Young Malaysians aged 18 to 24 are emerging as the strongest advocates for banning racial discrimination by landlords, standing in stark contrast to older generations, according to a new YouGov survey.
The poll, which gathered responses from 1,104 Malaysians, found that this youngest adult demographic was the only age group where more people supported making racial discrimination in rentals illegal (39%) than those who opposed it. Support for such a ban drops significantly among older Malaysians, with nearly 59% of those aged 35 to 54 believing landlords should have the right to select tenants based on race.
The survey results were revealed during a forum organised by civil society group Architects of Diversity (AOD) to mark the launch of its report on rental market discrimination. The group called for the government to fast-track the long-awaited Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) and ensure it includes firm provisions against racial bias in housing.
“If the government fails to pass the RTA — or worse, passes it without addressing racial discrimination — it will have missed its greatest opportunity to protect Malaysian Indians,” said AOD executive director Jason Wee.
Discrimination remains a widespread issue, especially among Indian Malaysians — nearly two in five report being turned away when trying to rent a home. Support for a legal ban on such practices is strongest among the Indian community (63.8%), followed by young adults and full-time students (42%).
Despite growing support for fairer housing laws, the broader public remains divided. While nearly 57% support regulating the rental market through the RTA, only 31% support making racial discrimination illegal. Nearly half still believe landlords should have the freedom to choose tenants based on race.
Common justifications cited by landlords include fear of problematic tenants, concerns over religious or cultural differences, and personal biases disguised as “racial preferences.”
Wee noted that young Malaysians — especially ethnic minorities — are particularly vulnerable to discrimination, as many rely on rented homes while studying or starting their careers in urban centres.
