Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday stated that the government is ready to refine and amend the proposed Urban Renewal Bill 2025 (URA Bill) ahead of its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat.
The bill aims to facilitate the redevelopment of old and dilapidated housing schemes, with the aim of ensuring that the community, including the Malay population, also benefits from better housing and living environments.
The government is also paying attention to a provision that allows the consent threshold for the sale of properties en bloc to be lowered, to strike a balance between the interests of the majority of owners and the protection of minority rights.
If 80% of the owners agree to the redevelopment, their wishes will be respected, while the rights of the remaining 20% will remain protected.
Anwar assured that adequate compensation will be provided and no residents will be relocated without proper protection.
He also stressed the urgent need for renewal in old urban housing areas such as Kampung Kerinchi, many of whose blocks are no longer fit for habitation after decades.
The government has urged that the bill not be rejected outright as the majority of beneficiaries of the reforms are the Malay community.
The URA bill is scheduled for second reading on Thursday evening.
