The housing and local government ministry will table the Urban Renewal Bill for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday, says minister Nga Kor Ming.
The bill’s second and third readings are scheduled for Aug 27.
Nga said the bill would mark “a new direction” in ensuring Malaysia’s urban development remains sustainable, advanced, prosperous and inclusive.
“I think the time has come, because next year the country will celebrate 70 years of independence. We need a new Act to revive old cities,” Bernama quoted him as saying after attending the ministry’s 2026 budget engagement session with stakeholders in Putrajaya.
Nga said the bill was a product of 101 engagement sessions, involving PLANMalaysia, other agencies and two rounds with the parliamentary select committee.
“We have met with developers, homebuyers’ associations, rukun tetangga, academia, universities, NGOs and even MPs.
“This proves that we have done everything possible. Therefore, I believe it is time for this Act to be tabled,” he said.
The proposed Urban Renewal Act seeks to replace outdated legislation and regulations governing the redevelopment of dilapidated urban areas.
However, critics have pointed to the lowered consent threshold, saying it may undermine the rights of residents in the minority by forcing them to comply with the majority of residents who wish to have their areas redeveloped.
The government, on the other hand, has repeatedly emphasised that residents’ rights remain safeguarded through fair compensation and protective measures.
