CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE TITLE

Malaysia is a unique country that always take good care of its residents. The
government will make sure that they will live in a comfortable setting and environment.
There are many programs, incentives and schemes set up for the welfare of the
residents. Among them is the top of the list housing programs which is either organized
by private sectors, state-government funded or even federally operated and funded.
The government has introduced one special program to help the low-income group and
it is called the low-cost housing program. A very careful planning for the construction of
these low cost houses has been included in the Fifth Malaysia Plan. This program is to
help the low income group. It is planned to make certain that every low income family
owns an affordable house. Housing in Malaysia emphasizes the provision of adequate,
quality and affordable housing for all, with emphasis on low income groups (Rashid,
2008). The purpose of low-cost housing is made to upgrade the life of Malaysians so
that they can get a quality and comfortable life. Generally, the construction of low cost
housing is more motivated welfare of middle and high housing costs and a more
motivated by profit (Mulok and Kogid, 2008). A program of low cost housing is included
to provide the infrastructure facilities. It is because the facilities are one of the basic
need for the residents.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 Low cost housing

The definition of low cost housing is a different thing to different people or country.
Miles, et al. (2000) as cited in Oladapo (2001), the housing is the for the low or
moderate income group where it is affordable for them to get the house, either as a
rental basis or legally owns it. The low cost housing can be defined as the affordable
housing for the low income group. This group came from the earnings of RM 1, 500 and
below. The price for this low cost houses is not exceeding RM35, 000 per unit and it
depends on the type of house and the location. According to Adebayo and Wee (2013),
the standard design for the low cost housing are 2 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a
bathroom and a built-up area of 550-600 square feet. There are 2 main types of
housing. The first type is the multi-storey high-rise apartments and also a 5 storey walkup flats. The second type is single and double terrace houses.

1.1.2 Infrastructure facilities

Infrastructure facilities are the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities.
It is needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. The facilities are supposed to
be provided by the government for the residents benefits. The function of the facilities is
to help the residents to perform their daily activities better. Some examples of
infrastructure facilities are roads, community halls, hospitals, local shops and schools.
They all are to suit the daily needs of the residents. Most residential areas are equipped
with these facilities which is essential in terms of social life. It is because all these
facilities will bring tremendous advantages to the residents in their daily activities it will
be easily carried out and also will give better living condition (Adebayo and Wee, 2013).
According to Zakout (2006), the infrastructure for the low cost housing is divided into 2
categories. They are the basic infrastructure components and the supportive
infrastructure components. The basic infrastructure components are water supply,
2

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
sewerage system, power supply (electricity) and security lighting, access and paving.
While the supportive infrastructure components are schools, health centers, mosques,
public markets and other public services. All these infrastructure facilities are important
in the lower cost housing project.
Another purpose of the low cost housing is also to reduce the squatter problem in urban
areas which is plaguing this country. This is because these squatters which is illegal,
will give a bad image to outsiders. As we all know, the environment in slum areas is
definitely not suitable specially for children. This is because the slum area is filled with
all walks of life; locals and foreigners. The mixed residents of locals which comes from
very low-income families, Vietnamese, Indonesians, Bangladeshis, Burmese and others
live in a single community. This has cause a diversity in culture and create various
social problems. Hence, the purpose of the special housing program also caters for
these squatters to upgrade their quality of life.
The high standards of living in the urban area has made it impossible for this group to
own their own homes legally. Nevertheless with the advent of low-cost houses it can be
possible with certain terms and condition. In addition to a place for shelter there should
also be sufficient facilities. According to Sufian and Ibrahim (2011), the need for a
shelter is not a mere place to stay but it needs other infrastructures or facilities to come
together with that accommodation. So because of this low-cost housing construction
also provides the facility for users. Then these people could inhabit their homes more
comfortable in the presence of the facilities they need.

Research Questions

Research Objectives
3

Research Problems

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1. Low level of satisfaction

was related to

1. To identify the types

of infrastructure

and poor public

transport (Salleh, et al.,

facilities those are

needed.
2. To determine the
problem that

2011)
2. Some of the parties

facilities provided
for residents?
2. What is the level
of satisfaction of
the residents has

occurs from

that responsible to

infrastructure

build these facilities are

not build enough that

facilities for low

what is stipulated
(Abdul Ghani, 2013).
3. The facilities for the low

types of
infrastructure

neighborhood facilities
and surrounding area

1. What are the

cost housing.
3. To find how to

cost housing is also not

be maintained with the
time that be required
(Salleh, et al., 2010).
4. The low space that

improve the
infrastructure
facility's quality of
low cost housing.

the infrastructure
services are
available?
3. What are the
problems arising
from the lack to
residents?
4. What are the ways
that can help to
improvement the
infrastructure
facilities?

been provided (Abu

Bakar, 2008)

Figure 1.0: Summary of research problem, research objective and research question

