PropertyGuru MY rolls out new tag to fight rental discrimination

In time for Merdeka and Malaysia Day, PropertyGuru Malaysia has launched the "Everyone welcome" tag, a voluntary label that lets landlords and agents flag their rental listings as openly inclusive. This means no discrimination on race, religion, gender, or background, giving renters an easy way to find fair housing options.

The feature is integrated into PropertyGuru’s platform with safeguards including listing guidelines and mechanisms to report discriminatory, duplicate, or fake listings. According to the company, as of August 2025, 10% of active rental listings carry the tag, while 2.62% of renters use the filter during their search.

The move responds to stark local realities: a joint study by Architects of Diversity Malaysia (AOD) and Swayable revealed 60% of tenants experienced racial discrimination when renting.

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Meanwhile, AOD’s Omnibus survey found nearly half of respondents believe landlords should be allowed to screen tenants by race, but a notable 31.6% back more inclusive practices.

PropertyGuru is also marking the occasion with a new short film, Jauh galaksi, dekat di hati ('Far galaxy, close to the heart'), releasing on 15 August. Set in outer space, the lighthearted clip follows a group of Malaysians, and a curious alien, exploring what makes a place feel like home. A nod to nasi lemak, Manglish (Malay English), and 'kampung' ('village') life, the film underscores the brand’s message: everyone is welcome.

As Malaysia celebrates unity and progress, PropertyGuru aims to make home-finding not just easier, but genuinely inclusive, reflecting the diversity that makes the country unique.

“Finding a home should always feel safe, fair, and transparent for everyone. The 'Everyone welcome' tag reflects our belief that inclusivity is essential. As Malaysia’s leading property marketplace, we have a responsibility to build trust, lead by example, and empower more people to find homes where they feel truly welcome in Malaysia," said Kenneth Soh, country manager, Malaysia, PropertyGuru and iProperty.

Speaking on the upcoming short film, Kar Wai Low, country marketing director, Malaysia and Thailand, PropertyGuru and iProperty said, "With Jauh galaksi, dekat di hati, we wanted to reimagine the idea of home in a way that feels uniquely Malaysian, full of warmth, humour, and heart."

She added, "Whether you are hundreds of kilometers away or just searching for a place to call your own, the film is a reminder that home is where you are accepted. That is the same spirit behind the 'Everyone welcome' tag: it is about making sure that every Malaysian feels seen, valued, and included when they search for a home." 

This launch follows PropertyGuru Malaysia’s recent collaboration with alt-pop band IamNEETA on the debut episode of Kamar Irama, a new cultural content series blending music, place, and personal stories to explore what makes a house feel like home.

Released last week on Kamar Irama’s YouTube channel, the episode features an intimate acoustic set filmed at Shah Alam Extreme Park — next to where the band played their first-ever gig in 2012 at the now-closed Senyap Cafe. The stripped-down performance includes fan favourites Jatuh Cinta (Fall in Love) and Sakit (Hurt), plus a preview of new single Nangis (Cry).

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