Anwar says Urban Renewal Bill can be improved, urges critics to give it a chance

• Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim: No legislation is perfect. If there are weaknesses, we can correct them and make amendments accordingly. But don’t dismiss the entire bill and accuse us of oppressing the Malays or siding with the rich.

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 28): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday that the government is prepared to refine and amend the proposed Urban Renewal Bill 2025 (URA Bill), ahead of its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat.

He stressed that the bill, which seeks to facilitate the redevelopment of ageing and dilapidated housing schemes, is not intended to sideline the Malay community but rather to ensure they too benefit from improved housing and living conditions.

“No legislation is perfect. If there are weaknesses, we can correct them and make amendments accordingly. But don’t dismiss the entire bill and accuse us of oppressing the Malays or siding with the rich,” he told Parliament during the prime minister’s question time on Thursday.

On the much-debated provision to lower the consent threshold for en bloc property sales, Anwar explained that the government must strike a balance between the interests of all stakeholders.

“If 80% of the owners agree to redevelopment, their wishes must be respected, while the rights of the remaining 20% will still be protected. But should we reject the 80% just because 20% disagree and in the end, block the entire project?” he said.

Anwar also assured that adequate compensation would be provided and that no one would be forced out of their homes without safeguards.

Citing long-neglected areas such as Kampung Kerinchi, he said many urban housing blocks had become uninhabitable after 40 years, underscoring the urgent need for renewal.

He urged the opposition not to reject the bill outright or racialise the issue, stressing that the majority of those who stand to benefit are Malays.

“Let’s accept one fact—this has to be done. We cannot allow a situation where, while the Twin Towers stand in the city, these communities are left to live in dilapidated flats and small, narrow housing. That is unacceptable,” he said.

The URA Bill is scheduled for its second reading on Thursday afternoon.

As Penang girds itself towards the last lap of its Penang2030 vision, check out how the residential segment is keeping pace in EdgeProp’s special report: PENANG Investing Towards 2030.