KUALA LUMPUR: The SG4 group of states — Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis - have jointly declared their firm opposition to the Urban Renewal Bill 2025 (URA), which is scheduled for its second reading in Parliament on Aug 27.
In a joint statement, the states warned that the proposed law, if enacted, would have far-reaching consequences for state autonomy, land ownership, the rights of traditional urban communities, and the social fabric of cities across Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan.
The SG4 argued that current legislation, particularly the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), already places urban planning under state jurisdiction.
They emphasised that Act 172 allows planning decisions to be made in accordance with state policies and the unique cultural and social needs of local populations.
“The approach under the existing law is more holistic and respectful of local culture, compared with the centralised framework proposed under URA,” said the statement on Tuesday (Aug 26).
Concerns were also raised about the impact on landowners and long-established communities — particularly Malays and bumiputera in urban areas.
The states cautioned that URA does not specify clear mechanisms for compensation or safeguards for original landowners, creating fears that it could erode bumiputera land ownership in cities and disrupt social balance.
“Without clear implementation mechanisms, URA risks creating communal divides in cities and undermining national harmony," the group said.
The SG4 further said that existing laws — including the National Land Code, Land Acquisition Act 1960, Strata Titles Act 1985, Local Government Act 1976, and Town and Country Planning Act 1976 — are sufficient to address urban redevelopment challenges if properly enforced and improved.
The signatures on the statement were from Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud and Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
