FOR Dzulkarnain Ariffin, his 36-year-old walk-up flat, Apartment Taman Sri Endah in Kuala Lumpur, is the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Having paid off his bank loan, he was looking forward to raising his grandchildren and enjoying retirement with his wife, Jamilah Hashim. However, the government’s push for the proposed Urban Redevelopment Act (URA) has left the father of four and many others like him feeling uncertain.
Their flat in the Taman Sri Petaling neighbourhood has amenities like a football field, recreational park and ample parking bays. It is one of 139 areas identified for potential redevelopment in Kuala Lumpur. Dzulkarnain, who is a retired government servant, is happy with his present abode and is fearful of any impending change due to the URA, which is also known as Urban Renewal Act.
The URA will facilitate the redevelopment of strata schemes by reducing the owners’ consent threshold for en-bloc sales, which is currently at 100%. This is aimed at encouraging urban renewal by redeveloping dilapidated buildings. Addressing deterioration The National Council for Local Government (MNKT) has reportedly agreed to proceed with the implementation of the URA.
On Sept 10, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming highlighted the need for this legislation to address the deterioration of urban areas around the country. He said Malaysia was lagging behind other countries in urban renewal and the new law would help ensure sustainable and safe.