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THE Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) will table the Urban Renewal Bill for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat this Thursday, marking what Minister Nga Kor Ming describes as a “new direction” in ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous urban development in Malaysia.
“I believe the time has come. Next year, as the country celebrates 70 years of independence, we need a new act to revitalise our old cities,” Kor Ming said during a press conference following a Budget 2026 stakeholder engagement session today.
The second and third readings of the Bill are scheduled for 27 August.
Kor Ming revealed that KPKT, through PLANMalaysia and its related agencies, has held 101 engagement sessions — including two with the Parliamentary Special Select Committee — making it the most extensive consultation process in the ministry’s history.
“We’ve met developers, homebuyer associations, neighbourhood committees, academics, universities, NGOs, and even Members of Parliament. This proves we have done all we can. Therefore, I believe the Bill is now ready to be tabled,” he said.
He stressed that the Urban Renewal Bill would serve as a cornerstone for breathing new life into ageing urban areas, while supporting Malaysia’s broader sustainable development agenda.
Asked whether the ministry would maintain a whole-of-government approach or channel funds directly to local authorities (PBTs), Kor Ming said that sustainable development remains the central pillar of the MADANI Economy framework.
“Of course, KPKT will further strengthen funding to PBTs so they can be effective implementing agencies. Last year alone, out of 6,611 completed public facility projects, the majority were carried out through local authorities,” Bernama reported him saying.
On the issue of affordable housing, Kor Ming said Budget 2026 — which will coincide with the first year of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) — will focus on housing reform, particularly through the adoption of new technologies to reduce construction costs and time.
“The ministry will enhance housing quality without compromising affordability. The current ceiling price for urban affordable housing is RM300,000. However, the government’s focus is not only on pricing, but also on increasing people’s income,” he said.
He added that with higher household incomes, more Malaysians would be able to own homes, aligning with the government’s aspiration to become a high-income nation.
Today's engagement session was aimed at gathering input and suggestions from key stakeholders involved with KPKT in shaping the 2026 Budget initiatives. The discussion focused on affordable and liveable housing, sustainable solid waste management, disaster preparedness, urban and community sustainability, and strengthening local government services.
A total of 330 stakeholders attended, representing sectors such as housing development, NGOs, private companies, community associations, universities, and government agencies. - August 19, 2025
