[UPDATED] Zahid: BN wants Urban Renewal Bill to be refined

By NST in August 30, 2025 – Reading time 2 minute

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) has called for several provisions in the Urban Renewal Act (URA) Bill to be refined, warning that some aspects risk undermining state autonomy and community stability.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition was particularly concerned about the scope of executive powers, the level of consent for renewal projects, and the determination of threshold values that could affect the rights of owners.

He said there was a need to broaden consultations before the Bill is brought back to the Dewan Rakyat.

“BN emphasised the need to broaden consultations with state governments, original residents, and urban planning experts so that the voices of the people from all levels can be taken into account,” he said in a statement on Facebook on Thursday.

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said BN members of parliament had unanimously welcomed the postponement of the Bill’s second reading.

“We urge that the time available be used to carry out more comprehensive engagement with all stakeholders and interested parties,” he said.

He expressed BN’s appreciation to the government for agreeing to the request to postpone the tabling of the Bill until the next sitting of the lower house.

Zahid added that urban renewal should not be seen solely as a matter of physical development.

“Any urban transformation must also be fair, balanced, and consistent with the principles of the Constitution,” he said.

While acknowledging the importance of the URA for Malaysia’s future development, he said it must be examined in detail to ensure it brings holistic benefits to all citizens and communities involved.

The URA Bill, which was slated for its second reading on Aug 28, has received resistance since it was tabled in Parliament from both sides of the aisle, who urged the government to delay the second and third readings.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has also been criticised by civil society groups and residents’ associations, who say the proposed Urban Renewal Bill 2025 “opens the door to abuse” and grants him sweeping, unchecked powers over redevelopment projects.

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