New housing guidelines will require adaptable dwellings for PwDs and the elderly, featuring sensory-friendly designs and stricter enforcement for developers.
PETALING JAYA: Housing for persons with disabilities (PwD) is poised for a major overhaul, with the government moving to tighten planning guidelines and introduce mandatory adaptable dwelling standards to ensure mobility, safety and long-term liveability in new developments.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry said it is in the final stage of approving Draft MS 1184:2025, which sets out updated parameters allowing homes to be easily modified to suit the needs of PwDs and the elderly.
Its deputy minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu told the Dewan Negara yesterday that the draft introduces “adaptable dwelling” standards designed to make residential areas and public spaces more accommodating for individuals with cognitive disabilities and neurodivergent conditions, including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“This includes the creation of designated calming spaces in public areas, such as soundproof safe rooms with dim lighting to help such individuals de-escalate during moments of crisis or sensory overload.
“Sensory management is also a key focus, including minimising the use of flickering or buzzing fluorescent lights and replacing them with natural light or dimmable LEDs.”
She was responding to Senator Manolan Mohamad, who sought details on the new standards to ensure that existing housing and environments are genuinely friendly to those who are neurodivergent.
Aiman Athirah said acoustic and visual controls would form essential components of the revised standards, including the use of calming colours such as pastels and subdued patterns on walls and floors.
She stressed that such design measures help minimise overstimulation, which can trigger discomfort or stress among neurodivergent individuals.
“PLANMalaysia is also reviewing the Universal Design Planning Guidelines to ensure local authorities enforce consistent accessibility requirements while developers are encouraged to integrate ageing-in-place concepts with safety features and smart living technologies in new housing projects.
“These measures aim to ensure that all new developments are inclusive, safe and future-ready, benefiting not only PwD but also elderly residents,” she said, adding that developers are encouraged to incorporate ageing-in-place units equipped with safety and smart living elements.
Aiman Athirah warned that developers who fail to comply with universal accessibility or universal design requirements risk having their planning and building approvals rejected by local authorities in addition to facing enforcement action under existing laws.
She said local authorities may exercise powers under Section 70 (23) (A) and (B) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) to conduct inspections during construction to ensure compliance with approved building plans.
“In cases of non-compliance, they can also implement checks and balances and, if necessary, withhold the issuance of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) for the project, and the project supervising person is required to oversee this matter.”
Aiman Athirah added that the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has established the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, which includes the Accessibility Audit Implementation body.
She said the council is tasked with ensuring compliance with the Malaysian Standard for accessibility and universal design in buildings – with audits aimed at identifying the needs and challenges PwDs face in accessing the built environment.
The Sun Malaysia
