The government claims the proposed Urban Redevelopment Act (URA) will help eliminate urban slums. However, the National House Buyers Association (HBA) argues that this is misleading. The URA focuses on redeveloping single buildings, not entire neighbourhoods, which fails to address the real causes of urban slums.
URA Targets Buildings, Not Slum Communities
Urban slums are formed due to uncontrolled urbanisation, inadequate affordable housing, rural-to-urban migration, and insufficient planning. They typically involve whole neighbourhoods, with overcrowding, poverty, poor safety, and lack of essential services.?Redeveloping isolated buildings on a piecemeal basis does not rejuvenate a community — it simply causes gentrification, displacing long-term residents and widening inequality.
Many buildings identified under PTKL 2040 are old but not actual slums. A run-down structure needing repairs or façade improvements should not be classified as a slum requiring demolition.
Higher Density, Bigger Problems
The URA is expected to encourage extremely high-density redevelopment — up to five or ten times the existing population. Without adequate infrastructure, this will worsen traffic, flooding, social isolation, and strain on public amenities such as schools, parks, hospitals and religious facilities.
This approach prioritizes profit-driven redevelopment rather than community wellbeing, potentially turning city centres into future “mega-slums”.
Build Communities, Not Just Buildings
Successful urban renewal must balance preservation and development. Cities like Melaka, Petaling Street and Brickfields improved through upgrading, pedestrian-friendly design and repurposing old buildings — not demolition.
Global examples show that vibrant cities combine heritage conservation, mixed-use planning, walkability, public parks, and thoughtful infrastructure. Urban planning must strengthen community life, not displace it.
Conclusion
HBA stresses that URA, as proposed, benefits developers more than homeowners. True urban renewal requires holistic planning, community participation, adequate public amenities, and protection of property rights — not forcing redevelopment through legislation.
