KUALA LUMPUR – The upcoming Urban Renewal (PSB) Act is set to become a game-changer for homeowners living in dilapidated flats, promising them brand-new, larger, and more livable homes all under the principle of “no less favourable”, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
“If your current flat is 450 square feet and worth RM200,000, we’re talking about getting a new unit worth RM400,000 or more and probably bigger too,” Nga said passionately during the PSB XPDC working visit across Kuala Lumpur.
“What’s the problem, when the MADANI government’s aim is to uplift the people?” he added.
The proposed Act, scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on June 23, is the result of over two years of hard work, including 79 engagement sessions with a broad range of stakeholders, civil society groups, local councils, and the Parliamentary Special Select Committee.
But Nga couldn’t hide his disappointment when it came to bipartisan cooperation.
“We extended formal invitations to all MPs, including those from the opposition. They initially confirmed but on the day of the expedition, they simply didn’t turn up,” he said.
“Let’s not politicise the right of the rakyat to live with dignity.”
The PSB XPDC expedition included site visits to four housing areas two dilapidated: Flat Sutera in Taman Desa Bakti, Selayang, and Block A of Flat Kuchai Jaya; and two redeveloped success stories: 1 Razak Mansion in Salak Selatan and Residensi Kerinchi in Bangsar South.
These redeveloped flats now offer facilities like swimming pools, futsal courts, convenience stores, and direct connectivity to commercial hubs all while fulfilling the dreams of original residents for modern, dignified living.
Under the current Act 757, redevelopment requires 100% owner consent, meaning even one objection could halt progress.
But under the proposed PSB Bill, this threshold will be lowered to 75% for buildings older than 30 years, while newer buildings (under 30 years) will require 80% agreement striking a balance between majority support and individual rights.
Nga’s message was clear: redevelopment should no longer be blocked by a few voices when the majority want change.
“The law must evolve. Urban renewal is about justice, fairness, and giving Malaysians the homes they deserve.”
With developers like JL99 Group already engaging communities like Flat Sutera and gaining overwhelming resident support, the only missing ingredient now is legal approval.
June 23 may mark more than just a parliamentary date it could be the start of a new chapter for urban Malaysia. -MalayaDailyToday
