Residual Income Based Housing Affordability and Green Community Interventions among Low Income Households in Greater Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

This study examines housing affordability among low income (B40) households in Greater
Kuala Lumpur using a residual income framework that reflects essential household needs and
cost-of-living realities. The research pursues two objectives: (1) to assess residual income
based affordability levels among B40 households, and (2) to evaluate how community gardens
in low-cost housing areas function as a green intervention that enhances food security and
reduces expenditure pressures. By integrating primary household survey data with secondary
socio-economic and environmental indicators, the analysis investigates spending patterns
across food, transport, healthcare, education, and energy, while assessing the contribution of
community gardening to household resilience. Findings reveal significant residual income
deficits, yet households engaged in community gardening report modest savings on food
purchases and improved access to fresh produce. The study contributes to sustainable housing
research by presenting a multidimensional affordability framework aligned with SDG 1, 10,
11, and 13.