KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 30): The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) is prepared to retable the second reading of the Urban Renewal Bill (URB) 2025 at the Dewan Rakyat next week.
However, Minister Nga Kor Ming noted that the scheduling depends on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as leader of the House.
“KPKT is fully prepared to proceed with the second reading of the Bill, but this is subject to the leader of the House deciding the most suitable slot within next week’s tight Dewan Rakyat schedule,” Nga told reporters after attending the URB Premier Dialogue on Sunday.
Background and Context
The Bill was initially tabled for second reading on Aug 28, 2025, but debate was deferred due to concerns raised by members of Parliament, including representatives from Barisan Nasional and PKR.
In his keynote address at the dialogue, Nga emphasised that urban renewal is not just about aesthetics or physical development. He described it as a moral responsibility to safeguard lives and ensure building safety.
“Many Malaysians still live in flats or houses built decades ago with materials that may no longer meet current safety standards. We do not need a major tragedy to recognise the seriousness of this issue,” he said, citing two recent incidents:
On March 7, 2025, a concrete floor collapsed at a four-storey restaurant in Segama, Kota Kinabalu, injuring a worker.
On April 6, 2025, three shophouses built in the 1920s–1930s in Jalan Padungan, Sarawak, were deemed unsafe after parts of walls and facades collapsed.
Stakeholder Engagement
The URB Premier Dialogue attracted over 2,000 participants, including professionals, academics, residents’ associations, NGOs, local authorities, and communities.
The ministry said the feedback collected would serve as a key foundation to ensure the Bill reflects the aspirations and safety needs of the people.
Summary: The Urban Renewal Bill 2025 is now poised for retabling in Parliament, with stakeholder input forming a critical part of its finalisation. Its goal is to modernise urban infrastructure while addressing public safety concerns in ageing buildings.
