Urban renewal plan hits snag

State finding it difficult to secure 100% consent from owners of old properties

Selangor is looking to redevelop ageing housing areas in districts such as Petaling Jaya, Klang and Hulu Langat.

However, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said this could not be done immediately as there were legal challenges that needed to be addressed.

“The biggest challenge is getting 100% consent from owners to carry out rebuilding plans, which is difficult to achieve.

“Selangor has been trying to kick-start urban regeneration projects since 2008 under the late Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim but they have not materialised,” he told reporters after launching the “Rewang Komuniti Strata” programme in Pandan Jaya.

He said a legal amendment was needed that would allow for the consent threshold to be lowered.

“We have to discuss with the Housing and Local Government Ministry on coming up with legal recourse to facilitate urban renewal.

“We need a proper plan that can add more affordable housing but won’t burden existing residents.

“This (urban renewal) is one of my targets for this term.”

It was reported that the Federal Government had plans to introduce the Urban Renewal Act this year.

Housing and Local Government Ministry Nga Kor Ming had said it would ensure efforts were systematic, well-planned and efficient.

The ministry is proposing a 75% approval rate from residents for redevelopment projects under the proposed Urban Renewal Act.

During the Rewang Komuniti Strata event, Amirudin announced that the state government was allocating RM1mil under “Skim Ceria” to repaint eight blocks at Pangsapuri Kos Rendah 940 in Pandan Indah.

State housing and culture committee chairman Borhan Aman Shah said the Rewang Komuniti event was to foster the gotong-royong spirit among strata property residents in urban areas.

About RM500,000 has been allocated to carry out programme in three constituencies, Pandan Indah, Sungai Tua and Port Klang.

Rewang, which is a Javanese term, is a collaborative communal activity that involves neighbours and relatives working together to prepare for large-scale functions like weddings.

“This is a two-day, one-night event with cooking done gotong-royong style, in addition to motivational programmes, sports activities and visits to less fortunate residents,” said Borhan.

The event was co-organised by the Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS) and Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).

Also present were Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman and Pandan Indah assemblyman Izham Hashim, Teratai assemblyman Yew Jia Haur, LPHS executive director Datuk Dr Juhari Ahmad and MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad.