Gentrification and local strategies to mitigate displacement: case of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

Social displacement mitigation strategies such as affordable housing production and retention as well as socio-economic upgrading have been discussed in several literature and technical reports in developed and developing countries. However, most of these strategies are not presented in the context of socio-spatial urban phenomena such as gentrification particularly in developing countries. This study examines the outcome of urban development strategies, particularly in mitigating displacement and social exclusion in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Gentrification attributes and stages are considered in evaluating such strategies to determine their feasibility and effectiveness. The findings of this study indicate that housing programmes in Kuala Lumpur can be categorised based on three key strategies, namely “affordable housing production”, “affordable housing retention”, and “asset-building”. However, these strategies do not corresponding gentrification stages so social and spatial exclusion of city residents is still an issue. This study suggests an integration of low-cost housing programmes and strategies with appropriate gentrification stages and characteristics in order to achieve a more social inclusive approach.