This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on August 25, 2025 - August 31, 2025
The first reading of the Urban Renewal Bill (URB) on Aug 21 marked a significant step towards revitalising our cities. As such, calls to delay the second reading risk stalling progress at a time when decisive action is urgently needed. As the nation’s largest urban centre, Kuala Lumpur will be most affected and stands to benefit greatly from timely reform.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry has made it clear that the bill will address the pressing need to renew ageing and dilapidated housing areas, with the goal of creating safer, more inclusive and liveable environments for all Malaysians. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed that the bill will not alter existing land status, including Malay reserve land, leasehold or freehold tenure.
Among the key proposals of the URB are to revise the consent threshold for en-bloc sales of strata properties, currently set at 100% under Section 57 of the Strata Titles Act 1985. The new thresholds are 80% for buildings aged 30 years and below, 75% for those older than 30 years, and 51% for abandoned buildings. These changes are designed to facilitate responsible redevelopment while respecting property rights. The 80% consent threshold is among the highest in the world.
Urban renewal must be guided by a clear, inclusive and fair framework — one that protects communities, prevents exploitation and ensures smooth implementation. Malaysians deserve legislation that balances citizen rights with the urgent need to address urban decay.
With slums expanding across the country, this is a problem that demands immediate action. We urge the members of Parliament to work through their differences and pass the Urban Renewal Act without further delay. The future of our cities — along with the well-being of our communities — depends on it.
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