HRA Welcomes NAPBHR 2025-2030 For Responsible Business, Human Rights

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Bernama)  -- The National Housing Rental Association (NHRA) has welcomed the implementation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2025–2030 as a significant step towards strengthening responsible business practices and respect for human rights.

Its chairman, K. Prakash P. Kalivanan, said the NAPBHR’s principles are relevant to the housing and rental ecosystem, particularly for workers, migrant workers, minorities, local communities and groups facing greater obstacles to obtaining suitable accommodation.

"Through the Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) approach, businesses are encouraged to identify, prevent, mitigate and address risks and adverse human rights impacts within their operations and business relationships," he said in a statement today.

Malaysia today launched the HRDD for Businesses in Malaysia, in line with the nation's efforts to translate the NAPBHR 2025–2030 into practical action.

Prakash said the NHRA views the drafting of a Residential Tenancy Act as an opportunity to establish a clearer, fairer and more balanced framework for tenants and homeowners through transparent contracts and protection against unfair practices. 

"In the context of housing and rental, these principles can help promote more transparent and responsible practices in respect of tenancy terms, safety and the condition of the premises, fair treatment, and access to complaint and dispute resolution mechanisms.

"At the same time, a rights-based approach must take into account the rights and legitimate interests of homeowners, such as receiving rental payment as agreed, protecting their property from damage and misuse, and recovering possession of the premises through due legal process," he said.

He added that the NAPBHR and HRDD highlight an important point, namely that the impact on people must be identified and managed responsibly in the conduct of economic and business activities.

Accordingly, the NHRA takes the view that these principles likewise warrant attention in the effort to develop a more inclusive and sustainable residential rental ecosystem.

"The protection of tenants and the rights of homeowners should not be seen as two conflicting interests. A sound rental ecosystem must protect both fairly and responsibly," he said.

-- BERNAMA