UG legalising land/property grabs?

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UG legalising land/property grabs?

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNyEEukwoV3/ Urban Renewal Act (URA) - Home is more than walls and land, it’s where we belong. What they’re not telling homeowners could change your neighbourhood forever. Don’t stay silent, stay alert! Demand answers, demand transparency

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1305061574677573 (Urban renewal should strengthen communities, not displace them

The Urban Renewal Act Bill (URA/PSB) holds promise for revitalising Malaysian cities. But without strong safeguards, it risks fuelling overdevelopment and displacement instead of strengthening communities.

Our researcher, Theebalakshmi Kunasekaran points out that affordability for original residents must remain at the focus. If low-cost flats are replaced with high-end apartments, will these homes and their surrounding facilities still be accessible to the very communities who built their lives there?

Consent thresholds should genuinely reflect the voices of all property owners, not only just the majority. The building age standard of 30 years is also questionable because many structures can last 50 to 60 years with proper maintenance, setting a timeline risks unnecessary demolition. Most importantly, residents should be engaged early in the process, shaping whether maintenance, refurbishment or redevelopment is the right choice.

 Listen to the full conversation on BFM Radio - The Business Station here: https://www.bfm.my/.../the-ura-bill-balancing-growth-and...

 Hosts: Wong Shou Ning, Shazana Mokhtar, Keith Kam |  Producer: Natalie Tan

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9, 2026: Is the so-called Madani Unity Government (UG) legalising land/property grabs to protect developers and banks?

Lawyers, housing advocates warn that the proposed Urban Renewal Bill (URB) contains legal gaps that could leave property owners at risk of losing their homes if redevelopment projects fail .

The proposed URB, expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) on Jan 19, does nothing to protect land/property owners.

“There is nothing in this Bill that safeguards the rights of owners whose properties have been mortgaged. Essentially, it hands complete control to parties over which we have no oversight,” lawyer Adriana Abu said in a news report.

“The Bill is actually unnecessary because existing laws, such as the Strata Management Act 2013 and the National Land Code, are already sufficient,” she added.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on the Bill that does nothing to protect homeowners:

Proposed Urban Renewal Bill sparks concern over homeowners’ rights

Lawyers, housing advocates warn that the Bill contains legal gaps that could leave property owners at risk of losing their homes if redevelopment projects fail

Updated 19 minutes ago · Published on 09 Jan 2026 11:57AM

The Bill is actually unnecessary because existing laws, such as the Strata Management Act 2013 and the National Land Code, are already sufficient, lawyer says - January 9, 2025

THE government’s proposed Urban Renewal Bill (PSB) has come under scrutiny from legal experts and housing advocates, who caution that its current provisions may leave property owners vulnerable to losing their investments should redevelopment projects collapse.

Adriana Abu, a practising advocate and solicitor, told reporters that developers who take over properties often pledge the land titles to banks to secure financing.

“If the developer fails to repay the loan or becomes insolvent, the bank can auction the property to recover its funds,” Adriana said.

“There is nothing in this Bill that safeguards the rights of owners whose properties have been mortgaged. Essentially, it hands complete control to parties over which we have no oversight.”

She added that the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 does not apply under the scheme, as these are not standard residential property transactions, leaving homeowners without existing legal protections.

“The Bill is actually unnecessary because existing laws, such as the Strata Management Act 2013 and the National Land Code, are already sufficient,” she said.

“It seems designed primarily to protect the financial interests of third parties such as developers and liquidators. If it were truly for the people, why have regulations governing land acquisition not been made public already?”

Adriana warned that without robust safeguards, the legislation would mainly benefit parties seeking profit, while ordinary homeowners could bear the brunt of failed projects.

Datuk Chang Kim Loong, Honorary Secretary-General of the National Homebuyers Association (HBA), also voiced concern that the Bill’s definition of urban renewal areas is overly broad and subjective. He said it could classify even mature and functional housing as underutilised, paving the way for redevelopment projects that disproportionately favour third-party investors.

Chang further criticised proposals to lower the consent threshold for redevelopment as unconstitutional, arguing that it infringes on the rights of homeowners who refuse to sell and violates property rights guaranteed under Article 13 of the Federal Constitution.

“The Bill not only targets ageing flats or strata schemes, but extends to landed properties, putting many owners at risk,” he said, urging lawmakers to reconsider its provisions to ensure meaningful protection for homebuyers.

The Urban Renewal Bill is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on January 19, marking the start of parliamentary debate on its potential impact on homeowners and the property sector. - January 9, 2025