FIABCI-Malaysia has welcomed the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s plan to table a revised Urban Renewal Bill in Parliament next month.
The announcement was made by Minister Nga Kor Ming during the “Cities: Possibilities 2025 – Malaysia” conference, where he outlined the government’s commitment to rejuvenating ageing and neglected urban areas across the country.
FIABCI-Malaysia said the legislation was timely, given the growing need to address deteriorating city environments, obsolete buildings, outdated infrastructure and underutilised urban spaces.
The organisation said it welcomed efforts to establish a clear and comprehensive statutory framework to guide urban renewal in line with national development goals.
In a press statement, FIABCI-Malaysia president Dr Yu Kee Su (pic) described the upcoming Bill as a positive step that would pave the way for more structured redevelopment initiatives in both major cities and smaller urban centres.
“The Bill is expected to promote sustainable growth, enhance the quality of life for citizens and transform urban centres into models of shared prosperity and resilience.
“It represents a significant and strategic step toward rejuvenating ageing community areas, enhancing economic vibrancy and strengthening Malaysia’s urban resilience.
“FIABCI-Malaysia supports this initiative and stands ready to work closely with government agencies and industry stakeholders to ensure its success,” said Yu.
He added that urban renewal represented a vital opportunity to regenerate cities in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
“The Bill is necessary not only to redevelop old buildings and neglected infrastructure, but also to relocate, reactivate and replan the social and economic fabric of city centres, transforming them into models of shared prosperity.
“At the same time, urban renewal will strengthen the competitiveness of Malaysia’s central districts, improve liveability, create new opportunities for commerce, enhance safety features and address local community needs, including sufficient places for recreational activities.
“These outcomes will contribute directly to the nation’s broader economic development and enhance its standing as a dynamic and resilient urban economy,” he added.
The organisation stressed that the implementation of the Bill must be supported by clear regulations, practical guidelines and established timelines to help developers, contractors, investors, building owners, suppliers and local authorities carry out their roles effectively.
Yu added that successful urban renewal would require strong collaboration between public and private stakeholders, and that public-private partnerships (PPP) should be encouraged to ensure that projects are financially sustainable and responsive to local needs.
He said social inclusion must remain a key consideration throughout the process, with efforts made to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of affected communities.
This includes addressing relocation needs and providing adequate engagement opportunities for residents.
FIABCI-Malaysia also recommended that the government introduce a transparent monitoring and evaluation mechanism for urban renewal projects, with measurable performance indicators and consistent reporting on socioeconomic outcomes, environmental sustainability and community well-being.
“This approach will help build trust among stakeholders and ensure that the benefits of redevelopment are equitably shared,” Yu said.
He added that FIABCI-Malaysia was committed to supporting the government in driving effective, sustainable, smart and inclusive urban renewal in the country.
“With the right policy framework, good governance in implementation, friendly environmental impact in mind and the professional expertise of industry stakeholders, the Urban Renewal Bill has the potential to become a transformative milestone in Malaysia’s journey toward resilient, vibrant, green, smart, digital and future-ready liveable cities.”
