A current survey by a market analysis agency has revealed deep generational and ethnic divides on the problem of racial discrimination in Malaysia’s rental housing market. The findings recommend that whereas many Malaysians help regulation, views differ sharply on whether or not landlords needs to be allowed to pick tenants primarily based on race.
The survey, which concerned over 1,100 respondents, confirmed that almost 57% have been in favour of a regulation to manage residential tenancies, with solely 10% expressing outright opposition. Nonetheless, opinions diverged when it got here to banning racial discrimination within the rental course of.
Amongst respondents aged 18 to 24, 39% supported making it unlawful for landlords to decide on tenants primarily based on race — the one age group the place this view was the commonest. In distinction, practically 59% of these aged 35 to 54 believed landlords ought to retain the correct to make rental selections primarily based on racial issues. Total, nearly half of all respondents supported landlords’ discretion to pick tenants by race, whereas 31% favoured a authorized ban on such practices.
The findings have been shared throughout a public discussion board held by a civil society organisation targeted on variety and inclusion. The discussion board coincided with the discharge of a brand new report highlighting discriminatory practices within the rental market and renewed requires the long-awaited Residential Tenancy Act to be handed.
A key concern raised was the disproportionate impression of discrimination on younger Malaysians from minority backgrounds, notably those that depend on rental housing for training or employment alternatives in city centres. Many members described landlords’ racial preferences as being pushed by concern of problematic tenants, considerations over cultural or spiritual variations, or private biases disguised as desire.
Among the many ethnic teams surveyed, Malaysian Indians reported the best ranges of discrimination and the strongest help for legislative change, with practically 64% in favour of banning racial standards in rental selections. Full-time college students and unemployed people additionally confirmed excessive ranges of help for reform, although they have been among the many teams least supportive of an extra proposal — a hire tribunal to assist resolve disputes.
The thought of establishing a hire tribunal obtained majority help total, particularly amongst older respondents and higher-income teams, who considered it as a low-cost different to resolving points similar to deposit disputes and wrongful evictions. Advocates say such a tribunal might enhance transparency and accountability with out the burden of authorized charges.
Critics on the discussion board additionally raised considerations about flawed housing knowledge which may be misguiding nationwide coverage. A researcher identified a big discrepancy between official hire statistics and precise market listings, calling for higher knowledge assortment strategies.
Discussion board members harassed that whereas landlords’ considerations should not unfounded, regulation ought to goal to strike a steadiness between defending property homeowners and making certain truthful entry to housing for all. Advocates warned that passing a tenancy act with out addressing racial bias could be a missed alternative for significant reform.
As one speaker put it, the existence of discrimination — even when affecting a minority — is purpose sufficient for motion. “The regulation exists to attract an ethical line and supply recourse to these harmed,” they stated, urging lawmakers to not ignore the experiences of those that proceed to face unjust limitations find a spot to dwell.Youthful Malaysians Push for Ban on Racial Discrimination in Rental Housing
