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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that the proposed Urban Renewal (PSB) Act is driven by the urgent need to provide decent housing for those living in rundown and overcrowded conditions, dismissing claims that the initiative is politically or racially motivated.
Speaking at the launch of the Warisan KL: Warisan Ibu Kota Malaysia MADANI project in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar stressed that the new law would not alter land ownership, whether the land is privately held, under state jurisdiction, or part of Malay Reserve land.
“There are people living in public housing flats over 50 years old, in overcrowded, uncomfortable conditions, plagued by serious social and disciplinary issues, all due to prolonged pressure and neglect,” he said.
“That is why it is our responsibility to focus on these areas and rebuild the housing. Unfortunately, this initiative is being politicised and falsely portrayed as an attempt to steal Malay land or as part of a so-called Chinese agenda to displace Malays from the city.”
Also in attendance were Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
Anwar cited the Seri Perlis flats as an example of unacceptable living conditions, describing them as “most suffocating” and expressing personal disappointment over the state of such housing.
“If we continue to allow such conditions, I wouldn’t be proud as Prime Minister if I couldn’t do something to rebuild and improve these homes,” he said.
He added that during the rebuilding process, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would ensure that residents are placed in temporary housing that meets basic needs and ensures dignity.
The Prime Minister also issued a strong warning against any unnecessary delays to the urban renewal projects, saying immediate action was vital to alleviating the suffering of affected communities.
“Delaying the project by three months means prolonging the hardship of these families for three more months. To those causing the delays, I would send them to live in those temporary homes to experience firsthand the hardship and suffering of having to wait,” he said.
Anwar noted that urban renewal is not a new initiative under the current government. He said that preliminary efforts began in 2012 with the introduction of Urban Renewal Guidelines, while serious discussions around the formulation of a dedicated Urban Renewal Act started in 2013, with the act officially announced for drafting in 2015.
The PSB Act, he reiterated, is part of the MADANI government’s broader vision for inclusive development—aimed at improving quality of life while preserving land ownership and cultural identity. - April 25, 2025