SHAH ALAM, Jan 22 — Elderly-friendly housing has become an increasingly important focus in Selangor’s plans, as the nation’s most populous state prepares to meet the demands of an ageing population and longer life expectancies.
State executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah said while there are no units designated for senior citizens, elderly-friendly features are systematically integrated into residential developments throughout the state.
“All housing developments in Selangor are required to comply with the Malaysian Standard MS 1184, which focuses on accessibility and safety without physical barriers,” he told Media Selangor.
MS 1184 is the Code of Practice for Universal Design and Accessibility in the Built Environment, which provides guidelines to create barrier-free spaces accessible to all, including people with disabilities (OKU).
Borhan said the standard focuses on design elements such as barrier-free pathways, wheelchair-accessible ramps, improved lift access, and safer and more practical interior layouts including stairs-free access, zero-level flooring, adequate circulation, and safer sanitary facilities.
“Local authorities also play a crucial role in monitoring compliance through the building plan approval process, ensuring elderly-friendly elements are not only included in designs, but are implemented effectively and function as intended,” he added.
He said this reflects the state government’s commitment to providing inclusive, safe and age-friendly housing, in line with demographic changes and the population’s increasing life expectancy.
“The integration of universal design principles ensures housing developments remain adaptable and sustainable for long-term use, benefiting not only the elderly, but residents of all age groups across Selangor,” Borhan added.
Universal design mustn’t be an afterthought
Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS) architect Nik Rahimi Nik Roslan said the state has made elderly-friendly design a requirement by enforcing Malaysian Standard MS 1184 for new housing developments.
“Housing developments in Selangor are required to comply with MS 1184 to ensure barrier-free access and a safe living environment for senior citizens,” Nik Rahimi told Media Selangor.
But while MS 1184 serves as a sufficient minimum benchmark, he stressed that effective implementation depends on proper understanding and enforcement, not just technical compliance.
“The key is the early integration of elderly-friendly elements, not as an afterthought,” he said.
On November 27 last year, Selangor became the first state to launch the Selangor Care Economy Policy to address challenges posed by an ageing population.
In May, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said Selangor is prepared to face the challenges of becoming an ageing state with various initiatives for its people, especially senior citizens.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari had told the Selangor Legislative Assembly on November 20 that the state government is set to draft the Iltizam Emas Selangor initiative this year.
It was reported that Selangor is home to over 822,000 senior citizens, which represents 11.4 per cent of its total population.
Meanwhile, Nik Rahimi said developing elderly-friendly housing in compliance with MS 1184 would not necessarily increase construction costs, provided that accessibility features are incorporated earlier on.
“These requirements are mainly about layout planning and minimum specifications, not expensive materials or technology.”
Beyond regulatory measures, he said the private sector has begun responding to demographic changes, and cited the opening of Selangor’s first integrated elderly community residence in Klang as an example.
“This shows the market is starting to recognise the growing need for housing specifically designed for older residents,” Nik Rahimi said.
