SHAH ALAM, Sept 9 — The government will ensure that building assessments under the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA) are carried out fairly and transparently, based on comprehensive technical and legal criteria, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
In a parliamentary reply dated yesterday, Nga explained that the government’s approach emphasises justice, sustainability, and inclusivity to ensure decisions on whether a building should be rehabilitated or demolished are made objectively and supported by evidence.
“The government is committed to ensuring every decision under the URA is evidence-based, objective and in the public interest, while safeguarding sustainable urban development,” he said.
Nga said state authorities and local councils would identify potential renewal areas through state and local plans in line with the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 and the Federal Territory Planning Act 1982.
Local councils are also required to hold public hearings, during which property owners can provide feedback and voice objections.
He added that stakeholder engagement will involve federal and state agencies, professional bodies, community representatives and NGOs.
For unsafe buildings, Nga said detailed inspections must be carried out by registered professional engineers under Section 85A of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.
He added that evaluations would be conducted in two stages: an initial assessment covering the physical structure, land use, social impact and historical value, followed by a second stage involving stakeholders based on technical reports such as feasibility studies, business plans and project proposals.
The Urban Renewal Bill was tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on August 21, as part of a legislative effort to address urban redevelopment, rejuvenation, and revitalisation.
However, following mounting resistance from both lawmakers and the public, the bill was not debated and has been postponed to the next sitting in October.
