Residential satisfaction and living experience in low‑cost housing within tropical climates: a case study of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Kuok, King Kuok and Chiu, Po Chan and Mohd Elfy, Mersal and Md Rezaur, Rahman and Khairul Anwar, Mohamad Said (2025) Residential satisfaction and living experience in low‑cost housing within tropical climates: a case study of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment. pp. 1-16. ISSN 1573-7772

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Abstract

Amidst escalating housing prices and infation in Sarawak, the government has implemented four schemes to assist low-income families in securing afordable homes. However, challenges persist in delivering quality housing for this demographic. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess residential satisfaction, focussing on the principal factors and impact of socio-demographic characteristics on residential contentment. A comprehensive questionnaire survey was administered to 100 residents across three low-cost housing communities in Kuching, Sarawak. The fndings reveal that 31.7% of respondents earn below RM2000 per month, while 29.6% have incomes between RM2000 and RM2999, positioning them in the lower income brackets. A substantial 78.3% of respondents reside in low-cost fats. Three-room units, constituting 43.7% of low-cost housing, are the most feasible option for afordability and space. Three family members comprise 20.7% of the household, followed by four at 24.6% and fve at 18.2%. The survey revealed widespread faws: 95% of respondents struggle with limited living space, 63.3% struggle with shared amenities, 20% report inadequate safety features, and 13.3% have experienced maintenance issues. Most responders are residing a considerable distance from their workplaces and schools. The study underscores the necessity for targeted improvements in housing policy and community planning to enhance the life quality for low-income families. These viable improvements can serve as a blueprint for developing afordable housing in the near future.

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