81 urban areas earmarked for redevelopment are in PN – led states

Despite the opposition put up by opposition bloc Perikatan Nasional against the proposed Urban Renewal Act, upto 81 out of a total 534 areas identified for redevelopment are in PN led states, revealed Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

The majority of the areas are in Kedah (55), another 22 in Terengganu and four in Kelantan and these areas were proposed by the respective Pas led governments in the past.

Despite that, Nga said PN is opposing URA, Nga said, FMT reported.

The opposition bloc had opposed the bill in Dewan Rakyat and the four state governments – Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan and Terengganu state government too released a joint statement opposing the bill.

Nga assured that the state autonomy would not be affected with URA since decisions are made collectively.

“Even at the federal level, I do not sit on the executive committee. The committee comprises the mayor, chief secretary, director-general, representatives from the state government, professionals and negotiators. The decisions are made collectively,” he said.

The proposed URA seeks to replace outdated legislation and regulations governing the redevelopment of dilapidated urban areas.

The bill will be tabled for a third reading and a vote at the next Dewan Rakyat sitting in October.

The bill targets three types of projects: redevelopment regeneration and revitalisation.