Kuala Lumpur: The proposed Urban Renewal (PSB) Act is set to offer homeowners the chance to acquire new, more spacious, and livable replacement units, according to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. This initiative aligns with the ‘no less favourable’ condition under the act, ensuring that homeowners receive units that surpass the quality of their current accommodations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nga highlighted the government’s goal to enhance public welfare by providing better housing options. He explained that if a current unit is 450 square feet and valued at RM200,000, the new unit offered might be larger or valued at RM400,000. Nga’s remarks were made during a press conference at the Urban Renewal Expedition (PSB XPDC) with members of Parliament, attended by Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu and the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk M Noor Azman Taib.
The expedition aimed to help all 222 MPs understand the significance of the Act, particularly its impact on the urban poor, to garner support for improving citizens’ quality of life. Nga noted that during his visit to Flat Kuchai Jaya, residents expressed eagerness for the PSB Act to be expedited, with over 90 percent providing written consent for the redevelopment project. However, current legislation requires unanimous consent, stalling progress.
Proposed amendments to the PSB Act seek to lower the threshold for owner consent on buildings over 30 years old to 75 percent, while maintaining an 80 percent threshold for newer buildings. Nga disclosed that the ministry has engaged in 79 sessions with various stakeholders over two years, in preparation for the Bill’s tabling in Parliament on June 23.
Nga expressed disappointment over the absence of opposition MPs, despite sending special invitations to all, including opposition members from Perikatan Nasional (PN). He noted some had initially agreed to attend but failed to show up on the day of the expedition.
The PSB XPDC featured site visits to two dilapidated locations (Flat Sutera, Taman Desa Bakti Selayang, and Block A of Flat Kuchai Jaya, Taman Kuchai Jaya) and two successfully redeveloped projects (1 Razak Mansion, Salak Selatan, and Residensi Kerinchi, Bangsar South). Resident Kamil Jalil, who has lived at Flat Kuchai Jaya for nearly 30 years, spoke of ongoing issues such as malfunctioning elevators, cleanliness challenges due to foreign tenants, and insufficient parking. He expressed hope for resolution and improvements in facilities.