Affordable housing and public administration of a historic city: the perspective of a local community in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town, Penang State of Malaysia

A significant research gap exists regarding affordable housing and its public administration within UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS), particularly in George Town, Penang State of Malaysia. Despite being a joint WHS with Melaka since 2008, the study reveals that rental affordability has deteriorated sharply due to gentrification and policy changes like the repeal of the Control of Rent Act. Surveying 318 local residents, the research found that the majority perceive rentals in George Town as 'Unaffordable,' with no government engagement on affordable housing issues reported. This highlights urgent policy challenges for preserving historic cities while addressing socioeconomic equity.

Woo, K. H., & Khoo, S. L. (2023). Affordable housing and public administration of a historic city: the perspective of a local community in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town, Penang State of Malaysia. Journal of Urbanism: International Research on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability, 19(1), 291–319. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549175.2023.2224294