More Malay Households Living in 1 Bed and 2 Bed Flats

The Demographics of the Populace 2020 revealed that the proportion of Malay houses remaining in one- as well as two-room Real estate and Development Board (HDB) apartments has actually enhanced to 16% in 2020 from 8.7% in 2010.

Over the past few years, more Malay households have been opting for living in one-room HDB flats. These are also known as serviced apartments. The government has come up with special projects that aim to provide low cost housing to the people of this ethnic group in different cities in Singapore. Apart, from housing, most of these apartments come with other facilities such as air conditioning, broadband internet connection and telephone lines. Below is a look at how these apartments can be termed as serviced apartments.

Those living in three-room HDB apartments, on the other hand, held firm at 22% in 2010 and 21.1% last year.

Serviced apartments are known by several names. They may be called studio, one room, duplex, or one-room home. They are mostly preferred by the working class who do not wish to risk their safety while they stay in their working area. These apartments are fully furnished with the latest appliances. Most come with a separate kitchenette. Some others have a mini fridge and a kettle, while others have a small kitchenette but complete with a sink, stove, cupboard and refrigerator.

The Ministry of National Development on Tuesday (27 July) said there are numerous factors contributing to the walk in the variety of Malay homes remaining in one- as well as two-room apartments.

Serviced apartments are a boon for people who move about on a routine basis. As they are staying in one location, there is no need to worry about their safety. They do not have to venture out of the safety of their living quarters. For Malayans, especially men, moving around from one place to another frequently is a cumbersome process. Thus, if they get their living quarters, they feel secured and comfortable, despite the fact that they move here and there.

The first factor it cited was the rise in the variety of Malay homes residing in public rental flats.

With the coming of HDB flats, life has become less hectic in some aspects. These are well serviced and ensure a tranquil existence. The residents of these residences receive round the clock medical attention. The nurses and doctors to attend to the patients during shifts. The emergency medical service is provided at the click of the button. The emergency medical service at one room is much more comprehensive than what is available at home, where the resident might be visiting his in-laws, whose house might be too far away.

“This remained in tandem with the increase in the supply of HDB one- as well as two-room public rental flats over the last years, from concerning 45,500 in 2010 to concerning 62,000 in 2020,” stated the ministry in Parliament.

It was reacting to Member of Parliament (MP) Raeesah Khan that asked the reasons for the multitude of Malays transferring to smaller sized flats.

A few of the Malay households who relocated to public rental apartments were young family members who were overcome living with their parents and also wanted housing while functioning towards acquiring their very own flat.

Statistics show that the Malay’s who live in one rooms are less susceptible to illnesses. This is largely due to the fact that the distance from the nearest drug store or supermarket to the dwelling is short. Malay’s no longer need to buy medicine at home because there is a ready supply at the residence. This saving is also helpful in curbing food inflation, which is running high in the country. Malay’s who are still buying food in their homes have reported a dramatic reduction in their monthly budgets.

Others were families that have nothing else housing alternatives after having offered their previous house due to changes in family or monetary circumstances.

After that there were additionally the elders “who had little savings or revenue as well as did not have household assistance or were incapable to stick with their children”.

One of the major benefits of residing in one room is the privacy. There is no other noisy neighbor to bother the residents. The only interruptions come from the sound of television or loud music. Malay’s who have their own apartments say they are more productive and have more fun when they have their own privacy.

The 2nd factor mentioned by the ministry was the increase in the share of Malay flat buyers that got one- as well as two-room HDB apartments– from 3% in 2010 to 8% in 2020.

The rise, which was also seen in various other ethnic groups, could be “partly because of songs being able to get new two-room apartments considering that July 2013, in addition to seniors right-sizing from larger flats to two-room Flexi apartments”, discussed MND.

Malay’s who choose to live in apartments also save a lot on transportation. With just one car, they can take a trip to the nearby shopping mall and back without taking public transport. Public transport is very expensive in Malaysia. For those living in a home, using a cab or waiting for a bus or train will cost them a great deal of money. On top of these costs, frequent changes of accommodation require visiting the offices, malls, and restaurants countless times during a month.

Meanwhile, the ministry claimed it is encouraged that numerous family members staying in public rental flats have gotten their own homes.

Living in apartments may be convenient, but it comes with its disadvantages. The lack of privacy is perhaps the biggest issue for those who choose to live in apartments. The residents are often subject to unsolicited advertisements, making it harder for them to maintain a social life. Also, Malay’s who have their own home compounds face the problem of noise pollution. It may not be possible for them to escape the din of chainsaws and other yard-clutter, especially if they are situated in an area prone to commotions.

It disclosed that about 4,600 families have actually gone on to their own homes in the past five years, up by over 70% from 2,600 households in the previous 5 years. Of these, about 40% were Malay homes.

“Another 2,000 families remaining in public rental flats have reserved brand-new apartments from HDB as well as are awaiting their conclusion, of whom around 40% are Malay households,” added MND.