KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya did not introduce the Urban Redevelopment Act (URA) in haste, as it has been an ongoing effort by the previous administrations since 2012, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to the Prime Minister, guidelines on drafting the URA were introduced in 2012 and the draft bill was proposed the following year.
In 2020, Anwar said then federal territories minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa led the urban renewal programme and subsequently in 2021, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin took over the URA by starting the enactment process.
“Then federal territories minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim then started the process of enacting URA and his successor Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina took over with the same principles.
“Shahidan, in 2022, had also said the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) identified over 30 areas where urban renewal projects can be carried out,” said Anwar during Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT) in Parliament on Feb 2025 (Tuesday).
At the same time, Anwar said the government conducted 74 engagement sessions in regards with the URA.
“We take into account the issues faced by the people.
“Recently, I also went to the Seri Perlis flats in Bandar Tun Razak, which is among the oldest and poorest.
“We cannot just let it be and that is why talks (on URA) began,” said Anwar.
Anwar was responding to Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng), who asked about the government’s commitment on introducing the Urban Redevelopment Act.
The proposed URA, which is expected to be tabled later this year, will allow the “en bloc” sale of entire strata developments even if not all owners agree.
An en bloc sale happens when all unit owners of a building agree to sell their units to a single buyer, which is often for redevelopment purposes.
Presently, Section 57 of the Strata Titles Act 1985 stated that a strata development can only be sold if there is 100% agreement from the owners.
The proposed URA aims to lower this threshold, depending on the building’s condition and age.
Elaborating further on URA, Anwar said the proposed legislation will facilitate redevelopment in dilapidated or abandoned projects.
“For example, if the building is less than 30 years old, then it needs 80% approval and for those older than 30-years, then it requires 75% approval.
“Meanwhile, for abandoned housing projects, a simple majority of 51% could suffice,” said Anwar.
Anwar, who spoke at length on the issue, said this is the best way to assist impoverished Malays.
“For example, like the Razak Mansion, prices continue to rise there, from a mere RM400 per sq ft to RM800 per sq ft.
“The mediation process must continue but (redevelopment) projects cannot be delayed,” said Anwar.
On Feb 20, Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan claimed that the Unity Government is rushing to pass the URA because Anwar failed to present a copy of the bill to MPs in the present Parliament sitting.
Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar) also claimed the government is trying to “confiscate houses”, as he alleged that through URA, the government will reduce the value of the development approval threshold from 100% to 80%.
In response, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming refuted Syed Saddiq, and assured that the Act will address the social impact of redevelopment, with safeguards to ensure no residents are left homeless when their properties are acquired.
