Kuala lumpur: The memorandum on the Urban Renewal Bill received today by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming reflects the aspirations of residents seeking safer housing. Nga said the group that submitted the memorandum comprised residents of dilapidated and problematic flats in the Klang Valley, who hoped their housing areas could be redeveloped once the Bill is passed.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nga emphasized the importance of respecting the right to voice out, including protests, but also highlighted the hopes of those yearning for a more comfortable life. Earlier, Nga received the memorandum from nearly 100 multi-ethnic residents, including from Desa Bakti in Selayang and Flat Taman Maluri in Cheras.
He noted that residents described the Bill as a new ray of hope after years of dealing with abandoned projects, poor maintenance management, and the deterioration of public facilities in their housing areas. Residents from Taman Sri Endah, Sri Petaling specifically mentioned roof leaks in their over 40-year-old flats, which make staircases slippery and daily movement risky, especially for senior citizens during rainy days.
Nga further explained that the memorandum stated the PSB Bill is a strategic measure to upgrade ageing infrastructure and public amenities, urging for expedited redevelopment. The memorandum also called for a community-based renewal process that preserves local social identity and history, implemented through transparent and inclusive planning, with fair compensation and protection for low-income groups.
He assured that Malay Reserve Land will not be affected and compensation will be based on the latest market value. As of August 25, the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), through the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia), had held 108 engagement sessions with residents, stakeholders, and MPs, and conducted site visits to highlight the urgent need for the Bill.
Meanwhile, PLANMalaysia director-general Datuk Dr Alias Rameli mentioned that the department initiated engagement through the National Council for Local Government (MNKT) to gather state governments’ views on the Bill. The MNKT, involving the four SG4 states – Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis – was conducted in line with Article 95A of the Federal Constitution.
Alias stated that under Article 95A, the Federal Government must consult state governments on local government policies, allowing them to provide views. Some of these views have been incorporated into the Bill, including responsibilities relating to identifying redevelopment sites, which fall under state authority with local authorities’ assistance.
He clarified that the power to declare and gazette sites for urban renewal projects lies fully under state jurisdiction, except in the Federal Territories. The Urban Renewal Bill is expected to be tabled for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat tomorrow, aiming to ensure old, dilapidated, and run-down housing areas can be redeveloped systematically, fairly, and inclusively, for the well-being of the people and sustainable urban development.