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THE proposed Urban Renewal Bill (RUU Pembaharuan Semula Bandar) has come under fire from opposition lawmakers who claim it represents a form of "legalised coercion" that could allow for the forced acquisition of land through legislative means.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) Chief Whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the draft bill grants "extraordinary powers" to authorities and developers, enabling them to acquire private properties—particularly in urban areas—even without unanimous consent from owners. This, he argued, runs counter to the constitutional protection of property rights.
“Previously, 100 per cent agreement from owners was required. Now they only need 80 per cent, or in some cases, just 51 per cent. This is legal coercion,” Sinar Harian reported him saying today. “What about the remaining 20 to 49 per cent who disagree but are forced to comply? Where is the social justice? Is this not a form of land grabbing?”
He made the remarks after receiving a protest memorandum from the Dewan Pemuda PAS Kawasan Kota Bharu, handed over by its Chief, Marwan Husin, at his parliamentary office on Sunday.
Takiyuddin highlighted a particularly concerning provision within the bill, which allows for buildings older than 30 years to be acquired if 75 per cent of owners agree. This would also apply to buildings deemed dilapidated or abandoned.
Drawing from past experiences in areas such as Kampung Kerinchi and Kampung Sungai Baru in Kuala Lumpur, he argued that such redevelopment efforts have not only altered the physical landscape but also disrupted the social fabric of long-standing Malay communities.
“Sungai Baru, for instance, was originally designated as a Malay Agricultural Settlement by the Sultan of Selangor. But today, who can afford to repurchase the newly built units?” he said. “This is not holistic development. This is structured marginalisation under the guise of legal reform.”
Takiyuddin also expressed concern that the bill could conflict with existing laws such as the Land Acquisition Act and Article 13 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees property rights. He argued that the bill skews power towards developers, enabling them to negotiate directly with selected property owners or government bodies while bypassing the broader community.
“This process sidelines the voices of minorities who wish to remain on their ancestral land,” he said. “It puts the law in the hands of developers, using ‘development’ as justification.”
He urged all Malay Members of Parliament—whether from the government or the opposition—to reconsider their stance if the bill is tabled in Parliament.
“We will resist this with all our strength. PN does not oppose development, but we do oppose forcing people to relocate just to make way for luxury apartments they themselves cannot afford,” he stated. “This bill institutionalises injustice. It must be rejected before more original communities fall victim.” - June 1, 2025