Critical questions about the Urban Renewal Act

Avoiding exploitation

A key concern is the regulation of developers. Property speculation has often hindered genuine urban renewal, with developers taking advantage of uninformed residents, leading to displacement and gentrification.

It’s not hard to imagine a vulnerable senior citizen being pressured into selling their property to a dishonest developer – we are already familiar with the unethical practices of some local developers.

For urban renewal to succeed, strict regulations must be implemented to protect the most vulnerable. The government has a duty to ensure that renewal efforts empower communities rather than enable exploitation.

Breathing life into Kuala Lumpur

Equally crucial is the question of what truly makes a city “alive”. As the largest city in the country, Kuala Lumpur, without a doubt, will be the most affected by any major transformation.

But what exactly is Kuala Lumpur? Is it defined by its gleaming skyscrapers and sprawling malls teeming with global luxury brands? Or is it the soul of the city: the vibrant streets that pulse with life, the rich heritage passed down through generations, and the local culture and cuisine that shape daily experiences?

To genuinely revitalise KL, we cannot simply replace everything with modern structures that strip the city of its character. The Old Klang Valley, with its iconic 4- to 5-storey modernist shophouses, tells a story that is deeply intertwined with KL’s identity.

Smaller-scale development

The focus on large-scale, monolithic developments must be rethought. We need to look at small-scale, community-driven projects that integrate with the city’s character. Take a cue from Melbourne’s Nightingale Housing, an innovative, sustainable, and car-free living model situated near public transit.

By focusing on infill development, smaller apartments that blend with the existing architecture, we can create vibrant, liveable neighbourhoods that contribute to the city’s personality rather than overshadowing it.

End urban sprawl

Urban renewal should not just be about increasing density but also about managing growth sustainably. Urban sprawl has already begun to erode Malaysia’s livability. As people continue to commute long distances from suburban areas like Semenyih to KL on highways that induce traffic congestion and pollution, we must rethink our approach.

Urban sprawl destroys the heart of our cities. If we are to protect our quality of life, we must introduce “Urban Growth Boundaries” and prioritise building compact, efficient, and accessible urban spaces that reduce reliance on cars.

Nga must work to build consensus

And then, there’s the matter of leadership. As the housing and local government minister, Nga Kor Ming has shown commitment to his role, but there’s a critical shift he must make. His combative nature, honed during DAP’s time in the opposition, no longer serves him or the nation.

As a leader for all Malaysians, he must approach criticisms and opposition with sensitivity and humility, especially on a topic as sensitive as land. He must work to build consensus and avoid giving ammunition to those who wish to distract from the real issues at hand.

The way ahead

Urban renewal in Malaysia stands at a crossroads. It’s up to all of us, government, developers, and rakyat, to ensure that we make the right choice for future generations.

We can either embrace it as an opportunity to reimagine our cities in a way that honours the rich history of KL as a mining town, melting pot, and trading hub while building a sustainable future, or we can let it become more malls and glass towers, devoid of soul and disconnected from the people it is meant to serve.

FAQs

What is the main concern about the Urban Renewal Act?

The main concern is the regulation of developers, as property speculation has often hindered genuine urban renewal, leading to displacement and gentrification.

How can urban renewal be managed sustainably?

Urban renewal should not just be about increasing density but also about managing growth sustainably. This can be achieved by introducing “Urban Growth Boundaries” and prioritising building compact, efficient, and accessible urban spaces that reduce reliance on cars.

How can Kuala Lumpur be revitalised?

To genuinely revitalise KL, we must preserve its character by integrating small-scale, community-driven projects that blend with the existing architecture, rather than replacing everything with modern structures that strip the city of its soul.

What is the role of leadership in urban renewal?

Leaders must approach criticisms and opposition with sensitivity and humility, especially on a topic as sensitive as land, and work to build consensus to avoid giving ammunition to those who wish to distract from the real issues at hand.