers is deemed timely.Design/methodology/approachUsing snowball sampling, interviews were conducted with ten perceived successful private housing developers in Malaysia to understand the antecedents and consequences of entrepreneurial learning in steering their business toward excellence.FindingsThe research outcomes revealed that all the interviewed respondents concurred with the importance of entrepreneurial learning within the organization to strive for business success. The interviewed housing developers highlighted the significance of learning interest in their daily works to achieve business competitiveness and gain competitive edge against rivals. Through continuous learning, positive ideas and ethos could be instilled within the uncertain business environment.Research limitations/implicationsFrom an empirical standpoint, the sample was limited to private housing developers in one country. This limits the scope of generalization. Further studies, comparing between public and private developers in multiple contexts should be undertaken. Besides that, the research is based on a relatively small sample of ten respondents and the use of snowball sampling may have meant that the respondents would only tend to present a particular view of the industry.Practical implicationsThe results raise interesting impacts on business success for scholars and entrepreneurs to ponder upon. The research contributes new knowledge about the effects of entrepreneurial learning toward the competitiveness of housing developers, by looking at the whole aspects of development process. A better understanding on how business knowledge could be retrieved from the perspectives of Malaysian housing developers is posited to be pragmatically employed.Originality/valueConcomitantly with the above proposition, the study offers a novel insight into learning capabilities of Malaysian private housing developers that may be useful for global references. Understanding firm’s resources and capabilities is emergent that warrants further clarifications on entrepreneurial learning within housing development firms. The paper successfully illuminates comprehensive issues that have responded to this shortfall.