LETTER | Enhance livability in public housing for better communities

LETTER | During my recent visit to a family member living in a public housing development, I was profoundly appreciative of the affordable housing programmes in our country.

Having a roof over our heads is a basic necessity, and it's heartening to see that the government prioritises everyone's access to affordable housing.

However, affordable housing is just one aspect of ensuring a dignified life for everyone, and there are many other factors we must consider to ensure that residents can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Walking through the public housing area, I couldn't help but notice run-down facilities and a concerning undercurrent of neglect. I knew the residents were grateful for the housing, but I couldn't help feeling that they deserved better.

It's important to note that our environment heavily influences our well-being. Living in poor conditions can worsen our physical and mental health, leading to a host of issues such as respiratory problems, infections, and stress-related disorders.

While we may feel that affordable housing falls on the shoulders of the government, it's up to us as responsible citizens to ensure that the living conditions are conducive to a healthy and happy life.

We shouldn't wait for people in high places to act. Instead, we can take the initiative to utilise available resources and bring our ideas to life. We can unite as a community and support each other in creating a better living environment.

I recently learned about the "Community" grant by ThinkCity, a part of the Kita-Untuk-Kita programme launched last April that aims to improve the lives of Klang Valley public housing residents. It is an excellent opportunity for small social impact organisations to contribute towards enhancing public housing.

For instance, individuals or organisations can utilise the grant to develop a rubbish disposal system focusing on ensuring cleanliness. We can also work towards creating green spaces and promoting sustainable living practices to make the environment cleaner and more pleasant, thereby reducing the risk of health problems.

Safety is another crucial aspect that we must address. Collaborating with local authorities and private companies to implement adequate lighting, surveillance cameras, and other security measures can significantly enhance residents' safety and make them feel more secure in their homes. This added layer of security will also help create a sense of community and reduce crime risk.

Livability is also an essential factor that we must address. We can work towards creating a sense of community by organising social events and activities that bring residents together. We can also work towards creating an organisational structure, such as playgrounds, community centres, and other amenities that make life more enjoyable. These structures will help to promote social cohesion and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

In conclusion, our collective responsibility is to ensure everyone has access to affordable and decent housing. While the government's affordable housing initiatives are commendable, we need to do more to improve the living conditions of those who reside in public housing areas.

We can take inspiration from ThinkCity's Kita-Untuk-Kita programme and utilise available resources to create better living environments. By coming together and taking action, we can ensure that every individual has the opportunity to live a dignified and fulfilling life, regardless of their socio-economic status.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.