Kuala lumpur: The proposed deferral of the Urban Renewal Bill (URB) is unwarranted, as the draft legislation has been through extensive stakeholder consultation, said Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) director-general Datuk Dr Alias Rameli. He said more than 108 engagement sessions were held with professional bodies and residents’ associations across the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Alias clarified that the bill, scheduled for second reading in the Dewan Rakyat this Thursday, does not override existing laws or affect Malay special rights. He added that the bill respects state and local authority jurisdiction over land matters, including wakaf land, and contains no provisions for compulsory land acquisition.

The URB sets out consent thresholds and key criteria required to implement urban renewal projects.