Taylor’s University spotlights racial housing discrimination in poignant 'Not For Rent' film

Taylor’s University recently released its Deepavali festive film, titled “Not For Rent”. In the spirit of Deepavali, the short film explores the real-life experiences of the Malaysian Indian community and carries a profound message about fostering understanding and respect.

The film highlights how the Indian community in Malaysia still faces unique challenges in rental housing. A local property rental website revealed that 45% of listings in Klang Valley explicitly rejected Malaysian Indian tenants, demonstrating the persistence of racial discrimination in housing. Furthermore, a survey found that 46% of Indian respondents reported facing discrimination during the rental process.

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The film follows the narrative of an Indian father looking for a home to rent with his family. He faces multiple rejections, with agents telling him that their clients “prefer not to rent to Indians”. He finally reaches out to a property agent, persuading her to give his family a chance. The film is a powerful portrayal of how empathy and an open mind can transform stereotypes and cultivate deeper mutual understandings.

Ben Foo, Taylor's group chief marketing officer, highlights the institution's steadfast dedication to shedding light on critical social matters through its festive films. "While traditional festive ads often touch upon familiar themes of family love and kindness, at Taylor's, we ardently champion the idea that engaging in more profound conversations is the key to igniting positive societal change,” he said.

He added that the film aspires to unite the broader community to foster empathy, understanding, and a more inclusive society.

“This film delves unflinchingly into the real challenges confronted by the Malaysian Indian community, reinforcing the powerful notion that unity and progress truly stem from a bedrock of deep understanding."

“Not For Rent” is yet another production by Taylor’s University that profoundly highlights the challenges faced by particular communities in Malaysia. In April 2023, it released Raya film “Rendang Tok”, which spotlighted the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on patients and their loved ones.

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