Accessibility to Workplace and Housing Location Choice Among the Low-Income Group: A Case Study of Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

When deciding where to reside, households must consider several factors of accessibility, including proximity to their workplace and other aspects of accessibility that are necessary for their family. This study aims to examine job accessibility, evaluate the extent of accessibility, and identify the specific type of accessibility that low-income groups prioritise when choosing where they want to reside. A total of 306 respondents from the Pulau Pinang eKasih list for 2016 were chosen to participate in the survey using the quantitative approach. The study established a correlation between the availability of career opportunities and the decision-making process involved in selecting a residential area. In addition, the accessibility to the city centre and supermarkets are identified as significant variables in determining the choice of home site. Nevertheless, the degree of accessibility on the island part of Pulau Pinang is not consistent. The southwest district has a lower level of accessibility to the city centre and supermarkets in comparison to the northeast district. The authorities should formulate a strategy to attain a balanced and harmonic state between housing growth and the average distance to job locations, city centres, and supermarkets. By strategically planning home building in appropriate locations, the quality of life, especially for low-income households, would be improved.