Housing as an Integral Development for Health - Categories That Deliver a Healthy Housing in Malaysia

Abstract

Housing is increasingly understood that it is an important determinant of household health and success in life, affecting the productivity, emotion, education, also the opportunity for upward mobility. The condition of the housing can affect physical and mental health condition. COVID-19 endemic also required people to spends more than 80 percent of their daily time indoors. Therefore, research was conducted to deepen understanding specifically in the context of the categories of healthy housing in Malaysia, where it will affect the homeowners and also family members. The current research used a quantitative approach via a focus group involving homeowners and residents to gain in depth information. the major themes that emerged for findings of the healthy housing categories are ventilation, cleanliness, safety, security and privacy and also using Eco-friendly materials. We further demonstrate that these four pillars can adequately housing to protect individuals and families from harmful exposures and provides them “hub” for well-being as an important contribution to health. Thus, this research also hoped that the government, housing developers, architects, and interior designers will responsive to consider the health impacts of housing conditions, stability, and quality.