5. Conclusion
The findings provide empirical evidence of the relationship between poverty, housing conditions, and
quality of life. Housing is not only a physical shelter but also plays a significant role in a person’s
physical, mental, and emotional health conditions with regards to the qualitative dimensions provided by
the housing condition and the surrounding environment of the housing area. Unfortunately, the housing
conditions of the urban poor in Malaysia are lacking all these aspects and failed to provide these
important dimensions. Due to the strong significant relationship with the quality of life, we highly suggest that housing condition to be seriously considered as a socio-economic indicator in the assessment or
measurement of urban poverty. A study should also be done on finding the optimal housing conditions of
the urban poor in Malaysia in terms of the physical aspect of the house (design, size, materials used) and
the surrounding areas (location, landscape, availability of public amenities and services). Failures to
address the housing issues of the urban poor might cause the group to be continuously marginalized in the
society and deprived of a quality life.