Include housing incentives for living near parents in 2027 budget, Putrajaya urged

An NGO advocating affordable housing is calling for housing grants and incentives in the 2027 budget to encourage buyers to live with or closer to elderly parents.

Centre for Community and Housing Development (REACH) chief coordinator Iskandar Abdul Samad said the proposal, submitted to the government earlier this year, should be translated into actionable policy.

“With the growing elderly population, efforts to care for their welfare cannot rely solely on government institutions, care centres or welfare assistance,” Iskandar said in a statement.

He cited Singapore’s Housing & Development Board proximity housing grant, which offers up to S$30,000 for co-living purchases and S$20,000 for homes within a 4km radius, as a blueprint Malaysia could adapt.

The former Selangor housing, building management and urban settlement executive councillor said such incentives could ease long-term strain on national healthcare, emergency response and institutional welfare systems.

He also suggested implementing a proximity housing incentive scheme for B40 and M40 households before considering a broader expansion.

Iskandar mooted the idea in March, saying such initiatives would reduce the risk of senior citizens being left without support, especially during festive periods.

He said it was becoming increasingly common to hear of elderly individuals living alone as their children move away for work, which could lead to their deaths going unnoticed.