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Urban Renewal Bill Addresses Housing Concerns, Minister Says
Kuala Lumpur, May 25 - Amidst controversy and concerns of displacement, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming asserts that the proposed Urban Renewal Bill is aimed at enhancing public facilities, providing affordable housing, and revitalizing architecture in urban areas.
Critics have claimed that the bill could push urban Malays out of the cities, but Nga denounces such allegations as baseless slander. In an interview with Malay newspaper Mingguan Malaysia, he stated that these claims are false, insisting that the bill intends to help, not displace, urban residents, particularly those in low-income communities.
When asked directly if the proposal was a subtle eviction of Malays, Nga responded categorically in the negative. He explained that developers prefer buying their own land instead of endlessly negotiating with residents, and there is no incentive for the government to evacuate people.
Nga underscored the deteriorating state of some urban buildings, particularly those with unsafe conditions. He recounted a joint expedition with MPs and the media, where they witnessed people sleeping outside in dangerous conditions, even sharing their space with pythons.
The minister emphasized that the Urban Renewal Act is designed to help, not displace residents. As part of this effort, he has requested the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to offer the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) applications for free to those affected. However, he lamented the obstruction by Opposition parties that prevent residents from accessing this help.
To alleviate concerns of displacement, the government plans to reduce the requirement for redevelopment consent from 100% to 80%. This move is in line with global best practices, with cities like Tokyo and Shanghai requiring similar percentages. Nga noted that land ownership and legal statuses will remain untouched, and compensation offered will always be higher than current property values.
As an example of successful renewal, Nga cited Kampung Kerinchi in Kuala Lumpur, where old PPR flats measuring around 400 square feet and worth approximately RM70,000, were replaced with larger units that could more than double in size, accommodate three rooms, and be priced more than six-fold, around RM450,000.
Addressing concerns of racial rhetoric surrounding the Bill, Nga urged Malaysians not to be swayed by such sentiments. He stated that any attempts to play the race card by Opposition parties are nothing more than lies, prevalent only among bankrupt political parties with no meaningful ideas.
Overall Context
The Urban Renewal Bill in Malaysia is a proposed legislation focusing on revitalizing urban areas, streamlining redevelopment, and regulating urban development. It aims to improve public facilities, provide affordable housing, and oversee negotiations with developers, benefiting low-income urban communities. However, concerns about displacement persist, and there are calls for increased community engagement and protection of rights to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.
- Amidst disputes, the Malaysian Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming, emphasizes that the Urban Renewal Bill is intended to improve public facilities, offer affordable housing, and renew architecture in urban areas, rather than displace urban residents.
- Critics have claimed that the Urban Renewal Bill could push urban Malays out of the cities, but Nga denounces these allegations as baseless slander, stating that the bill seeks to help, not displace, urban residents, particularly those in low-income communities.
- To alleviate concerns of displacement, the government plans to reduce the requirement for redevelopment consent from 100% to 80%, a move in line with global best practices, such as those seen in cities like Tokyo and Shanghai.
- When asked about the potential for racial rhetoric regarding the bill, Nga urged Malaysians not to be swayed by such sentiments, stating that any attempts to play the race card by Opposition parties are nothing more than lies, prevalent only among bankrupt political parties with no meaningful ideas.
