[1] Built in 1961, it was the first low-cost public housing in Malaysia and remains one of the few populated residential pockets within the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[2][3] After Malaya's independence in 1957, the George Town City Council faced the challenge of providing affordable housing for the urban poor.

"[4] The George Town City Council sought to address affordable housing as a crucial electoral issue, particularly after the Labour Party retained control in the 1959 local election.

[1][5] As part of their efforts, the city government initiated People's Court, the first low-cost public housing project in Malaya.

[6] Since its completion in 1961, People's Court has served as a major source of low-cost housing within George Town's central business district.