Urban Renewal Bill to ensure fairness, benefits for property owners

The Urban Renewal Bill will not marginalise the Malay community, nor the B40 and M40 groups, as alleged by certain quarters.

Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) director-general Datuk Dr Alias Rameli said the bill adheres to ten key principles that ensure government transparency and protect the rights of registered property owners.

"Among the core principles of the bill are obtaining owners' consent, preserving original residents, safeguarding landowners' interests, and ensuring the fair alignment of maintenance costs.

"The bill has been carefully drafted to serve the interests and benefit the people, particularly communities and owners of dilapidated properties in urban areas," he said in a statement today.
The bill is currently under review for approval by the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) and will be presented to the Cabinet in March before being tabled in parliament in June this year.

On Wednesday, Kubang Kerian member of parliament Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man was reported as saying that the proposed bill was a subtle tactic to displace Malays from urban areas.

He said there was no need for a new law, as existing legislation was already sufficient.

A memorandum of objection against the bill was also handed over by Gerakan Pembela Ummah, representing 31 non-governmental organisations, to Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders.

Following this, Alias said the memorandum would only hinder the legislative process.

He also dismissed claims that the bill lacked support from the director-general of the Lands and Mines Department.

The bill, he said, would not involve amending other legislation, including the Federal Constitution, the National Land Code, and the Land Acquisition Act 1960.

"The department, through the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, agreed in principle to the proposed drafting of the bill during a Cabinet meeting on Aug 14, 2024, which discussed its principles and objectives.

"The ministry has thoroughly reviewed more than 17 laws related to property development, including those mentioned, to prevent legal overlaps and contradictions.

"The bill will instead complement existing laws, providing additional provisions to safeguard the rights and interests of current land and property owners," he said.

He said the Madani government remains committed to human-centric development, ensuring long-term comfort and well-being for the people.

"From a global urban planning perspective, urban renewal is widely recognised as the most effective method for addressing urban issues, deteriorating buildings, and unsafe living conditions.

"Allowing old buildings to remain in disrepair with poor facilities and substandard infrastructure is not a viable option for effective urban governance and management.

"Therefore, inaction is not an option, and collective efforts and support from all stakeholders are crucial for successful urban renewal."

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming had said on Wednesday that the bill would not neglect, threaten, or infringe upon the rights of any group based on race or income, especially the B40 group.

He said the selection criteria for the areas involved are based on physical conditions, infrastructure, utilities, and the management of communal properties, all of which can affect the deterioration of quality of life, the economy, and the environment, making them no longer conducive or even dangerous.