KUALA LUMPUR: Residents affected by redevelopment under the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA) will receive a free “one-for-one” home replacement with larger space and better facilities, says PLANMalaysia director-general Datuk Dr Alias Rameli.
“One house will be replaced with another house. If the price was RM70,000 previously, after urban redevelopment it will be valued at RM400,000.
“There will be no payment required and it is free of charge for those in agreement,” he told a press conference at the Parliament building yesterday.
He said the homes developed under URA, will have larger floor size, three rooms and two bathrooms.
“Aside from larger square footage, it will have better amenities and infrastructure,” he said while explaining the benefits for those involved in the redevelopment programme.
He said the URA will focus on negotiations and not forced land acquisition, while noting that urban redevelopment can be done via the Land Acquisition Act 1960 which is a law governing compulsory land acquisition.
“Through the URA we want to avoid land acquisition for run down buildings in the area,” he said.
He said if a building is less than 30 years old, it will require 80% of the owners to express their consent before negotiations can begin, 75% for those over 30 years and for abandoned and derelict buildings it takes 51%.
“That is why when there is the negotiations process, it helps the residents understand better. There is no compulsion by the federal or state executive committees for those who disagree,” he said.
He also assured that Malay reserve land or the rights of the community will not be affected under the URA.
“Freehold land will remain as freehold. As for leasehold, we may leave it to the discretion of the state authorities to increase the lease period,” he said.
He said the URA will not takeover the power of the states and local authorities in land matters under various laws.
He said the law is meant to complement existing laws and is not meant to replace any.
He also assured the roles of the Mentri Besar, chief ministers or the mayor will not be affected under the URA.
“The minister’s role is just to ensure the best governance in the implementation without taking any powers of the state and local authorities,” he said.
“URA is not about power but the well being of the people,” he said, adding that dilapidated homes will be rejuvenated.
Alias cited Razak Mansion and Kampung Kerinchi as examples of success stories.
