Urban Renewal Act Ensures Protection Of Property Owners' Rights, interests - Nga

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- The Urban Renewal Act (PSB) aims to ensure more structured and inclusive development, embracing the principle of ‘leave no one behind’, particularly in safeguarding the rights of affected property owners.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said to protect the rights of property owners involved in PSB projects, the government will engage in negotiations with them, along with the appointed implementing agencies and developers.

“Negotiations will continue until all parties reach an agreement on the terms and conditions that meet the owners’ expectations.

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“In addition, the proposed formation of a Federal Executive Committee and a State Executive Committee will ensure that only competent developers are qualified to execute PSB projects and that property owners’ interests are protected in case of issues during the process,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Nga was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN-Maran), who inquired about the cost-benefit analysis carried out for the act and how the government plans to protect the rights of homeowners, especially those in urban areas.

Nga also said that a Mediation Committee could be established to resolve any disputes arising from PSB projects, further reinforcing the protection of property owners' rights.

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He said the ministry, through the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) and in collaboration with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), conducted a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) and prepared a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) to support the legislation’s framework.

Nga said the PSB bill is founded on 10 key urban renewal principles, including owner consent, retention of original residents, safeguarding landowners' interests, covering maintenance costs, providing conducive temporary housing and assessing site criteria for urban renewal.

“On August 14, the Ministry presented the PSB policy memorandum to the Cabinet and discussed it with the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (JKPK) on Infrastructure, Transport and Communications on October 17 to gather feedback and gain support from members of parliament.

“Engagement sessions with the Sabah and Sarawak state governments are also planned for November to address their specific needs, considering the unique geography and conditions in these states,” Nga added.

Nga said the ministry has held 52 focused group discussions and engagement sessions involving various federal agencies, state authorities, local governments, the Attorney General’s Chambers, public universities, industry players, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive legislation.

Responding to a supplementary question from Ismail on protecting property owners' rights, Nga said that property owners in strata developments who agree to join urban renewal projects would be presented with two options.

The first would be to negotiate on a one-to-one basis, with the original owners being given a new or better home according to a fair agreement.

“Secondly, if they wish to sell, they are allowed to relinquish ownership and earn a profit for themselves, and they are given the freedom to purchase their dream property.

“To ensure the protection of ownership rights, a mediation committee will be established should any issues arise during the urban redevelopment process,” he said.

-- BERNAMA