Urban Renewal Bill to be tabled for first reading this Thursday
He said the second and third readings are scheduled for August 27, thus marking a new direction in ensuring that urban development in Malaysia remains sustainable, advanced, prosperous and inclusive.
"I think the time has come, because next year the country will celebrate 70 years of independence, we need a new act to revive old cities," he said at a press conference after attending the 'KPKT Budget 2026 Engagement Session with Stakeholders' today.
Also present was Deputy Minister Datuk Hajah Aiman Athirah Sabu and ministry secretary-general Datuk M. Noor Azman Taib.
Nga said the ministry, through PLANMalaysia and related agencies, had held 101 engagement sessions, including two with the Parliamentary Select Committee, making it the highest number in the ministry's history.
"We have met with developers, homebuyers' associations, rukun tetangga, academia, universities, NGOs and even members of parliament.
"This proves that we have done everything possible. Therefore, I believe it is time for this act to be tabled," he said.
Nga said Urban Renewal Bill is an important pillar to ensure that old towns are revived, thereby supporting the country's sustainable development agenda.
Commenting on whether the ministry would maintain a whole-of-government approach or provide allocations directly to local authorities, Nga said that sustainable development remains the main framework of the Madani Economy.
"Of course, the ministry will intensify its efforts to obtain allocations to be channelled to local authorities so that they can become effective implementing agencies.
"Last year, out of the 6,611 public facilities projects we completed, most were implemented through their respective local councils," he said.
On the issue of affordable housing, Nga stressed that Budget 2026, which is also the first year of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), will focus on housing sector reform by introducing new technologies to reduce construction costs and duration.
"The ministry will improve the quality of houses without affecting affordability. The ceiling price of urban affordable houses is currently set at RM300,000.
"However, the government's focus is not just on setting prices, but rather on ensuring that the people's income is increased," he said.
He said that with higher household income, the people will be more able to own homes, in line with the government's aspiration to make Malaysia a high-income country.
The session today aims to gather views and suggestions from stakeholders directly involved with the ministry in drafting the Budget 2026 initiatives.
The main focus of the discussion is covering the comfortable and affordable housing, sustainable solid waste management, disaster preparedness, urban and community sustainability and the empowerment of local government services.
A total of 330 stakeholders attended, representing various sectors including housing developers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private companies, community associations, universities and government agencies. – Bernama
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