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The low-cost housing program is developed by both the government and private
sectors. The plan is to help those who are less fortunate in terms of revenue. Low-cost
4

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
housing plans also provide a better lifestyle and comfort to the lower income group. In
order to have comfort, we need to have all the basic needs and in turn could curb all the
possible social problems in the squatters community.
Problems of infrastructure facilities to the residents of these low-cost houses have been
around for a while. Most of the residents in these residential premises are less satisfied
with the facilities provided. Salleh, et al. (2011) define, the factor causing a low level of
satisfaction was related to neighbourhood facilities and surrounding area and poor
public transport. The lack of children's playgrounds, multi-purpose hall, parking areas,
safety and facilities for the disabled is also making the residents feel unsatisfied. In this
case, it is clear that the provision of infrastructure was less concerned. The lack of basic
facilities will also affect the quality of life. Once quality of life is reduced it will not
achieve the governments target in providing a better quality of life and comfort to the
lower income groups. The facilities for the housing would be provided near the
workplace and with good access to public facilities, such as public transport (Malek and
Husin, 2012). Here, it is mentioned that public transportation is also important to the
local residents.

The infrastructure facilities are important to the residents in low cost housing. However
some of the parties responsible to build these facilities are not doing enough with what
is stipulated (Salleh, 2013). It is because these parties are more focused on profit rather
than welfare. Insufficient facilities would create uneasiness among squatters. It can
affect their quality of life. A new house without good facilities is meaningless. For
example, good transport is needed to travel to work as well as electricity and clean
water supply are needed. Public transportation is a solution since these squatters could

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
not afford to have one of their own. Sending children to school or even going to daily
market are among the needs.
The facilities for the low cost housing is also not be maintained with the time that be
required (Salleh, et al., 2011). It is also one of the problems that happen to the residents
in low cost housing. Facilities are not looked after or well-maintained and when they are
damaged the responsible parties are not doing their parts to make necessary action to
repair or replace them. Complaints and reports were ignored and in the end, all the
facilities are abandoned and became a waste. Once this happens it also give the impact
to the environment. The surroundings will look like bad it also gives a bad impact to
outsiders. This will give a negative perception towards the government as if these
squatters are a group of neglected citizens. Negative perceptions wil also go for he
garbage disposal authority. Bad odours and effect to peoples health will be among the
main issues.
The other problem that may occur from the inadequate facilities is lack of space for
recreation or leisure. According to Abu Bakar (2008), one of the problems of the low
cost housing includes the low space that should be provided. Some of the areas in the
low cost housing area do not have enough space for the residents to perform their
community activities. Additional facilities such as food stalls to gain extra income should
be provided too. In general, the low cost housing program should be able to overcome
squaters problems but at the same time things like adequate infrastructures and
facilities should be taken cared of in order to allow the low income groups to have a
batter and comfortable life.

1.3 RESEARCH AIM

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to recommend the infrastructure facilities in the low cost
housing.

1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this research are as bellow:
i)
ii)

To identify the types of infrastructure facilities needed.

To determine the problem that occurs from infrastructure facilities for low
cost housing.

iii)

To find how to improve the infrastructure facility's quality of low cost housing

1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY

The scope of this study is to determine the satisfaction received by the community in
terms of the infrastructure facilities of the low cost housing and the problems that occur
in infrastructure facilities in area Selangor.

1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The research questions for this study are as below:
i.

What are the types of infrastructure facilities provided for residents?

ii.

What is the level of satisfaction of the population towards the infrastructure

services available?

1.7

iii.

What are the problems arising from the lack of infrastructure to population?

iv.

What are the ways that can help to improvement the infrastructure facilities?

RESEARCH METHODOLGY
7

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Research methodology plays an important role in ensuring this study is done in a
systematic manner and corresponds with the objectives and aim of the study. Design
study, research instruments and data analysisis are the aspects involved in this
research methodology.

This study will focus on developers who are involved in the development of the low cost
housing and with the residents. Interviews and observations will be used in the research
methodology. Interviews will be conducted with the developers and residents in low cost
housing to achieve the aim and objectives for this final project. The interviews will be
analysed the end users satisfaction towards the infrastructure facilities of the low cost
housing.

1.8 TENTATIVE CHAPTER

Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter would include the introduction, aim, objective of the study, the approach
methodology and the importance of the research subjects.
Chapter 2: Literature Review Of Satisfaction the Community towards the
Infrastructure Facilities of the Low Cost Housing
This chapter focused on literature review of the topic. This topic will discuss the
effectiveness of the low cost housing in the community of low income group.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

This chapter will be focused on the method of research for the data collection about the
low cost housing.
Chapter 4: Data Analysis, Finding and Discussion

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, all information and data will be compiled and each of the elements will
be analyzed.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation
This chapter would be the summarization of the study and recommendation that would
be given based on the study.